Thrillers are almost extinct species in Tamil filmdom. Movies that boast as thrillers nowadays are often packed with illogical clichés that you can call them as Action comedy. There is a difference in action and thriller genres though both can found combined in a movie. A thriller need not be an action film and vice versa.

Chandramuki is definitely a thriller and surprisingly from one the best hero of our times – Rajini. I often thought why Rajini, with his electrifying screen presence have often chosen lame and stereotyped films (though we could enjoy his performance in those films) where he could have experimented few out-of-the box themes and manage them to box office with his fame.

The story, though borrowed from a Malayalam movie, still requires applause by the way it is handled. It’s about how a husband manages to cure his split personalized wife with the help of his Psychiatrist family friend. Kudos to P.Vasu for not diluting the theme with too much Rajinism. It’s a gripping experience throughout the playtime and we are breathless at certain points.

Yes, there is as build up introduction song for Rajini fans but his punch dialogs are thankfully cropped down. Fight sequences are crudely inserted for his fans which has nothing to do with the story. Rajini’s age shows up more often than not that he should cut short his duets and fights in future. But his screen presence and humour remains evergreen.   Though his makeup is far better than “Baba”, still could be underplayed.

Jyothika rises to the occasion by bringing in the different personalities with terrific facial expressions. She has definitely gained a unique position in Tamil Cinema with her refreshing expressions during her initial days and now by a matured performance. Her dance sequences are cleverly pictured and edited keeping in mind that she is not a good dancer.

Prabhu has got a better opportunity than Vasool Raja MBBS. He is adequate enough to play more than a supporting role. Vadivelu rules the comedy department with his never boring voice modulations and expressions. He is becoming a legend nowadays. The way he shows enmity towards heroes in all films is funny and distinguishes him from other comedians who normally help heroes.

Music by Vidhyasagar is simple but superhit among audience. It’s so native and similar to Illayaraja’s touch.

The scenes where Rajini explains the childhood of Jyothika, though they are too short, pictured well with Rajini narrating by walking through the scene. The tension and grip increases scene by scene from here and reaches the zenith at the climax.

Though climax is effective, it could be clearly explained that the problem with Jyothika is more of psychological than mystical. The “Saamiyaar” character coming at the latter half (same as original version) worries us whether it’s once more a “Baba” act but to our relief doesn’t go to that extent.

The surprise element here is Rajini also poses as a villain and brings deja vu to his good old days of anti-hero films. Its simply a great acting, infact in these scenes he looks a bit more energetic and terrific.

Chandramuki, a rarity and more than that, an opportunity to watch Rajini in action. The movie has some gaps and clichés here and there, but it’s definitely a Gripping Thriller.

Plot Revealed In The Review:	Somewhat revealed
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