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‘Chandramukhi’, the name evokes eternal beauty, serenity and a charming grace. It is not surprising, that one of the most feminine Indian names, ‘Chandramukhi’, is associated with Indian movies, songs and jewellery. Indian movies have had their fair share of Chandramukhi. The 2005 Tamil block buster movie, ‘Chandramukhi’ (featuring Rajnikant), revolves around a married couple, Senthilnathan (Prabhu) and Ganga (Jyothika), who move into an old mansion. The old mansion, which is a palace of the Tamil King Vettaiyan, is the erstwhile gilded prison of the beautiful dancer Chandramukhi, from Andhra Pradesh. Vettaiyan, coveting Chandramukhi, kills her lover Gunasekharan and burns Chandramukhi alive. Legend has it that, Chandramukhi’s spirit haunts the palace and strange things start happening when Senthilnathan and Ganga move into the palace. Ganga, suffering from a split-personality, fancies herself as the troubled Chandramukhi, and Rajnikant, a psychiatrist, comes to cure her. The movie, Chandramukhi, scored splendidly at the box office, as did its songs, costumes and jewellery, especially the traditional royal jewellery. The latest version of Devdas, is the most eye-catching, with its exquisite jewellery sets, costumes and other cosmetic accessories. Neeta Lulla, who designed the jewellery for Chandramukhi in Devdas, used, kundan, garnet, and art deco jewellery—jewellery that suited the era. Neeta Lulla, definitely added that old world charm, bringing out the exquisite delicateness of the sensuous courtesan (portrayed by Madhuri Dixit) in the film. The red saris and elaborate traditional jewellery sported by Chandramukhi and Paro, in Devdas, today, are much sought after, and have inspired many designs. Devdas has garnered many awards and its lilting music is a chartbuster."

`Chandramukhi" in Istanbul

Prabhu, Ramji and Rajnikanth.

THE UNIT of the most expected film of the year — Sivaji Films "Chandramukhi" — has just returned from Istanbul, after shooting a song sequence there.

``When I came to know that Sivaji Productions was eager to film a song in an outdoor location I thought of different countries, which had not been visited by any film crew. We discussed various locations like Australia and Russia but it was Ram Kumar and director P. Vasu who selected Turkey as the location for the song `Koncha Neram Koncha Neram.' I was very happy that Travel Masters had a wonderful co-ordinator in Turkey who was more than willing to do the work for the shooting," said location designer Ramji of Travel Masters. The first spot the crew landed on was the famous Ephesus, one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World. They shot non-stop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The next stop was Pammukkalle, where calcium deposits resemble heaps of ice. Hierapolis, city 2,500 years old, has a spa which is said to have medicinal properties. The big amphitheatre, which can accommodate nearly 15,000 people with a special box for the king and his family, was the location scene. The acoustics here is amazing — if one raises one's voice standing in the middle of the theatre it can be heard at the end.

Rajnikant and Nayantara in Turkey for "Chandramukhi."

Cappodoccia, referred to as the `moon face' is ten-hour drive from Hierapolis and is one of the loveliest places in Turkey. After Jesus Christ was crucified, his followers from Jerusalem and Rome are said to have come here and stayed. The carvings in the caves tell the story. After spending some time on shopping, the unit boarded the flight to Chennai via Dubai.

``The crew enjoyed the tour and it was a delight to have Rajnikanth with us, he cooperated so well. It was remarkable that the super star didn't throw his weight around," concluded Ramji.

The song, featuring Rajnikanth and Nayanthara has been rendered by Asha Bhosle and Madhu Balakrishnan. Music has been composed by Vidyasagar and the camera has been cranked by Sekhar Joseph. P. Vasu has directed the film.