Chandramukhi 2 Movie Review: Only MM Keeravani's Score Shines Bright in Raghava Lawrence and Kangana Ranaut's Loud and Sluggish Horror-Comedy (LatestLY Exclusive)

Chandramukhi 2 Movie Review: 18 years after delivering a blockbuster in Chandramukhi, P Vasu now helms the sequel, continuing the haunting tale of the ghost dancer and the mansion she resides in. Only Vadivelu returns from the main cast of the film in Chandramukhi 2, while the rest of the cast, including Rajinikanth, Jyothika, Prabhu, and Nayanthara, give it a miss (though they are shown in archival footage), which should be a red herring in itself. But then Chandramukhi 2 is also laden with well-known faces, with Raghava Lawrence playing the lead, while Kangana Ranaut appears in an extended cameo. Can P Vasu allow lightning to strike twice in the same place? It does but instead leaves a scorching black burnt mound where it strikes. Chandramukhi 2: Raghava Lawrence Touches Rajinikanth’s Feet, Takes Blessings Ahead of Movie Release (Watch Video).

The haunted aranmanai of the first film finds new family as its occupants after 17 years. The matriarch Ranganayagi (Raadhika Sarathkumar) wants to buy the mansion from its present owner, a returning Murugesan (Vadivelu), who hides from them the haunted secrets of the house. The family also wants to conduct a pooja in their family temple nearby but is warned of misfortune if that happens.

Also joining them is Pandian (Raghava Lawrence), the guardian of two orphaned grandsons of Ranganayagi, whose dead mother went against her family to opt for an intercaste marriage. Therefore, the trio gets a cold reception from the others. Of course, all family estrangement is happily and conveniently solved within one emotional scene. Pandian also finds love with the daughter of the milkman, who acts erratically for no relevant reason like intruding the mansion at night and roaming around like she owns the house.

Anyway, certain events unfold, and the spirit of Chandramukhi is out, possessing one of the family members. But wait, there is another spirit hiding in the mansion too, which goes on to possess Pandian.

Watch the Trailer of Chandramukhi 2:

As someone who has watched Fazil's brilliant psychological thriller Manichitrathazhu so many times that I don't remember and adore the film, you can forgive me for not being a fan of its OTT Tamil remake. Well, I know this sounds clichéd, but Chandramukhi 2 made me yearn to go back and listen to Rajinikanth's now iconic "Laka laka laka laka" on a loop. The sequel is simply unbearable, with its narrative stretched by loud, puerile comedy and needless romance when things really should have gotten going with the horror element. Even the visual feel of the movie feels dated, and the VFX portions are terrible.

It is only nearly the interval mark where the wheel really gets going with regards to spookiness, but post that, once again, we are treated to a couple more comedy scenes and a song before we get to why Chandramukhi makes a return. There is a flashback sequence about the old folklore that gives more insight into the tragic story of Chandramukhi (Kangana Ranaut) and why she hates Vettai Raja (once again played by Lawrence). Does it really matter much to the plot or offer a different perspective? Apart from Lawrence hamming up the scene and displaying some admittedly impressive swordplay, not much. Also not helped by the fact that I was kept reminded of that whole period sequence in Kaashmora. Chandramukhi 2 Song 'Thori Bori': New Track From Raghava Lawrence's Movie is All About Family and Togetherness (Watch Video).

Not a single character leaves an impression; instead, most of them act like morons. Like, for example, allowing a character to drive a car with kids inside despite knowing that the person is possessed by a spirit. I know there is no place for logic in a film like this; but I do wonder how a spirit trapped in a mansion for centuries learned how to drive.

The only respite I found in the movie was in MM Keeravani's songs and the BG score. His reprise of the "Ra Ra" song brought in a modicum of terror in the climax when I heard the first notes, which was instantly shattered when Kangana showed her face with some atrocious makeup to look terrifying. This leads to an even more ludicrous fight scene, including four CGI dogs getting abused and two characters jumping all over the place.

Speaking of performances, Raghava Lawrence brings his best Rajinikanth mannerisms and hairdo into his performance. Kangana appears before the third act, and it is hardly anything notable. Mahima Nambiar, as Pandian's love interest, repeats her RDX act. Vadivelu, after a brilliant showing in Mamannan, is just about okay but still offers a nostalgic respite for those who have a soft corner for the original. Among the supporting cast, only Lakshmy Menon manages to stand out.

Final Thoughts

Chandramukhi 2 stands as a lackluster attempt to sail on the nostalgic value of its predecessor. With a feeble plot, underdeveloped characters, and a penchant for misplaced humour and romance, not to mention, loud performances, the sequel is simply a slog to watch with only MM Keeravani's score being the silver lining of this damp squib.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 28, 2023 03:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).