Review of Chandramukhi 2: A subpar successor

Today marks the premiere of Chandramukhi 2, the follow-up to the wildly popular horror movie starring Raghava Lawrence and Kangana Ranaut. P Vasu, who also directed the first film, is in charge of this one. There are reasonable expectations for the film, so let's see how it does.

Movie Chandramukhi 2

Star Cast Raghavendra Lawrence, Kangana Ranaut

Director P Vasu

Producer Subaskaran Allirajah

Music MM Keeravani

Run Time 2hr 38 Mins

Release 28 September 2023

Story:

Following the events of the first movie, Ranganayaki and her family are required to perform a significant pooja, which forces them to stay in the Venkatapuram Raj Mahal from which Kailash's family departed. The palace is currently owned by Basavayya, who cautions Ranganayaki and her family against going to the south of the building. Madan, however, finds himself at the center of a horrible situation. The rest of the narrative focuses on Madan's identity and what transpires.

On-Screen Performances:

As a fan of the Muni series, Raghava Lawrence is no stranger to these kinds of horror movies. He also gives this movie his all, and he does a great job as King Vetayya in the flashback sequences. Even if he played well in the first half, it doesn't really add anything.

The second part of the film features Kangana Ranaut, and while she gives a good performance as Chandramukhi, it doesn't quite compare to Jyothika's. It works perfectly. However, the actress has a respectable presence on screen.

Vadivelu, Radhika, Mahima, and the other members of the supporting cast barely have any work to do, yet they manage quite fine with what they are given. With the exception of the scene where she is possessed, in which her acting appears to be acceptable, Radhika is excellent in her role, Vadivelu's comedy doesn't really work, and Mahima feels wasted.

Off-Screen talents:

The first part's formula was attempted to be followed by director P Vasu, although most of the time it feels repetitive. Lawrence and Mahima's romance doesn't work because it seems to be a carbon copy of Rajinikanth and Nayanthara's from the first half.

Watching the first half is ok. The second half of the movie follows the same pattern as the first and is also not particularly enjoyable. Only the performances, which are ok, make it tolerable to some extent. With the exception of a few instances, the music and background soundtrack by Keeravani are not particularly great, despite the fanfare.

Although the camera work is adequate and the editing might have been far better, the production values are excellent.

Positive Points:

Lawrence’s performance

A few comedy scenes

Negative Points:

Routine formula

Predictable Second Half

Overall Verdict:

Chandramukhi 2 has nothing fresh to offer in terms of its plot or treatment and is only somewhat entertaining. The primary actors' performances are the movie's lone saving grace, elevating it to just an average watch.