Plot
Raghuvaran has spent eight years struggling with depression after a painful incident changed his understanding of love and happiness. He lives an emotionally withdrawn life until Anjali, his energetic college junior, suddenly returns and tries to help him rediscover joy.
Anjali repeatedly attempts to enter Raghuvaran’s life despite his efforts to keep her away. Her affection gradually breaks through his emotional barriers, giving him another opportunity to experience companionship and love.
The story also explores Raghuvaran’s earlier relationship with Indra. His experiences with Anjali and Indra shape him in contrasting ways and force him to confront unresolved emotions. The central conflict revolves around whether Raghuvaran can obtain closure from his past and confidently choose his future.
Overview
Once More is a romantic drama about grief, healing, closure and second chances. Director Vignesh Srikanth approaches sensitive themes such as suicide, same-sex relationships, mental health and intimacy without turning them into exaggerated dramatic devices.
The film works when it allows its characters to acknowledge their emotions and speak openly about seeking help. However, it becomes less convincing whenever the screenplay falls back on familiar romantic-drama clichés.
Performances
Arjun Das delivers a controlled performance as Raghuvaran. He convincingly portrays both the character’s emotional isolation and his gradual return to happiness. The role also allows him to move beyond his familiar brooding screen persona and display a lighter, romantic side.
Aditi Shankar brings infectious energy to Anjali. Her lively presence makes the character appealing even when Anjali’s attempts to enter Raghuvaran’s life feel overly forceful. Her chemistry with Arjun Das becomes one of the film’s strongest elements.
Sona Olickal is charming as Indra and handles both romantic and dramatic scenes well. Devadarshini, Dravid Selvam and Anusha Prabhu add warmth and occasional humour through their supporting roles.
Technical Aspects
Director Vignesh Srikanth demonstrates sensitivity while handling the film’s serious subjects. He avoids judging the characters and allows their emotional mistakes to feel human. His treatment is warm, but the writing does not consistently push beyond conventional romantic storytelling.
Aravind Viswanathan’s cinematography gives the film an attractive and intimate visual identity. The romantic portions are captured with warmth, while Raghuvaran’s emotional loneliness is presented through restrained framing and subdued imagery.
Music
Hesham Abdul Wahab’s music is one of the film’s biggest strengths. Vaa Kannamma and Idhayam complement the romantic mood and remain memorable after the film ends.
The background score supports Raghuvaran’s emotional journey without overpowering the performances. The music adds depth to several scenes that would otherwise feel predictable.
Editing
The film maintains a comfortable rhythm during Raghuvaran and Anjali’s developing relationship. Their interactions are given enough time to evolve, helping viewers gradually accept Anjali’s persistent behaviour.
The portions involving Raghuvaran and Indra are less effective. Their relationship begins abruptly, while the closure sequence becomes lengthy and emotionally unconvincing. Tighter editing in these sections could have improved the film’s pace and impact.
Positives
- Arjun Das delivers a restrained and convincing performance
- Aditi Shankar brings energy and charm to the narrative
- Fresh chemistry between the lead actors
- Sensitive treatment of mental health and relationships
- Hesham Abdul Wahab’s memorable music
- Attractive cinematography by Aravind Viswanathan
- Well-written final conversation between Raghuvaran and Indra
- Warm supporting performances
Negatives
- Familiar romantic-drama clichés
- Anjali’s persistence occasionally feels intrusive
- Raghuvaran and Indra’s romance lacks emotional development
- Indra’s reasons for seeking closure are unconvincing
- Uneven screenplay in the second half
- Some emotional conflicts feel rushed
- The film avoids taking major narrative risks
Analysis
Once More has a meaningful story about a man rebuilding his life after years of emotional pain. Its strongest quality is the non-judgmental way it handles sensitive subjects. The characters are allowed to make mistakes, seek help and openly discuss their feelings without being reduced to moral lessons.
Arjun Das and Aditi Shankar make the central relationship engaging. Raghuvaran’s initial resistance to Anjali also reflects how viewers may respond to her overwhelming personality. As he slowly accepts her presence, the audience begins to understand her intentions.
The film loses momentum while exploring Raghuvaran’s relationship with Indra. Their romance does not receive enough development to make its conclusion emotionally powerful. However, Raghuvaran’s final conversation with her provides the maturity and clarity that his character arc requires.
Director Vignesh Srikanth delivers a promising debut filled with warmth, good performances and memorable music. Once More contains the foundation of a deeply affecting romantic drama, but its reliance on familiar ideas prevents it from fully realising that potential.
Bottomline: Unevenly Charming
Rating: 3/5
