Story
The story takes off showing the conjoined twins Charu and Latha who used to live in Vizag like one body and one soul until Ravi (Skanda) entered their lives. Ravi falls for Charu and this creates the differences between the two and finally their mother (Saranya) plans to separate their attached body through an operation and during this one among them(Latha) dies. However, the mystery begins when the dead twin seeks revenge on the other. Here come a couple of twists in the story unfolding the suspense elements.
Performance:
Priyamani’s performance as a Siamese twin is the highlight of the movie Charulatha, especially for the first time she has played a negative role. Priyamani as Charu and Latha, showed her best performance till date and has carried the film on her shoulders.
Debutant Skanda has done his part well, but is overlooked as Priyamani steals the show. Saranya Ponvanan and Seetha had done justice to their short roles while Ravi Shankar is brief.
Technical Analysis:
Debutant Ponkumaran has tried his best in remaking Thai horror ‘Alone’, with slight change in the script to get Indian nativity. Ponkumaran also gets the credit of making first Indian cinema on Siamese twin [conjoined twins] and grabbed out the best performance from Priyamani.
Cinematography by Panner Selvam is excellent and is one of the assets of Chaulatha, who has perfectly shot the conjoined portions of Priyamani which looked quite well. Music director Sundar C Babu has composed the music tunes that are not up to the mark, while the background scores are good.
Dwarkish Pictures have done a good attempt by buying the remake rights of ‘Alone’ and remaking it with Priyamani lavishly.
Analysis:
Till date we have many movies on twins and double roles, but Charulatha records the first movie on Conjoined twins in India. Directed by Ponkumaran, Charulatha has the award winning performance given by National award winning actress Priyamani.
Director Ponkumaran has come up with right blend of comedy, emotions and suspense in the first half with slow paced narration. Charulatha turns engaging only from the pre-interval scene but the execution could have been much thrilling with interesting elements. The climax has been abruptly ended.
On the other hand relationship between the sisters and sentiment scenes are heart touching and a couple of scenes like the ghost of Latha threatening Charu by hanging herself to the ceiling fan and the scene where Charu was shocked when the ghost tries to kill her while bathing are applaudable.
All in all Priyamani steals the show and it could have done wonders if packed with the fast paced and engrossing screenplay.
Final Verdict:
Charulatha is a decent attempt by makers. Priyamani excelled the show in the roles of Charu and Latha!!
Film: Charulatha
Starring: Priyamani, Skanda (Suraj), Seetha, Saranya Ponvannan
Director: Pon Kumaran
Producer: Ramesh Krishna
Banner: Sax Pictures
Music: Sundar C Babu
Charulatha Movie Rating: 2.75/5
