Chandramukhi (2005) Poster

(2005)

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8/10
A good family entertainer, movie worth watching for all ages
krishna_2558215 April 2005
I got a chance to see the movie on its second day of release, pretty late for a superstar fan though! The storyline is a copy of a Malayalam movie named Manichitrathaazh. the malayalam star's performance was scintillating. nevertheless, super star is amazing and flawless in this movie. Prabhu as usual does not have any "impacting dialogues", still plays a good supporting role to the lead. nayanthara the débutant is beautiful. heroine has performed well, i wouldn't think simran (who was initially chosen for the part would have done any better). she has actually perfected shobanas role. vadivelu with his trademark jokes is also looking good. the movie is an overall family entertainer. a really different storyline from the traditional "007-bond" movies of super star. at least the movie has a good suspense story and revolves around it.some poor direction is seen in a few scenes,Rajni should seriously consider doing more supporting roles like raghuvaran or prakashraj, he looks a bit old for hero and his face looks so artificial from all the effects of make up. For a change most of the songs are peppy numbers in exception to two completely classical based, which are also pleasing BTW. In all, quite a good family entertainer. A good movie to relax over the weekend.
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8/10
One of the top flicks of the year. A must watch
sriniwaugh19 April 2005
Chandramukhi is a different Rajini movie altogether with the Superstar restraining himself from delivering dialogues with political overtones. As always his performance is fantastic. But it's Jothika who really steals the show in the last half an hour of the movie. The way she says "Lakka..lalkka.lakka.." in the climax of the movie clearly portrays Jothika's talent as an actress. Vadivelu, Rajini combination is good enough to tickle the audience. Vadivelu does a commendable job in the scene when he is trapped alone in the bungalow.The movie has some very good songs which are picturised well. The screenplay is good too though it drags a bit in the second half of the movie. A must watch movie for this summer.
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7/10
Entertaining movie for all from Rajini
mk_dan8 May 2005
SuperStar is back and this time in a new role as a psychiatrist! The plot of Chandramukhi revolves around mysterious events that taunt a family (Prabhu & co.) that recently bought a bungalow believed to be occupied 150 years ago by one Vettiya Maharaja. The plot keeps the viewers guessing as to what/who is the cause behind all these mysteries. SuperStar Rajini as "Saravanan" and a Ramachandra Swami use their own ways to help the family resolve the mysteries of Chandramukhi. The cast comprises of Prabhu (sivaji film productions), Jyothika, Naser, VijayaKumar, Vadivelu and newcomer Nayanthara?!. P.Vasu has failed to use any of the cast effectively - but has focused on keeping usual Rajini gimmicks to a minimum. Rajini/jyothika's performances can pull this movie to a success. Given Manichitarathalz the Malayalam version featuring Mohan Lal was a mega hit, the director P.Vasu could have done better. Vidyasagar's music was a pleasant surprise. At least 4 out of the 6 songs are pleasing to the ears, with the climax song "Raa Raa" scored beautifully in Ragaa sudhadhanyasi with Telugu lyrics being the best. Rajini's reduced gimmicks and demeanor seem to give his fans the impression he is turning a corner in his long movie career. Almost forgot to mention the "entry" scene where Rajini makes his fans scream with his stunt sequence - one of the better entries from the master lately. Rajini has 2 stunt scenes in the movie to please the younger audience. If the movie needs a PG-13 rating its because of the vulgar comedy track and Jyothika's facial expressions!
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10/10
Chandramukhi's got it all!!
thevsm16 August 2006
I haven't watched many Tamil movies, but I found that Chandramukhi was one of the best yet I watched. It has got everything you can have in a movie: humor, horror, thrill,romance, action, music, etc. The songs are REALLY good in this movie. I would definitely recommend buying the soundtrack of Chandramukhi. There's even one song in Telugu. Overall, I liked this movie a lot. Of course it had Rajnikanth in it, which brought quite a lot more appeal to it. There are good fight scenes with attempts of the "Matrix" effect, which is pretty cool. In the Telugu dub of this movie, one of the songs is sung by Carnatic Diva, Nityasree Mahadevan. What more could one ask for? It is a great movie, and I think everyone should see it. It might be a bit scary for young children, but it should be suitable for older ones. Conclusively, Chandramukhi is a great watch, and with stars like Rajnikanth and Jyothika, it is a big success!!
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Chandramukhi - A worth watching Family entertainer (Suspense n Thriller), but not for 'Die-Hard' rajini fans
Rajeshs45 May 2005
SuperStar is back...... But, like the Ganguly in an Indian Team,..... The team has performed well, but there is no 'Captian's Charisma' as v normally look for....

The story is about a character called 'Chandramukhi' whose soul remains in an old Bungalow after her(and her lover) brutal murder by the king of the Bungalow.... As u can guess, Prabu's family (His wife Jo) comes to the bungalow along with our superstar (friend of Prabhu) after around 150 years. Jo, interested in finding some mysterious things, unlocks the terror room (as they say) and the problem starts. The movie ends when our Superstar sends back the soul of chandramukhi to peace and ties a knot with nayan Tara.

If u expect some punch dialogs, cigarettes, invincible rajinikanth, cruel villain...... then this is not a movie for u.

Rajini has replaced his B&H cigarettes with Boomer bubble-gum, and punch dialogs with dialogs referring himself to god (His name itself is Saravanan). Vadivelu makes us laugh as-usual. I still wonder how they made huge prabhu hide behind all the other characters (has no big screen appearance). Poor nayan Tara, dances very well, as v can see her only in songs. Finally Jyothika, as (over) acted as-usual.

Rajini's introduction starts with an Chin-kick to a gunda with camera freezing and rotating around rajini with his leg still in the air (Matrix shot). Rajini fans starts shouting there and there only.

Rajini has taken lot of risks, like hi-flying kicks (ofcourse with the aid of the rope) and walking against huge air blower (Wig designer gets a good applause, as it is not flying-off).

Each n Every rajini movie has a punch line or style which he uses thru out the movie. In this it is 'lakalakalakalaka.....' (V r getting smiles instead of the things v use to get).

Gone r the times, when v searched for any characters in the screen other than rajini, instead end-up searching for rajini in the movie.

I can recommend u to watch the movie if u,

1. want to see a younger and smart looking rajini (compared to Baba) 2. want to analyze what (r who made) rajini to change from his mass style movies. 3. want to see Jyothika without make-up (U can see this in the climax)
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7/10
Rajni's film .... or Jyo's?
bahmasiva11 May 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Rajni fans should be ecstatic. After the debacle of Baba, this film should bring him back to the pinnacle of his profession. Personally, I found it refreshing. Chandramukhi is a good entertaining film, although stolen from a Malayalam movie. ;) Having seen this, I want to now see the Malayalam original, directed by Fazil and starring Mohanlal and Shobana. Jyothika plays Shobana's version in the Tamil film and would she win a national award like Shobana did?

Rajni takes the mantle of Dr.Saravanan, a psychiatrist who returns to India from the US. I liked the beginning sequences - the titling apparently done by Soundarya Rajnikanth's "Ochre Animations" grab you right away. There had to be a fight/action Matrix-like sequence even before Rajni meets the other protagonists of the film, but hey, the masses have to be satisfied, right?? Another scene that touched me was the way Rajni paid homage to Chevalier Shivaji - that was a great touch to show that the real superstar may be gone but never forgotten in the field and world that he ruled and commanded.

The actual story starts when Senthil(Prabhu) and Ganga (Jyothika) moved into a house haunted by the malicious spirit of Chandramukhi, a danseuse in olden times in the court of the evil King Vettaiyan. Vettaiyan lusted after Chandramukhi who was in love with a fellow dancer (Vineeth). Angered by their public affection, Vettaiyan beheads Vineeth's character and burns Chandramukhi on the spot. The palatial mansion becomes haunted by her vengeful ghost. Saravanan, Senthil's foster brother, is then roped in to help solve the mystery.

I have to be frank and admit that I enjoyed the film even with its sometimes masala, illogical moments. I enjoy any ghost film without the gore and this was a new film for Rajni. To me however, the person who stood out was Jyothika. Her transition from a bubbly, happy Ganga to a malevolent, angry Chandramukhi leaves you speechless, and makes the hairs stand. As for Rajni, I was astounded when he became the evil king Vettaiyan. This was the old Rajni from KB's school - the villain who sends chills with a sneer, a smile and a glance. I loved, just loved the last 30 minutes of the film.

Prabhu was peripheral. Vadivelu was annoying, the comedy was a waste of time. Nasser was also wasted. I hate to see good actors like Nasser do unnecessary roles - anyone could have done it. Nayantara was another peripheral. I did not understand what Sheela was doing there. Vijayakumar did not make any impact at all. I was happy to see K.R. Vijaya again and she really should have been given a meatier role.

Music wise, it is all right. Not as good as Muthu and not as fantastic as Annamalai.

I think Chandramukhi is worth watching a few times just for the last part. But honestly, Rajni should follow Amitabh's footsteps and take Grand Old Man roles in a dignified manner. Cavorting with 20 year olds are becoming ridiculous.
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9/10
Family Entertainter
smraman14 April 2005
Movie starts with typical superstar action sequences and flows through interestingly till the end. For audience not aware of movies original version in Malayalam it will be a nice thriller, very unnatural for a Rajini movie.

Rajini has done a great job in mixing all elements. Vadivelu role is commendable. Even though Jyotika has done a reasonable job, her overacting was evident in some scenes. P.Vasu did okay by not screwing up Fazil's work in "Manichitrathalu".

In summary hardcore fans might be disappointed by not hearing any punch lines but nice pace keeps the movie rolling. It's sure to get a lot of appreciation from varied group of audience.
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6/10
This Movie was Average
arvinddasanith27 March 2012
It was a copy of Manichitrataalzh. Still there was many interesting changes made. Shobana was not that scary but Jothika was just like a scary ghost. Hats of to the makeup man to for the ghost arts. I still recommend this movie if you like combination of horror and a lot of comedy. And also there are many super natural effects like a ray of blue light, which increases the horror effect.In this movie the soul is a Telugu dance named Chandramukhi.Her is back for revenge that is the plot. I would call it two levels above watchable. All the characters in this movie are awesome, they all have their way of acting. I am a horror movie fan and I bet all of you will love this movie.
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9/10
Very Good Movie
sridhar-pichumani2 February 2006
When the movie hit the screens, Rajnikant himself was not sure if it will become a hit. By any standards, this was something unusual. Rajni's movies - even if they are crap - usually runs for 100 days. There was a reason why everone was so anxious about this movie. 1. Rajni's earlier movie, BABA, was a FLOP. (Though i loved it.) 2. This was a remake of the Malayalam hit movie, Manichitrathazh. 3. This did not have any of Rajni's stunts. (that which generally portrays him as a demi God with supernatural fight scenes and punch dialogues)

Honestly, it was exciting to see Rajinikanth showing his acting talents in a controlled manner. His screen presence was simply amazing.

Rajnikanth as Vettaya Maharaja - This alone gives you a feeling of the money well spent. (Laka Laka sequence)

I am not giving 10 for this because of vulgarity in Vadivelu's comedy.
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6/10
Nice to see the "baasha" back ;)
eashwar-rao26 August 2005
Yes he looks terrible. Yes he's dressed terrible. Yes, Prabhu is probably there to make the superstar look good! But damn i had a good time!! You have to see this in Chennai with the masses and you ll know what I'm talking about. Its just the feel good factor, the enormous fun you end up having that makes a Rajni movie what it is.

Even though this is a shadow of his movies pre Baba, I guess the masses wanted "the rajni effect" so bad that even a passable movie has become a huge hit. I really hope that he does something about his appearance though :(.

The supporting cast have done a decent job though. Jyotika has done well. Vadivelu combines smoothly with the superstar. The frames lacked the opulence that is associated with his movies however, something that was so noticeable in Baba as well.
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4/10
Run for the money....
ranjit-hariharan9 February 2007
Good Movie, but it lacks the reality in the Malayalam Original "Manichitrathazhu". Mohanlal's acting deserves special credibility. Rajni manages without his cigars very well.

The lighting effects prove stupendous & innovative. Foot tapping numbers by Vidyasagar. But the dry & double meaning comedy lets the film down.

One question, Why is the Huge Python creeping there for in there for? the creepy house sequences are well done. Jyothika is the star performer here, she did very well in the dancing sequences & in the face reactions. But i think Ramya Krishnan would be a better choice for the role of Ganga.

Overall good one & worth the money.
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10/10
Rajini Back without his usual gimmicks
shrekfiona18 April 2005
The storyline is different. No usual generation after generation story. Its a ghost story. Its unlike most of the formula movies that Rajini has made in the recent past. It has his usual mannerisms but lacks punch lines or political dialogs(a welcome change).

It is a ghost movie about an ancestral castle which has the ghost of a dancer who was sodomized and killed by the king who lived there. Vadivelu's comedy plays an integral part in making the movie good.

For a change Rajini does not dominate the screen. In fact its jyotika who dominates the second half of the movie and takes the movie forward. Good fun to watch with a huge gang of friends
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7/10
Family entertainer
rosechirackaljoseph28 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I loved Vineeth's dance in the movie. It was the thing that was lacking in the original.I also loved the way Jyothika's eye,s enlarged when she transformed.Also, the classic scene where Ganga lifts the bed was done amazingly well.The bed in Chandramuki looks a lot heavier compared to the bed in the original which I think even an angry 5-year-old could lift.One thing I disliked about the movie was the fact that the fight scenes in the movies were not at all realistic. Overall it was an enjoyable movie and I would definitely watch it a second time.
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1/10
Worst Remake
tulasiajit6 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Worst Remake of Malayalam movie Manichitrathazhu. Not only Manichitrathazhu has won two National Film Awards; Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for Fazil and Best Actress for Shobana.
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10/10
Superbbbbbb Movie from Super Star
ravi221220 April 2005
Excellent story, with excellent performance by Super Star and Jothika. Introduction of Super Star is the best. Songs are very nice, especially Devuda Devuda, Athinthom and Raa Raa.. Rajini's comedy scenes with vadivelu are really good. Yet, could have avoided few double meaning dialogues The first fight from Super Star is excellent!!! The "lakalakalaka" from Thalaivar is excellent!! I am seeing "Mannan's" "Sandi Raniye" rajini again!!! Jothika steals the show during the last 15 minutes. That too Jo's reaction after the song when she fires "Vettaiyan" King is superb!!! I didn't like Nasar slapping Thalaivar for unnecessary reasons. It does not fit into the story as well Overall, the movie is Excellent for Super Star Fans and general public.
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9/10
A fun filled ride
yogiv16 July 2019
Chandramuki is a movie that has aged well. It does has its moments of futility and has its more than required share of unnecessary red herrings. But cast all that aside and bask in the glory of The Super Star! Rajani is in fine form and the comic timing between Vadivel and Rajani is probably one of the best. As the make believe Mad King Rajani sparkles and makes us realize what a fine maniacal villain he could have been... We gained a Super Star and hell, we ain't complaining!!!
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10/10
Good movie to watch
madhesh198811 June 2008
The important thing which was in this film is the screenplay, when it was compared with its Malayalam "Manichitrathal" this tends to be more technical and costlier. Jyotika has done a very good role which will be her milestone in her career. And for P. Vasu this will be a greatest ever film he made and succeeded with a great hit of this movie. Music was interactive with every scene and Vadivelu comedy is excellent. For Rajinikanth this movie will be the recent benchmark and all his future movies are compared that "Was this film was better than Chandramukhi?" choreography is good in the climax song and the performance of Jyothika is very well supported by Vineeth.
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2/10
Stupid Movie
mksreeram18 April 2005
I happened to see this movie. This movie is as bad as baba. I still don't know why rajni has accepted this movie. It doesn't have any flavor of rajni. 2-fight sequence has been unnecessarily included just to satisfy rajni fans and that's it. Jothika was okay and I couldn't watch Prabhu at all. I have seen the original Manichithrathazhu and nobody in this movie have ever come near to any cast in Malayalam. Certain scenes (especially the end when rajni comes with dog and acts as the vettayapura raja) were height of stupidity. In Malayalam entire movie was great and only this P.Vasu can give such an idiotic version of a beautiful movie. I would advice not to watch this movie. Anyway rajni fans will definitely watch to see what is there. So no point in advising.

I hate this P.Vasu for giving such a stupid movie with our super star.
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10/10
CHANDRAMUKHI film has horor sequences in traditional dancing.
arjunflamingfeather25 November 2018
CHANDRAMUKHI is a movie with excellent dance and visual; payed attention to her eyes as a dancer will be brought to attention with light trials of sorts which the actress JOTHIKA or JOE as she is called in the south did. RAJNIKANT acted in the movie which won much praise for the role as a witch hunter being tried here as he is asked; off him to be in accordance with the witch hunts in the western hemisphere with GOODMAN BROWN being written on those hunting episodes of drama. CHANDRAMUKHI is the episode on the witch hunt in the south based on modern science and technological fictions. Scientific fiction like here dating back to those areas in the subcontinent that is with no cell phones even. Buy a Digital video device at cheap rate to watch this full-length movie.
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3/10
Poor copy of Manichitrataalzh ..Boring to the core
rajesh_hoty5 May 2005
I saw this film on the first day of it's release in India. Actually, before seeing the film, I knew that this is the remake of the malayalam classic 'Manichitrathaazh'. But Since RajniKanth is in this movie, I knew that it would be formatted according to please his fans. The film was exactly like what I thought. Action scenes and comedy scenes were 'pushed in' to please the fans of Rajni which hinder the pace of the film. Yeah, Jyothika has done really well, but when u compare it with the original malayalam film , Chandramukhi is awfully short of resources. Rajni has a heavy makeup smeared all over his face for many scenes in this film. My one line advice to people who want to watch this flick is : Don't expect too much in this copycat version of the malayalam film.
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10/10
One of the best Rajni movies ever. (May contain Spoilers)
Musafir23 November 2005
Warning: Spoilers
When Rajni began work on Chandramukhi, quite a few people wondered how it would fare after the debacle of Baba. But the Superstar has silenced his critics, and he has silenced them in style. A younger look and feel, toned down histrionics and a great screen presence have all contributed to the success of his role in this movie. Though the movie lacks his usual style and punch lines, the man still has the charisma and charm to lure audiences to the theaters. Having watched the movie a number of times in a variety of theaters, let me assure you that the response he gets for his entry cannot be matched by any other actor. Whether he is fighting bad guys, shaking a leg to Vidyasagar's amazing tunes, helping out various members in the house, or confronting the ghost, Rajni evokes screams and cheers other actors can only dream of. Jyotika as Ganga and Chandramukhi has done a fabulous job and given one of her best performances. Prabhu has nothing much to do, and carries on whatever little he's got to with flair. Vadivelu and Rajni have excelled in comedy, though I can't call it very refined. Nayantra essays her role well. Nasser, Vijayakumar, Vinaya Prasad, Sheila and the rest of the cast just fits in to the story. Special mention is required for Avinash. His portrayal of a god man is realistic, and his entry is very good. Overall, Chandramukhi is a great movie, which signals the return of an even greater man.
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10/10
Chandramukhi
santhosh-1029016 July 2019
The movie was excellent. Everyone acted good in the movie. Comedy scenes were also good in the movie. This is one of the best movie of Rajinikanth.
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9/10
this is one of the far better movies of Rajinikanth
arunaaruldass15 June 2006
This is a far better movie of Rajinikanth. I think the cast and music is very good compared to other movies of the time. The comment i saw hasn't done any justice to the movie or the cast.I think Jyothia was suitable for this role. Especially the costumes were adorable. Regarding Ranjinikanth's makeup...please he is old, that is the best he can do...but still i think overall he scores credit for that.I can assure that this movie is far better than the Malayam version of the same. Overall this movie is sheer fun and a great family entertainment. But i really don't see any significant role for Nayanthara. They could have gone for a better looking heroine for sure. But i really enjoyed this movie.
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1/10
Total awful movie
naagurinchi25 April 2005
I seriously think Rajini should stop acting as the "Super hero" and try to take up some decent roles like father or grandfather....his make-up looks horrible and all the perverted jokes suck. Come on ! u cant even imagine him romancing nayantara ! she is 1/4 of his age.. only solace was good acting by Jo and Prabhu ! Prabhu looks much better in this movie..Jo have over-acted as usual but it didn't look odd as her role demands that.

Last but not the least, all the double meaning dialogues were so bad it no more gives the image that rajini movies are family entertainers...

It looks shameful to appreciate such movies...its nowhere near the original mallu version...

And he shd stop trying to be "keanu reeves" of matrix :-)
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9/10
The movie is bad , but better than BABA!
wandererz20039 May 2005
I watched the movie on the first day 2nd show . I was very thrilled to watch Rajni after a long time. The movie started good as usual , but sucks at end !. The worst climax i have ever seen !. I think it is the fault of the director Vasu. Though it was a Malayalam remake , I don't know why Vasu has messed up in the end . Music is as usual , made exclusively for Rajni. Vadivelu Comedy sucks !

The story was good , but screenplay is Bad. Its about curing a person (Jyothika) with split-personality , but Jo messed up ( overacted )and looked more like a ghost !.

Prabhu had no great role , but had a jackpot as a producer.

Overall its somewhat OK than the worst "Baba"! Will run for 200 days in Tamilnadu .
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