First is first. Super-Star and Thalivar as referred by his fans or just Rajni by us; is the man in the spot-light. Nearly all the hype surrounding the movie can be attributed to him…his comeback.

No cigarettes flying and fire-brand dialogues paired with flinging fingers. He has tried (or should we say restrained?) to be SILENT and MATURE . For a change and rare it is, the story doesn’t revolve him . The story, though told in an interesting manner, doesn’t endear the movie to its counterparts - Manichitrathaluz and Aptha Mitra .

The result? Well, the writing is on the wall. Its box-office collections have surpassed his recent hits Badsha and Padayappa. On the box office front - Rajni has always been an evergreen and most-liked hero by all his fans and family audience, always a bankable star and even his not-so-good movies have been profitable.

If not, then why would producers vie to book him as their hero even when he’s 55?

It’s the audience. They may not say it at all times but each and every hit proves that they need just entertainment and nothing else. As in all businesses, a movie producer makes movies mainly for money and if a star/brand/formula guarantees him that, then there is nothing wrong in subscribing it – even if others fault, shred or ridicule this notion. This is where Rajni has positioned himself.

Judging by his performance in many of his earlier movies, our hero isn’t less talented though. After being promoted as Super-Star he just played safe by not breaking the façade, that he hid himself with. Thanks to today’s ever changing tastes and urge for variety – I’m of the opinion that he could try out different sort of roles; even as a villain. It would be interesting you know, just as Henry Fonda did it in Once Upon a Time in the West – Rajni’s character killing an innocent person and getting killed in the end by a young hero of today.

On his performance in this movie – he has given what is expected of him. To sum it up, I wish to quote a line from a review in another website, “A Psychiatrist who never forgets that he’s a Super-Star…..” . What’s more interesting is his act as the villainous King Vettaiyan opposite Jothyica’s Chandramukhi. His Laka..laka… mannerisms have taken him close to his past. This is why I wish to see him as a villain once more.

Our next candidate is Mr. Prabhu. The mascot of M/s. Shivaji Productions whose venture as a producer for Rajni films have always reaped rich dividends. Please don’t compare him with his father. He’s a gentle and different breed of actor, who always comes out on his own in (middle-class and rich) action, comedy and character roles. His endeavour in Agni Natchathiram, Budget Padhmanaban, Anjali, Manasukul Mathappu are a testimony. In Chandramukhi, though his character is limited in many ways, he has done a fine job; quite different from the ones he played opposite Rajni in Guru Shisyan and Dharmathin Thalaivan . Prabhu, you have matured and may we see you in more interesting and variety of characters.

Jothyica (hope I spelled the name correctly) is also our main focus here (apart from Rajni). In her recent movie Mayavi, actor Surya comments that she always gives more than she’s paid for ( OVER-ACTING in short). Guys (and gals), please don’t get angry with me, but my humble opinion is she has been too faithful to the producer here as well . In the climax scenes, especially she made me laugh (Ha!!Ha!!!Ha!!!!!). But, on the other-side she definitely deserves all the accolades and fame . Her beauty is obvious but the effort she has made in becoming Chandramukhi is highly commendable. Don’t call her glamour doll anymore, she has joined the list of serious actresses and could join the elite club (award winning ones) if she refines her skills .

I’m not an expert in dances but I’m of the opinion that well-trained dancers’ abinayam (facial expressions) would be more suitable for a character as Chandramukhi. Watch Shobana in Manichitrathaluz and Sowandarya in Aptha Mitra – they were excellent. Smiran, another talented actress could have been a better choice. I don’t think Shobana has become too old for Rajni (well, even if she had acted, it would be opposite Mr. Prabhu) and she still is pretty.

Another actress worth mentioning is the equally pretty Nayanthara. But, its sad that the screenplay has no scope for her and she is extremely under-utilised here. It seems her presence isn’t at all required here. Also, sad is her decision to join the strip tease wagon in future commencing her act alongside Director Surya.

For Nasser – just one question (that’s all), “Dear Mr. Talented Nasser. In God’s name what are you doing here?”

They said it would be a comeback for veteran actress Sheela. But, why does she need a comeback? If a person cannot forget Chemeen, then it would be impossible to forget her . Madam, please don’t lose your sanctity trying out ridiculous roles.

I’m a kung-fu and karate fanatic. Not surprising that I maintain a significant collection comprising Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee and Jet Li movies. Recently I had the opportunity to see (again) Rajni’s old hits - Pokkri Raja, Murutu Kaalai and Payum Puli , which are famed for their terrific fight sequences. Rajni’s speed and agility in his earlier movies have been appreciated by many (despite being ridiculed for the fantasy elements like flying). Who could forget his trills in Payum Puli, Raja Chinna Roja, Rajathi Raja, Manithan?

Considering these, his action in Chandramukhi is a big disappointment – even for his fans . The first fight has been ruined by Rajni acting (fighting?) Vijaykanth. The 2nd one was a pathetic rip-off from Matrix compared with his excellent and terrific solo action sequences opposite big villains in Muthu, Veera and some other movies . Its appreciable considering his age that he has taken a lot of risk but what’s the use when it doesn’t seem like Rajni fighting and his stamp missing?

Vadivelu, a talented comedian whose performance opposite Rajni in Muthu was well appreciated has ruined the scenario here . How did Rajni allow this? Et u Rajni?!?!? Mr. Rajni, it isn’t an interference if you oppose such comedy ‘cause your reputation among women audience (who form a considerable part of your fan base) would wane.

Mr. Vasu your job in this movie is commendable but what falls short of calling it excellent is the crass comedy track, under-utilisation of other characters and the poor 1st half . Of course this movie is making tonnes of money but more of this kind and Mr. Rajni could well let go off his throne – as King of Kollywood and move permanently to Rishi Kesh.

Plot Revealed In The Review:	Not revealed
Best to watch with:	Family
Movie Genre:	No Comment
Best part in the movie:	No Comment