If you believe in fate, life simply means ‘second chances’. Director Vignesh Srikanth’s romantic drama film ‘Once More’ is based on this thought and hope. The story revolves around a man who has forgotten the meaning of happiness in the darkness of depression. When the happy-go-lucky Anjali enters Raghuvaran’s colorful life, the story takes a new turn.
What is the story of the film?
The film’s protagonist Raghuvaran (Arjun Das) has been living in the shadows of a tragic past for the past eight years. An old tragedy has completely changed his outlook on love and life. He lives on his own, when his college junior Anjali (Aditi Shankar) unexpectedly returns to his world.
Anjali’s spirited and boisterous nature is in stark contrast to Raghuvaran’s quiet and reclusive habit. Raghuvaran tries his best to push her away from him, but Anjali’s unconditional love slowly begins to break his wall of silence. Will Raghuvaran be able to forget his past and give ‘one more chance’ with Anjali? The film seeks answers to these sensitive questions.
Mature approach to sensitive issues
One of the biggest features of ‘Once More’ is that it tackles sensitive topics like depression, suicide, same-sex relationships and intimacy on screen with ease and maturity.
Non-judgemental portrayal: The film does not use these serious topics for drama or sensationalism only, rather they seem to be a natural part of the characters’ lives.
Distance from Moral Text: The story gives the characters full freedom to express their feelings, make mistakes and ask for help, without imposing any moral policing on them.
Acting and character chemistry
Arjun Das and Aditi Shankar: Arjun Das, known for his serious image, portrays the character of a broken man as a lover who learns to smile again with great intensity. Also, Aditi Shankar brings Anjali’s character to life with her energy and screen presence. His style seems a bit forceful in the beginning, but gradually the audience connects with his innocence.
Indira and supporting cast: Sona Olical (as Indra) impresses in romantic and dramatic scenes. However, the reason for Raghuvaran and Indira’s relationship ending suddenly doesn’t seem very convincing, which makes the film a bit weak. Supporting actors like Devdarshani, Dravid Selvam and Anusha Prabhu give the story the humor and warmth it needs.
Technical Aspects: Music and Cinematography
The technical aspects of the film played a major role in its management:
Music by Hesham Abdul Wahab: The film’s background score and tracks – especially ‘Va Kannamma’ and ‘Idhyam’ are melodious, and stay in your heart long after you leave the theatre.
Cinematography by Arvind Viswanathan: The camera work beautifully frames the mood and emotions of the story.
final call
‘Once More’ is a good debut for director Vignesh Srikanth. The film has a beautiful blend of sensitivity, familiarity and great performances. However, at some points the film begins to follow a familiar and clichéd romantic-drama routine, due to which it doesn’t quite reach its potential. Regardless, it’s definitely worth a watch for Arjun Das and Aditi Shankar’s on-screen chemistry.