Once More Movie Review: Arjun Das and Aditi Shankar shine in this soulful romantic drama

Once More is a rejuvenating romantic drama that celebrates love, heartbreak, healing and second chances. Written and directed by debutant Vignesh Srikanth, the film chooses a mature and emotionally grounded approach to relationships. Instead of depending on loud drama, it focuses on the little moments that define love and separation. The result is a warm and feel-good romantic experience that stands out for its performances, music and pleasing visual treatment.

The story revolves around Raghu (Arjun Das), a young man trying to move forward after a relationship from his past. Just when he believes he has left those emotions behind, the past returns at a crucial point in his present life. This creates an unusual romantic triangle and sets the stage for a story about love, letting go and finding the courage to begin again. The film also touches upon communication and emotional vulnerability in relationships, giving the simple premise more depth.

Arjun Das is the biggest highlight of Once More. He delivers a restrained performance as Raghu, making the character’s emotional journey easy to connect with. The role gives him enough space to explore different shades. He is flamboyant and confident in some portions, while he becomes vulnerable and understated when the situation demands it. His expressions and body language work especially well in the quieter scenes. This performance brings a fresh dimension to his screen persona and can easily be considered one of his best performances.

Aditi Shankar is equally impressive and brings a natural charm to the film. She plays her character with simplicity and emotional honesty, allowing the relationship to develop without unnecessary melodrama. Her chemistry with Arjun Das is one of the film’s strongest aspects, especially during the tender conversations and lighter moments. She also handles the emotional portions with confidence and restraint. Sona Olickal, making her debut, makes a promising impression and fits well into the emotional dynamics of the story. Her performance adds further value to the romantic triangle.

Hesham Abdul Wahab’s music is the soul of Once More. The songs blend naturally with the narrative and enhance the romantic mood instead of slowing it down. The background score is equally effective and gives the emotional scenes an additional layer. The film’s visual treatment (by Aravind Vishwanathan) also deserves appreciation, with the cinematography creating a pleasant and intimate atmosphere that suits the romantic nature of the story. The technical departments work together smoothly and help maintain the film’s warm tone.

Vignesh Srikanth deserves credit for remaining true to the romantic musical genre. His writing gives importance to emotions, conversations and character relationships rather than forcing unnecessary commercial elements into the narrative. The film also presents masculinity and vulnerability in a refreshing manner. Raghu is allowed to express his emotions, confront his insecurities and communicate his feelings openly. This gives the protagonist a more human quality and adds substance to the relationship drama. There are a few portions where the pacing could have been tighter, but they do not significantly affect the overall experience.

Yuvaraj Ganesan’s Million Dollar Studios delivers another promising outing with Once More, adding to its successful lineup that includes Lover, Tourist Family and the recent Anbe Diana, which also earned positive reviews.

Overall, Once More is a beautifully mounted romantic drama with a strong emotional core. Arjun Das delivers a career-best performance, while Aditi Shankar brings warmth and maturity to her role. Sona Olickal makes a promising debut, and Hesham Abdul Wahab’s music elevates the film considerably. The writing, performances, visuals and music come together to create a wholesome romantic experience that leaves a pleasant feeling after the credits roll. For audiences who enjoy pure romance, soulful music and stories about love and second chances, Once More is a rewarding theatrical watch.

Once More Movie Rating: 3.5/5