Chandrakala Review

There are a couple of references that you will make while watching the reasonably entertaining 'Chandrakala'.  If the idiom reminds one of 'Arundhati', some of the scenes put it in the mould of a horror-comedy that are a throwback to 'Prema Katha Chitram', unintended it might have been.  This Sundar C directed film is the dubbed version of the Tamil hit 'Aranmanai', ably supported by good performances and excellent graphics.

A huge palace, a couple of glamorous ladies, an unusual family; ring a bell? Waking up to a horrific dream, only to find parts of it real? Sounds familiar? For all the ring of familiarity, the film has its moments.  Sundar shows his skill where it matters.  He doesn't want to make a film that gives us goosebumps; rather he wants to engage audiences of all age groups in telling the story of a spirit with not-so-evil spirited mindset.

Apparently, Sundar's movies are never complete without an ensemble cast and so is this film with Hansika, Andrea, Vinay, Santhanam, Kovai Sarala, Manobala and along with them is the director himself.

His audience look up to him as a director who gets quirky characters on board in telling a serious-minded story.  The story is not something out of the box and as you might have guessed, it’s about a palace that is up for sale and what follows is a series of spine chilling murders, scary images that taunt the inmates.

The movie’s storyline is quite predictable and gets to a point where we sit scratching for something that genuinely scares the gut out. The first half makes up with horror and comedy doing shuttle service as every frame spans out, and once the “Ghost” theme is established, the audience is made to wait for a second half with the entry of “Selvi” and the flashback.

Santhanam’s comedy takes the audience on a laughter coaster, his one liner, body languages and demeanour are funny; surely, he is one Kollywood comedian who raises the roof in the two Telugu States with his excellent comic timing.

Sundar C has made the best use out of the leading ladies Raai Laxmi, Andrea and Hansika, but it’s Andrea who steals the show with a stellar performance.  Many who went to the hall thinking it is Hansika who is the Devil were in for a surprise because Andrea proves to be the ultimate surprise package here. The flashback episodes lack nativity.

The art work deserves kudos.  The grandiose palace is a plus.  If the cinematography is nimble, the music is not so catchy.  The BGM, however, does justice to the proceedings.

Verdict: A good film with its high moments, both thrilling and funny.  Don't expect a new story.

Rating: 3/5

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