You cannot but help sympathize with Rajnikanth. He is at a stage where his popularity is at such a high that arguably no other actor before has enjoyed. With such a huge constituency of backers, it is always a difficult task deciding on whom to make his films for --- his hardcore fans or the general public.
The temptation is to take the middle ground --- try and satisfy both --- by including ingredients palatable to all the sections of the idea. In principle, the whole idea is fine. And that is what happens in Chandramukhi. And the makers can be appreciated for pulling it off in style.
Coming after the spectacular fiasco called Baba, the film had generated huge expectations. The film is certainly better than Rajni's previous film and will become one of his better run films.
Chandramukhi has many things going for it and chief among them is ---Rajni's undoubted charisma and magical screen presence. Though visibly older now, the actor still has an aura and attraction that is unmatched on Tamil screens. Even if his style and comedy capers have been seen before, they still strike a chord.
Saravanan (Rajnikanth) a top psychiatrist from America is on a SOS mission to help rescue his best friend Senthil's (Prabhu) wife Ganga (Jyothika) who suffers from a split personality syndrome. The husband and wife duo lives in a huge mansion that was once said to be occupied by a Maharaja. Ganga thinks that she is Chandramukhi, a dancer in the Raja's court (Chandramukhi is eventually killed by the Raja). Saravanan with his practical treatment (a cathartic exorcism) cures Ganga.
In this essentially heroine-dominated movie, it is Rajni who has the primacy. There are also his typical comedy scenes with Vadivelu.
The duo brings the house down with their fun and frolic. Rajni brings to his performance a large-hearted spirit and a sense of joi de vivre.
Prabhu has a small role and he performs with his usual flair. Jyothika as Ganga has performed well. She comes into her own especially towards the end and is full of energy. Nayantra as Rajni's pair turns up for songs and acts with ease and charm. No surprises there.
A gaggle of actors including Nasser, Vijayakumar, Sheela, Avinash, Swarna are there to add pep to the proceedings.
The songs are eminently hum-worthy and Vidyasagar's music all through is fresh and fits the bill.
Thalapathy Dinesh's fights are fine and Rajni's fans won't complain. Shekhar V Joseph's camera work is easy on the eyes.
Chandramukhi, on the whole, will surely the join the long list of Rajni's super hits.
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