Chaarulatha

Last updated

Chaarulatha
Charulatha Kannada Poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster in Kannada
Directed by Pon Kumaran
Based on Alone
by Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom
Produced by Dwarakish
Ramesh Krishnamoorthy
Starring
Cinematography M. V. Panneerselvam
Edited by Don Max
Music by Sundar C Babu
Production
companies
Global One Studios
Dwarakish Chithra
Distributed by Sax Pictures
Release date
  • 20 September 2012 (2012-09-20)
CountryIndia
Languages
  • Kannada
  • Tamil

Chaarulatha (also spelled as Charulatha) is a 2012 Indian horror film made in Kannada and Tamil. The film was directed by Pon Kumaran, a former associate to K. Bhagyaraj and K. S. Ravikumar, and features Priyamani in a dual role and Skanda Ashok in a male lead with an ensemble supporting cast. [1] The film was an adaptation of the Thai horror film Alone which itself was based on My Brothers Keeper an episode of Tale From The Crypt season 2. Sundar C Babu composed the film's music. [2] The film’s story is about conjoined twins. [3] [4] Produced by Global One Studios and distributed by Hansraj Saxena's Sax Pictures.

Contents

Charulatha released on 21 September 2012 with dubbed Malayalam and Telugu versions with the same title.

Plot

The story takes it off showing the conjoined twins Charu and Latha. Charu and Latha lived in Vizag as one body and soul until Ravi comes into their lives. Both sisters fall in love with him, however, Ravi falls in love with Charu, causing a rift between her and Latha. Finally, their mother plans to separate their attached bodies through surgery. The surgery, however, results in Latha’s accidental death. Mysterious events begin to unfold as Latha begins to haunt Charu. Several twists take place in line as the story unfolds. She also sees the dead twin playing the violin they used to play in the past and the twin starts to come forward to reach her and disappears as Ravi touches Charu. Later, in the hospital, Ravi visits the twins' mother where she tries to tell Ravi something but is unable to do so. As the problems began to go down, Ravi again visits the twins' mother and she tells him something at the graveyard. Ravi goes to the cemetery, only to find that the real person who died was Charu and that Latha has been impersonating Charu. Flashbacks reveal that after falling in love with Charu, Ravi comes to visit Charu finally as he was leaving town which makes Latha angry. Latha refuses to follow Charu to the balcony to see Ravi for the last time. Ravi leaves after giving a paper to the guard containing a picture of Charu, delighting Charu but leaves Latha outraged. Latha tears the picture angrily and this creates problem between the twins. Latha fights with Charu on the stairs and both of them fall from the stairs. In this, Charu dies and Latha calls her mother to help. After this, both of them are separated. After fighting with Ravi, Latha ties him up to a chair and tells him the truth that she also loved him. Charu’s spirit burns the house in anger and Latha stays inside, refusing to leave unless Ravi tells that he too loves her. Latha's mother scolds and begs Ravi to save her only daughter. Ravi sacrifices his love to save Latha, and reciprocate’s the latter’s feelings. The film ends with Ravi and Latha keeping flowers for Charu at her grave, as Ravi watched Charu’s soul smiling at him as Latha walks towards him, implying that she has blessed their union.

Cast

Production

Priyamani was recruited to enact dual roles as conjoined twins in a film loosely based on the Thai horror film Alone . [5] Skanda Ashok was signed to play the male protagonist. Actors such as Saranya Ponvannan, Seetha and Vettaikaran Sai Sasi were signed on for crucial roles. [6] Yoganand, Shabari and Kalidas penned the dialogues. The budget of the film was reported to be ₹60 million (US$750,000). [5] Priyamani denied that the film was based on the Hollywood film Stuck on You , asserting that it had an "original storyline". [7]

The film went on the floor on Ugadi festival day at Kanteerava studio Bangalore. [8]

Music

The audio launch function of Charulatha was held at Sathyam Cinemas, Chennai. Hansraj Saxena, Dhananjayan Govind, Priyamani, Saranya Ponvannan, composer Vijay Antony, lyricist Madhan Karky alongside directors K. Bhagyaraj, K. S. Ravikumar and R. Kannan graced the event. Ravikumar released the audio and Bhagyaraj received it.[ citation needed ]

Release

The film was released in Kannada and Tamil version. The film was also dubbed in Malayalam and Telugu languages. [5] While the Malayalam version was dubbed from Kannada, the Telugu version was dubbed from the Tamil print. [5] [9] While the Kannada version received a U/A certificate from the censor board, the Tamil version received a U certificate. [10]

The film was released on 21 September 2012. The satellite rights of the Tamil Version of film were sold to Sun TV. [11]

Reception

Charulatha received mixed to positive reviews. A critic from The Times of India scored the film at 3.5 out of 5 stars and says "Priyamani for her amazing performance as Chaaru and Latha. Skanda shines as a loverboy and artist with excellent dialogue delivery, body language and expressions. Ravishankar shines as a tantric practitioner. Music by Sundar B Babu is good. Cinematography by Paneer Selvam is pleasing to the eyes". [12] A critic from The Hindu wrote "Songs or RR, Sundar C. Babu’s music for Charulatha isn’t appealing. But the significant solo violin bits are an exception. For those who wish to watch the spirits of the dead that don’t frighten you much!". [13] B S Srivani from Deccan Herald wrote "Kumar’s screenplay manages to create some drama, heightened by Sundar C Babu. But the sense of déjà vu refuses to go away. The whole ‘lore’ surrounding conjoined twins is left alone, except in a single mention. The viewer has to look for inspiration to get spooked. But then Chaarulatha has enough to rekindle some of that intrigue". [14] A critic from The New Indian Express wrote "Nothing great about Harsha's choreography and Mohan B Kere's art. The Verdict : Though the film cannot be labelled a total horror flick, go watch it for Priyamani's stellar performance". [15] Srikanth Srinivasa from Rediff.com scored the film at 3 out of 5 stars and says "Debutant Skanda is a good find. Sharanya as the mother has a limited role, which could have been expanded given the importance of the subject. Panneer  Selvam's cinematography is good. Chaarulatha is a brilliant film that could have been more emotionally appealing, but watch it for Priya Mani". [16] A critic from Sify.com wrote "The saving grace of the film is Priyamani’s twin role as otherwise the script and presentation is shoddy. There is more comedy elements thrust into the film than the essentials of a horror film". [17]

Box office

The film below average mark at the box office ranging 20% - 35% occupancy on first day collected only ₹ 16.6 million (Both versions).The film under performed during its first weekend grossed ₹ 40 million (Both versions) despite having huge number of theaters. [18]

Accolades

CeremonyCategoryNomineeResult
2nd South Indian International Movie Awards Best Actress Priyamani Won

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam</i> 2006 Indian film

Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam is a 2006 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Boopathy Pandian. The film stars Dhanush and Shriya Saran, while Prakash Raj, Karunas and Saranya Ponvannan play supporting roles. The film, which had music composed by D. Imman, was released on 15 December 2006. It was remade in Telugu as Takkari (2007), and in Kannada as Dhool (2011).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Priyamani</span> Indian actress

Priya Vasudev Mani Iyer known widely as Priyamani is an Indian actress. She is the recipient of several awards, including a National Film Award and three Filmfare Awards South. She predominantly work in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi and Kannada languages films.

The Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award is given by the Filmfare magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards South for Tamil (Kollywood) films.

<i>Alone</i> (2007 film) 2007 Thai film

Alone is a 2007 Thai horror film written and directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom. Alone stars Thai-German pop singer Marsha Vadhanapanich in her first film role in 15 years.

Dharan Kumar is an Indian music composer, who mainly produces film scores and soundtracks in the Tamil film industry. He made his film debut Parijatham, featuring the hit single "Unnai Kandene". He credits director and actor K. Bhagyaraj as his guru.

<i>Paiyaa</i> 2010 film by N. Linguswamy

Paiyaa (transl. Boy) is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language action-adventure film directed by N. Linguswamy and produced by N. Subash Chandra Bose under the banner Thirupathi Brothers. The film stars Karthi and Tamannaah Bhatia in the lead roles, while Milind Soman, Jagan and Sonia Deepti appear in supporting roles. The music was composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, and the cinematography and editing handled by Madhi and Anthony, respectively.

Panchamirtham is 2008 Tamil-language fantasy comedy film scripted and directed by Raju Eswaran, it stars Jayaram, Prakash Raj and the director himself alongside an ensemble supporting cast including Nassar, Aravind Akash, Regina Cassandra, Saranya Mohan, Samiksha, Karunas, and Ganja Karuppu. Produced by Abhirami Ramanatha and with music by Sundar C Babu, the film released on Christmas 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saranya Ponvannan</span> Indian actress

Saranya Ponvannan is an Indian actress who predominantly appears in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam and a few Kannada language films. She also acted in 1 Hindi movie Chup: Revenge of the Artist in 2022. Saranya made her acting debut in a lead role in Mani Ratnam's Nayakan (1987) and went on to play lead roles from 1987 to 1996. Following an eight-year sabbatical, she returned to films in 2003 as a character actor roles. In her career spanning around over 25 years she had won a number of accolades including 1 National Film Award, 2 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and a record of 5 Filmfare Award South among other film awards.

Ponvannan is an Indian actor and director who has worked in Tamil cinema and television. After beginning his career as an artist (painter), Ponvannan apprenticed as a director and writer under Bharathiraja. He subsequently made his directorial debut with Annai Vayal (1992), before making the critically acclaimed venture, Nadhi Karaiyinile (2003). He has since appeared as a supporting actor in films, winning acclaim for his role in films including Paruthiveeran (2007), Ayan (2009) and Kaaviya Thalaivan (2014). In October 2015, he was elected as the Vice President of the Nadigar Sangam alongside Karunas.

<i>Police Quarters</i> 2010 Indian film

Police Quarters is a 2010 Indian Kannada-language film directed by A. M. R. Ramesh, known for directing Cyanide. It stars Anish Tejeshwar and Sonu in the lead roles, while Dileep Raj, Saranya Ponvannan, and Avinash play supporting roles. The music was composed by James Vasanthan. The film was dubbed in Tamil as Kadhalar Kudiyiruppu in 2011.

<i>Thendral</i> Indian TV series or programme

Thendral (transl. Breeze) is a 2009 Indian Tamil-language soap opera that aired Monday through Friday on Sun TV. It was broadcast from 7 December 2009 to 17 January 2015 for 1,340 episodes.

<i>Kalavani</i> 2010 film by A. Sarkunam

Kalavani (transl. Thief) is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film written and directed by newcomer A. Sarkunam. It stars Vimal and debutante Oviya, with Saranya Ponvannan, Ganja Karuppu and Ilavarasu in supporting roles. The film was made on a shoe-string budget, and released on 25 June 2010. and became a sleeper hit of 2010. Later the movie was remade in Kannada as Kirataka with Oviya reprising her role.

<i>Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal</i> 2012 Indian film

Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal is a 2012 Indian Tamil-language romantic thriller film directed by Elred Kumar starring Atharvaa and Amala Paul, while Jayaprakash, Anupama Kumar, Santhanam, Yashika and Nassar played supporting roles. The music was scored by G. V. Prakash Kumar. The film opened to mixed reviews, but had a successful 100-day run. This movie was dubbed in Hindi as Meri Dhadkan The film was later also screened at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival in a non-award ceremony, winning acclaim.

<i>Agni Paarvai</i> 1992 Indian film

Agni Paarvai is a 1992 Indian Tamil-language crime film directed by P. Madhavan. The film stars Su. Thirunavukkarasar, Nizhalgal Ravi, Saranya Ponvannan, Ramkumar and Anju. It was released on 7 February 1992.

<i>Kathe Chitrakathe Nirdeshana Puttanna</i> 2016 Indian film

Kathe Chitrakathe Nirdeshana Puttanna is a 2016 Indian Kannada-language comedy horror film directed by Srinivas Raju. It is a remake of the 2014 Telugu horror comedy, Geethanjali. It stars Komal Kumar and Priyamani in the lead roles whilst Pooja Gandhi also features in a pivotal role. Arjun Janya composed the soundtrack and background score for the film.

<i>Kalpana 2</i> 2016 Indian film

Kalpana 2 is a 2016 Indian Kannada-language horror comedy film directed by R. Anantha Raju and produced by Dr. Rajendra, Shilpa Srinivas and Swamee. It is the second installment after Kalpana and is a remake of the Tamil film Kanchana 2. The film features Upendra, Priyamani and Avantika Shetty in the lead roles. The film's musical score is by Arjun Janya.

Skanda Ashok is an Indian actor who has appeared in Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu films. He made his breakthrough playing Sooraj Menon in the coming-of-age Malayalam film, Notebook (2006), before gaining critical acclaim for his performances in the thriller films Elektra (2010) and the bilingual horror Chaarulatha (2012).

<i>Naan Pudicha Mappillai</i> 1991 Indian film

Naan Pudicha Mappillai is a 1991 Indian Tamil-language comedy drama film written and directed by V. Sekhar. The film stars Nizhalgal Ravi, Saranya Ponvannan and Aishwarya, with Janagaraj, Sumithra, Goundamani, Senthil, Vasu Vikram and Shanmugasundari in supporting roles. It was released on 21 February 1991. The film was remade in Telugu as Mamagaru, in Kannada as Muddina Maava and in Hindi as Meherbaan.

<i>Dr. 56</i> 2022 Indian film

Dr. 56 is an Indian bilingual thriller film directed by Rajesh Anandleela. Shot in Kannada and Tamil, the film was produced by the studios, Hari Hara Pictures and Sri Lakshmi Jyothi Creations. The film stars Priyamani, Praveen Reddy, Raj Deepak Shetty and Ramesh Bhat in leading roles. The film was released in theatres on 9 December 2022. It also marks Priyamani's return to Tamil Cinema after 11 years since Chaarulatha (2012).

References

  1. ↑ "Priyamani plays Siamese twins?". The Times of India . 27 March 2012. Archived from the original on 4 January 2014. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
  2. ↑ "Priyamani to act in Kannada horror film". CNN-IBN. 4 June 2012. Archived from the original on 5 January 2014. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
  3. ↑ "Priyamani excited". DeccanChronicle. 9 June 2012. Archived from the original on 11 June 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2012.
  4. ↑ "Priya Mani to play conjoined twins in Charulatha". Rediff. 25 July 2012. Archived from the original on 5 August 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Christopher, Kavya (5 August 2012). "No comparisons please!". The Times of India . Tiruchirappalli. Retrieved 5 August 2012.[ dead link ]
  6. ↑ "Priyamani is 'Chaarulatha'". IndiaGlitz. 2 June 2012. Archived from the original on 3 June 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
  7. ↑ "Priya Mani to essay her most difficult role". The Times of India . Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
  8. ↑ "'Charulatha' launched". IndiaGlitz. 24 March 2012. Archived from the original on 4 April 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
  9. ↑ "Priyamani dubs in 4 languages for Charulatha!". IndiaGlitz. 2 August 2012. Archived from the original on 4 August 2012. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
  10. ↑ "Different Certificates for 'Charulatha' – Why?". Supergoodmovies.com. 14 September 2012. Archived from the original on 12 August 2013. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
  11. ↑ "Charulatha TV Serial & New Episodes on KTV – Latest News, Photos & Videos". The Times of India . Archived from the original on 24 April 2024. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  12. ↑ "CHAARULATHA MOVIE REVIEW". The Times of India . 14 May 2016. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
  13. ↑ "Charulatha: Spirited, just about". The Hindu . 22 September 2012. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
  14. ↑ "Chaarulatha". Deccan Herald . 21 September 2012. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
  15. ↑ "'Charulatha' (Multilingual)". The New Indian Express . 22 September 2012. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
  16. ↑ "Review: Chaarulatha is Priya Mani's show all the way". Rediff.com . 21 September 2012. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
  17. ↑ "Movie Review : Charulatha". Sify . Archived from the original on 11 March 2014. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
  18. ↑ "Charulatha box office collection". Archived from the original on 15 January 2014. Retrieved 14 January 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.