Once More is a tender, emotionally resonant romantic drama that explores the beauty of second chances, healing and the courage it takes to open your heart again after loss. Directed by debutant Vignesh Srikanth, the film follows Raghuvaran, a man who has been stuck in a depressive state for eight years after a devastating incident shattered his faith in love and life, and Anjali, his cheerful college junior who walks into his world like sunshine and refuses to let him remain in his shell. Their journey from strangers to something deeper is filled with warmth, vulnerability and the kind of honest emotions that make you believe in love all over again.
Arjun Das delivers a remarkably restrained and heartfelt performance as Raghu, shedding his usual intense persona to portray a man carrying the weight of grief with quiet dignity. His transformation is striking, capturing both the flamboyant past and the withdrawn present with equal conviction, making Raghu’s emotional journey feel authentic and deeply moving. Aditi Shankar shines as Anjali, a woman whose infectious energy and genuine affection slowly break through Raghu’s walls. Her chemistry with Arjun Das is effortless, making their romance feel natural and emotionally satisfying. Sona Olickal plays a crucial role in the triangular love story, adding depth and complexity to the narrative without overshadowing the central romance.
Director Vignesh Srikanth crafts a fresh romantic drama that works in parts, exploring modern relationships with warmth and sensitivity. The film takes its time establishing Raghu’s emotional landscape, allowing the audience to connect with his pain before Anjali’s entry brings light into his darkness. The screenplay balances closure, second chances and finding love again, though it occasionally falls back on familiar cliches. The film’s exploration of communication, emotional healing and the courage needed to love again resonates deeply, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Hesham Abdul Wahab’s music and background score are among the film’s biggest strengths, elevating the emotional moments and adding soulful depth to the romantic scenes. The songs are melodious and meaningful, perfectly complementing the narrative’s tone. Aravind Viswanathan’s cinematography captures the beauty of both small-town life and urban landscapes, while Nash’s editing keeps the pacing smooth and engaging. The film’s visual treatment and sound design enhance the overall emotional impact, making the journey more immersive.
While the first half is strong and emotionally engaging, the second half loses some steam and relies on predictable tropes that dilute the freshness of the premise. Some portions could have been tighter, and the message-heavy moments occasionally slow the momentum. However, the strong performances and emotional core carry the narrative through, making the overall experience satisfying despite its flaws. The film’s softer route toward love and healing sets it apart from typical commercial entertainers, appealing to audiences who appreciate character-driven storytelling.
Once More is a refreshing romantic musical anchored by Arjun Das and Aditi Shankar’s delightful chemistry and Vignesh Srikanth’s sincere direction. With its soulful music, heartfelt performances and emotional storytelling, the film stands out as a feel-good drama that proves sometimes the most powerful love stories are the ones about finding the courage to try once more. For audiences looking for a tender, emotionally driven romance with warmth and depth, Once More is a worthy theatrical watch that delivers exactly what it promises.
CAST :
Arjun Das as Raghuvaran
Aditi Shankar as Anjali
Sona Olickal as Indra Vasudevan
Dravid Selvam as Ibrahim
Anusha Prabhu as Sara
Jagabar as Kiki
Monish Elamaran as Srinath
Varnika Varadh as Varnika
Phillipson Thomas as Phillipy
Arunkumar Mani as Muthu
Sowndarya Manoharan as Sowndarya
Kannan D as Divakar
Richie Richardson as Kevin
Raksha Cherin as Anu
Srikanth as Moj
Niyas Muhammed as Niyas
Chitra Lakshmanan as Paadaga Lingam
Devadarshini Chetan as Therapist Lavanya
Jenson Dhivakar as Father Edwin
Dhayalan as Raghu’s Father
Maheshwar as Anjali’s Father
Rama Rajendra as Raghu’s Mother
Lakshmi Saravanan as Anjali’s Mother
Sudarsan Gandhi as Gurubaran
Aareesh as Kiki’s Boyfriend
Goodnight R Nagarajan as Kumaran
Rithik Krishna as Kerala Volunteer
Pooja Surendar as Indra’s Mother
Nirmal Kumar as Indra’s Father
Abira Praveen as Young Indra
Harikumar as Mechanic
Somasurya as Assistant Mechanic
CREW :
Written & Directed by Vignesh Srikanth
Produced by Yuvaraj Ganesan
Banner: Million Dollar Studios
Music : Hesham Abdul Wahab
DOP : Aravind Viswanathan
Editor: Nash
Art : Raj Kamal
Lyrics : Vignesh Srikanth
Sound Design : Renjith Venugopal, M.Saravana Kumar
Costume Designer : Navadevi Rajkumar
Choreographer : Apsar
Production Controller : A Balamurugan
Production Executive : R Nagarajan
Production Manager: D Prasanth, D Parthiban
Publicity Designs : Gautham J
Stills : Maniyan
Executive Producer : Harish Durairaj
Creative Producer : Vijay M P
PRO : Yuvraaj
