The high points of the film are the supernatural finale, and an amazingly over-the-top action sequence at the beginning. Rajni tangles with some thugs, and goes Matrix all over their asses. Every punch sends someone flying 20 feet through the air. This is definitely silly stuff though, more Charlie’s Angels than the serious, bruising violence of Run or Yuva. At one point, Rajni knocks someone through a windshield and out the back window of the car. It’s goofy and unrealistic, but it’s a blast.

However, the main reason Chandramukhi does not succeed is because the stretches between fun scenes are far too long. The ghost story doesn’t get going in earnest for well over an hour. Between the boffo opening and the wacked-out climax, the film is mostly a typically huge cast of weak characters going through the motions. There is very little action between the first and last ten minutes. Rajni himself actually skips town for a while, leaving the film without any center. Furthermore, the romance between Rajni and Nayanthara is so paint-by-numbers that the filmmakers even treat it as a throwaway in the conclusion. Jyotika, of the high quality Kaaka Kaaka and the appallingly bad Manmadhan, turns in a solid performance as a woman enthralled by the ancient myth which is a bit of change from her usual “quirky girl” roles, though she does tend to chew the scenery a bit.

The music and dance numbers don’t stand out for the most part, except for an excellent number with color-coordinated female dancers, and Jyotika’s creepy solo, which, though good, is not up to the level of Sridevi’s fevered snake dance in Nagina years ago. The comic relief from Vadivelu is not particularly funny, but it isn’t mind-numbingly awful either (Johnny Lever, I’m looking at you).

The upshot is that Chandramukhi is decent fare, but nothing special. If you’re looking for a real Superstar experience, try Muthu.

Recommended? Only to fans of Rajnikanth, otherwise Indian and Tamil cinema have a lot better films to offer