Directed by P. Vasu Chandramukhi (2005) starred superstar Rajnikanth in the lead role. This Tamil film belongs to the horror genre that proved to be a runaway hit at the box office. The star cast of Chandramukhi also includes Jyothika Saravanan, Prabhu Ganesan, Nayantara and Vineeth. The music for the film was provided by Vidyasagar. Chandramukhi was one of the top grossers in the history of Tamil cinema. It is also hailed as the comeback film of Rajnikanth.

The plot of revolves around an Indian psychiatrist who is settled in America. Saravanan (Rajnikanth) returns to Indian and goes to meet his friend Senthilnathan (Prabhu Ganesan) and his wife Ganga (Jyothika Saravanan). On the other hand Saravanan`s mother Kasturi (K. R. Vijaya) has found a suitable match for him in Priya (Malavika). The first hint of danger is presented when it is revealed that his family had bought the Vettayapuram Palace. But the local people are of the opinion that the palace is haunted and they are afraid to visit it. Despite such popular beliefs they move into their new house. However Saravanan comes to know about the truth from the temple priest.

The temple priest narrated to Saravanan the tale behind haunted palace. Once upon a time the palace was occupied by King Vettayan.A trip to Andhra Pradesh provided him an opportunity to meet Chandramukhi. One look at her and the king was smitten. He wanted to bring her back with him. But Chandramukhi was already in love with someone. It was Gunasekaran, a dancer. However on the king`s insistence she was compelled to return with him to the Vettayapuram Palace. Chandramukhi was smart enough to arrange to make living arrangements for Gunasekaran in a house near the palace. However the king was completely in dark about this. When he came to know about the love affair of Chandramukhi and Gunasekaran he was furious. On Durgashtami he slew Gunasekaran and burnt Chandramukhi alive. The people believed that it was the dancer`s ghost that haunted the palace seeking revenge. It was also said that her soul resided in a king Cobra that resided in the southern room of the palace.

Meanwhile Saravanan helps Priya to unite with her lover, Viswanathan (Vineeth). He is a dance professor. On the other hand when Ganga comes to know about Chandramukhi`s story, she sympathises with her. However she is also of the opinion that it was only a tale that was cooked to keep the thieves at bay from the treasure supposedly locked up in the palace. She opens Chandramukhi`s room. From then on a string of misadventures occur. It is suspected that a ghost is behind all the unwanted happenings.

Senthil asks Saravanan to help. So his psychiatrist friend comes to help him. While he is at the palace two attempts are made to kill Priya (Nayantara) and Senthil. To top it all a woman`s voice is heard singing at midnight. At the wedding night of Priya and Viswanathan it is revealed that Ganga has been supposedly harassed by Viswanathan. Senthil is enraged but Saravanan calms him down and tells him that Ganga is suffering from a split personality. The mysterious incidents were of her making and she is the ghost of the palace. In reality she is possessed by Chandramukhi`s spirit. The dancer considers Viswanathan as Gunasekaran because they look similar. But unfortunately she sees Saravanan as the ruthless king. He decides that they will have to convince Chandramukhi that King Vettayan is dead otherwise she will never leave the palace. With the help of a famous exorcist, Ramachandra Acharya, Saravanan puts up a brilliant act. While they burn an effigy of the king Chandramukhi is convinced that she has avenged her death by burning the king. Satisfied she leaves Ganga`s body as well as the palace premises. The film ends on a positive note with Ganga cured and Saravanan finding love in Durga, the gardener`s daughter.

Chandramukhi, the film was successful in evoking the fear factor. Jyothika delivered a superb performance in the dual role of Chandramukhi and Ganga. It fetched her Tamil Nadu State Best Actress Award and Kalaimamani Award. The film was a significant one for Rajnikanth as well. It once again shot him to the pinnacle of success. Till date Chandramukhi is counted as one of the well made and popular horror films in India.