The much-anticipated follow-up to a beloved classic, "Chandramukhi 2," featuring Raghava Lawrence and Kangana Ranaut, has finally made its way to the big screen. For fans of the original "Chandramukhi," the stakes were high, but unfortunately, the sequel left much to be desired. In this review, we will delve into the reasons behind its underwhelming performance and explore why it struggled to live up to the legacy of its predecessor.
A Rehashed Plot and Dull Comedy:
Raghava Lawrence, renowned for his work in the horror-comedy genre, particularly the Kanchana series, seemed like a natural fit for "Chandramukhi 2." However, what unfolds on screen is a retread of familiar territory. The film's storyline appears to be an almost exact duplicate of the original "Chandramukhi," which itself drew inspiration from the 1993 Malayalam movie "Manichitrathazhu." This lack of originality sets a disappointing tone for the entire viewing experience.
Childish Humor that Falls Flat:
One of the most disappointing aspects of "Chandramukhi 2" is its humor, or lack thereof. The comedic elements in the film can be best described as juvenile. The most uproarious moments in the theater reportedly came from the youngest members of the audience, leaving adults grappling with boredom. The film dedicates an extended portion to establishing its characters, which only adds to the sense of monotony, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting the plot's progression.
A Familiar Horror Landscape:
The horror elements in "Chandramukhi 2" revolve around Ranganayaki (Radhika Sarathkumar), a woman who severed ties with her daughter due to an inter-religious marriage. Tragedy strikes when her daughter and son-in-law perish in a plane crash, leaving two children in the care of Pandian (Raghava Lawrence). In a bid to reverse their misfortunes, the family embarks on a journey to a temple connected to their ancestral deity, leading them to the infamous palace where Chandramukhi's spirit is still entwined.
However, the plot takes a somewhat predictable turn here, with the only significant alteration being the identity of the antagonist, as Vettaiyan is replaced by Sengottayan. This revelation unfolds in a manner lacking the intrigue and excitement expected from a sequel.
Over-Dependence on Nostalgia:
"Chandramukhi 2" heavily leans on nostalgia, constantly harking back to iconic moments from the original film featuring Rajinikanth and Vadivelu. It becomes evident that the filmmakers attempted to recreate the success of the previous movie rather than crafting a fresh narrative. Even specific shots, such as the close-up of possessed characters' eyes or the scene with individuals peering out of a small window to witness Chandramukhi's dance, feel like mere replicas. The reintroduction of the house help character, now portrayed by Mahima Nambiar, further contributes to the sense of déjà vu.
Kangana Ranaut's Underwhelming Performance:
Kangana Ranaut's portrayal of Chandramukhi leaves much to be desired. Her melodramatic acting style fails to make a significant impact on the audience. While it's not solely about screen time, her character's portrayal lacks the depth and charisma seen in the original film.
Here's The Trailer:
Conclusion:
"Chandramukhi 2" ultimately falls short of expectations, delivering a stale and recycled storyline with lackluster comedy. With its reliance on nostalgia and an unimpressive performance by Kangana Ranaut, the film fails to capture the essence of the original "Chandramukhi." Instead of investing in increasingly expensive cinema tickets, viewers may find more satisfaction in revisiting the classic on streaming platforms.
Rating: 1.5 out of 5 Stars
In the end, "Chandramukhi 2" struggles to recapture the magic of its predecessor, and its attempt to revive a timeless classic feels underwhelming and unnecessary.
