Cinderella (2021 Indian film)

Lore & Background

The film follows Akira (Raai Laxmi), a sound designer arrested as a suspect in a murder case, who claims innocence. She had traveled to a hill station to record rare bird sounds for a Hollywood project, where she bought a Cinderella costume from an antique shop, leading to paranormal experiences. Meanwhile, a rich girl named Ramya (Sakshi Agarwal) is killed, and her mother Sandra becomes the next target of a ghost. At a police station, Akira bumps into Sandra, who is shocked to see her, and Akira requests an appointment with Saint Gonzalves.

A flashback reveals Thulasi, Akira's lookalike, who works as a maid for Sandra and Ramya. Thulasi saves money to buy a Cinderella costume she sees, and Ramya falls in love with her dance choreographer Robin. Robin sees Thulasi dancing and admires her; at Ramya's birthday party, Thulasi wears the costume, and Robin falls for her, proposing to her and angering Ramya. Later that day, Ramya and Sandra kill Thulasi. Thulasi's spirit enters the gown, and a possessed Akira kills Ramya. Sandra, with the help of the Saint, tries to ward off the ghost, but Thulasi pairs with another woman's ghost (killed by her husband and Sandra) and kills Sandra.

Reader's Guide

Cinderella marks the directorial debut of Vinoo Venketesh, who previously worked as an associate director of S. J. Surya. The film is notable for casting Raai Laxmi, known for horror films like Aranmanai and Kanchana, in the lead role after the script was narrated to several actresses including Nayanthara, Trisha, and Amy Jackson. Raai Laxmi plays three different characterizations in the film. The soundtrack was composed by Aswamithra with lyrics by Kabilan Vairamuthu. Upon release on 24 September 2021, the film received mixed reviews from Ananda Vikatan and The Times of India. Its significance lies in its blending of a classic fairy-tale motif with Tamil horror cinema, though critical reception was divided.

Did You Know?

• Principal photography of Cinderella commenced in October 2018.
• Raai Laxmi plays three different characterizations in the film.
• The script was narrated to Nayanthara, Trisha, Amy Jackson, Hansika Motwani, Aishwarya Rajesh, Manisha Yadav, Anjali, and Regina Cassandra before Raai Laxmi was cast.
• The film received mixed reviews from Ananda Vikatan and The Times of India.