Where did Chandramukhi 2 come from?

As the curtains rise on the eagerly awaited release of Chandramukhi 2, fans find themselves once again drawn into the enigmatic horror universe and its multilingual adaptations and spin-offs. To fully appreciate the significance of this sequel, it's essential to take a journey back through time - when the “moon-faced girl” first graced the silver screen and cast her spell on viewers across India. 

Directed by P Vasu and produced by Subaskaran Allirajah under the banner of Lyca Productions, the 2023 sequel is a follow-up to the 2005 classic that left audiences spellbound.

With a star-studded cast featuring Raghava Lawrence and Kangana Ranaut, the film embarks on a new journey into the realms of comedy, horror, and the supernatural, raising the curtains on a tale that has spanned nearly two decades of cinematic excellence. 

This cinematic universe, born from the Malayalam masterpiece Manichitrathazhu, has evolved and expanded, transcending linguistic boundaries to leave an unforgettable mark on Indian cinema. Each film in this series of adaptations has brought its own unique charm and perspective to the story. 

Now, with the release of Chandramukhi 2, here’s a quick look at the history and evolution of this universe:

Manichitrathazhu (1993): The Malayalam masterpiece

• In the heart of Kerala, a cinematic gem was born in 1993. Manichitrathazhu, directed by Fazil, was a revelation - a psychological horror film that blended family drama, supernatural elements, and impeccable storytelling.

The story revolves around Nakulan and his family's move into their supposedly haunted ancestral property. When Nakulan's cousin exhibits inexplicable behaviour, a psychiatrist friend is enlisted to unlock the mysteries within the mansion's walls.

• The narrative draws inspiration from a real tragedy that occurred in an Ezhava tharavadu, adding a layer of authenticity to the plot.
• Starring Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, and Shobana, the film's ensemble cast brought the narrative to life.

Manichitrathazhu didn't just break box office records; it seared itself into the Malayalam film legacy.

Critics hailed it as one of the best films ever made in the Malayalam language, and it developed a devoted cult following. The film's longevity and impact are evident in its enduring popularity among audiences.

Apthamitra (2004): The Kannada echoes of fear

The success of Manichitrathazhu was a siren call for other film industries. In 2004, P Vasu answered that call with Apthamitra, a Kannada adaptation starring Vishnuvardhan and Soundarya. While retaining the core narrative, Vasu introduced plot changes to suit the Kannada audience's sensibilities.

Ramesh and Ganga, a married couple, purchase a palatial house, unknowingly inviting a vengeful spirit into their lives. When Ganga inadvertently releases the spirit, a series of eerie events befall their household.

• Apthamitra found its own audience, running for an impressive 365 days in Karnataka theatres and becoming one of the year's highest-grossing films.
• The film's success paved the way for a sequel, Aptharakshaka (2010), further expanding the narrative's reach. However, it was a Tamil remake of Apthamitra that would truly thrust this universe into the spotlight.

Chandramukhi (2005): Tamil cinema's supernatural triumph

Fast forward to 2005, and Chandramukhi was ready to explode onto the Tamil film scene. Directed by P Vasu, this adaptation starred the one and only Rajinikanth and the enigmatic Jyothika, elevating the film to unparalleled heights.

While Chandramukhi retained the essence of the original narrative, it added Rajinikanth's charisma and Vadivelu's humour, creating a potent mix of horror and comedy.

The story centres on a woman suffering from dissociative identity disorder, affecting her family, and a psychiatrist determined to solve the case, even at the risk of his life.

• Produced by Prabhu and Ramkumar Ganesan through Sivaji Productions, Chandramukhi marked the company's 50th film. The movie's phenomenal success at the box office, with a theatrical run of 890 days at Shanti Theatre, is a testament to its enduring appeal.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007): Bollywood's spirited tribute

The universe continued to expand its horizons, this time making a splash in Bollywood.

In 2007, Priyadarshan directed Bhool Bhulaiyaa, a Hindi adaptation that captivated audiences with its unique blend of psychological intrigue and comedy.

The plot follows US-based Siddharth and his new wife as they visit his ancestral home in India, unaware of the eerie tales surrounding it. Laughter soon turns to fear as unexplained occurrences grip the mansion. Siddharth seeks help from his doctor friend to unravel the mystery, leading to a riveting climax.

• Starring Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan, the film offered a fresh perspective while retaining the essence of the original story.
• Bhool Bhulaiyaa was a commercial success, earning positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Akshay Kumar's portrayal of the psychiatrist character and Vidya Balan's mesmerising dual role as Avni and Manjulika left an indelible mark on viewers.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022): The standalone encore

The allure of this universe continued with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 last year. Directed by Anees Bazmee, this standalone sequel introduced a new storyline, featuring Tabu, Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani, and Rajpal Yadav.

While the film departed from its predecessors' narratives, it retained the elements of supernatural intrigue and psychological mystery.

The plot follows Ruhaan Randhawa, who must pretend to be a fraudulent psychic to confront the malevolent spirit, Manjulika, seeking vengeance against the Thakur family. Loosely based on Priyadarshan's Geethanjali, itself inspired by Agatha Christie's novel Elephants Can Remember, the film added a fresh twist to the Chandramukhi universe.

The future of Chandramukhi (2024): A promising continuation

As the Chandramukhi universe continues to mesmerise audiences, the promise of a third film in the series, set for Diwali 2024, hangs tantalisingly in the air. The franchise's enduring appeal lies in its ability to reinvent itself while staying true to its core themes of horror, psychology, and the supernatural.

Whether Chandramukhi or Manjulika, this series of Indian horror adaptations bear testament to the timeless allure of storytelling that transcends boundaries. From the picturesque landscapes of Kerala to the bustling streets of Chennai and the glamour of Bollywood, this cinematic odyssey has had Indian cinema goers in a chokehold for over 30 years.

Each adaptation and sequel adds a new layer of intrigue or a fresh take on the age-old narrative, ensuring that the “moon-faced girl" continues to haunt our dreams and delight our senses for years to come.