No, the story of Chandramukhi is not based on a real person or true events. Chandramukhi is a 2005 Indian Tamil-language psychological comedy horror film. It is a remake of the 2004 Kannada film Apathamitra, which is itself based on the acclaimed 1993 Malayalam film Manichitrathazhu. Chandramukhi is written and directed by P. Vasu and stars Rajnikanth, Prabhu and Jyothika in the lead roles along with an ensemble of supporting cast.
Ghost element in the movie draws from the common Indian folklore of tragic, vengeful spirits inhabiting old palaces, particularly in regions with a history of royal courts and courtesans. However, these are myths and legends, and the movie does not depict real-life events or any verified historical figure like Chandramukhi.
Plot Summary
Dr. Saravanan, a renowned psychiatrist based in US, returns to India to attend his friend Senthilnathan’s wedding. Senthil has married Ganga, a cheerful woman from a modest family. After the wedding, the couple moves into Senthil’s ancestral mansion, Vettaiyapuram Palace. The mansion is rumoured to be haunted.
Soon after moving in, Ganga starts behaving abnormally. She speaks in a different voice, performs Bharatnatyam with eerie perfection and is particularly violent towards anyone who tries to enter a locked room on the top floor called Chandramukhi room. The family believes she is possessed by the spirit of Chandramukhi, a beautiful dancer and courtesan who was burnt alive by a king in that very palace 150 years ago.
The terrified family takes the help of priests and exorcists to no avail. Eventually, Dr. Saravanan is called for help. He observes Ganga and establishes that she is suffering from split personality disorder, which gets triggered by traumatic events and the palace’s eerie atmosphere.
In the climax, Saravanan stages an elaborate drama to confront and integrate Ganga’s alternate personality, leading to intense and suspenseful sequences. Finally, Ganga is cured and the family finds peace.
Possible Loose Inspirations for the Movie
Chandramukhi appears in the classical Indian literature as a courtesan and dancer but is not linked to supernatural events. Story of Chandramukhi was popularised by Tamil and Marathi folk theatre traditions. The movie likely blended the legend of Chandramukhi with ghost folklores to create a dramatised fictional story.
There are claims which suggest that the original Malayalam movie Manichitrathazhu was based on strange happenings in a mansion in Kerala. However, these are unverified urban legends.