The current work, Charulatha of director Pon Kumaran deals with a new topical theme of conjoined twins which has assumed reasonable interest. The makers of Chraulatha have given credits to the original Thai film ‘Alone’ and have understandably altered it to suit the local sensibilities which works well for the film. Well crafted screenplay, good visual effects and able performance of Priya Mani are the highlights of Chraulatha resulting in an engaging experience for the audience.

Nevertheless Charulatha gets its brownie points for the novelty factor, good performance and fitting visual effects coupled with a fairly engaging narration.

The suspense element that is revealed towards the climax is really a rocker on a totally unexpected line and is well handled. Kudos to the director for this knot! With just about two characters in the main fray and two more in the supporting bay, Pon Kumaran has woven an interesting and an engaging story.

Cast: Priyamani, Skanda, Saranya Ponvannan, Seetha
DVD Features: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, NTSC All Regions, NO Subtitles
Direction: Pon Kumaran
Music: Sundar C Babu
Production: Ramesh Krishnamoorthy

Plaudits to the special effects team who has done a good job in the sequences involving the conjoined twins. The scene when the twins dance and climb down the stairs is certainly the highlight of the visual effects work. Visual opulence and grandeur mark the work of cinematographer Pannerselvam who gives a rich and an extra chic canvas of Charulatha to the audience. It is palpable that Pannerselvam has played a major role in translating the director’s vision on to the big screen.

Director Pon Kumaran, although has taken the main theme from the Thai film, has modified and brought in local elements like the Tantric Sai Sasi and his Sanjeevini root. Priya Mani carries the film on her shoulders with a nuanced portrayal that delineates her two characters perfectly. It’s just not the spectacles or the hair style but her sharp body language of the docile Charu and the aggressive Latha, that works in favor of the film hugely. And her unique voice for Latha adds a special touch to the role.