Once More Review: Emotional Tamil Film with Killer Music

Meet Raghuvaran (Arjun Das), a man drowning in grief. He’s not just sad; he’s clinically, profoundly heartbroken, haunted by a past he refuses to let go of. He’s the guy who walks around with a permanent raincloud over his head in the middle of a Chennai summer. Enter Anjali (Aditi Shankar). She’s sunshine personified, a force of nature who decides, with every fiber of her being, that she’s going to crack his shell. She’s not just pursuing him; she’s on a full-blown mission to make him smile, to make him feel, to pull him back into the land of the living. The film’s core idea, as the synopsis says, is that the love you give away always finds its way back, sometimes in a completely unexpected form. This is the story of that love returning to a man who absolutely, positively does not want to accept it. It’s a tale of second chances, messy healing, and a whole lot of bittersweet closure.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Arjun Das is a revelation. If you only know him from his intense, brooding roles, Once More will blow your mind. He plays Raghu with a vulnerability that feels raw and authentic. He makes you feel the weight of his sadness, but he also nails the comedic beats of a grumpy man being besieged by relentless optimism. His eyes do a lot of the heavy lifting, conveying a storm of emotions without saying a word.

And then there's Aditi Shankar. Oh my god, she is a scene-stealer. Her Anjali is not the typical manic pixie dream girl; she's smart, grounded, and her determination feels genuine, not stalker-ish. She’s funny, charming, and brings an infectious energy that perfectly balances Arjun’s brooding. Their dynamic is the beating heart of the film. The "will they, won't they" tension is palpable, and their conversations feel natural, witty, and full of life.

Director Vignesh Srikanth deserves a round of applause for handling such a delicate theme with so much grace. He doesn't let the film get bogged down in melodrama. The comedy is organic, often stemming from the awkward situations Anjali creates for the flustered Raghu. The supporting cast, including Dravid Selvam as Ibrahim and Chitra Lakshmanan as Paadhaga Lingam, add wonderful layers of quirkiness to the narrative.

But the real MVP here? The music. For a film tagged "Music, Romance, Comedy," the soundtrack absolutely soars. The songs are not just fillers; they’re narrative devices that express the inner turmoil and joy of the characters. The background score elevates every scene, pulling at your heartstrings when needed and making you tap your feet in the next. You will be humming these tunes on your way out of the theater.

If I have to nitpick, the film’s middle section does lose a bit of steam. The cyclical nature of Raghu pushing Anjali away and her coming back gets a tiny bit repetitive. At 137 minutes, it could have been tightened up to make the climax hit even harder. But just when you start to feel the drag, the film throws a curveball that brings everything into sharp focus. The final act is where the movie truly lands, delivering an emotional gut punch that feels earned and profoundly satisfying. It’s not just about love; it's about self-forgiveness.

Pros

• Electrifying lead chemistry between Arjun Das and Aditi Shankar.
• A truly memorable and beautiful soundtrack that drives the narrative.
• A fresh, nuanced take on grief and moving on, free from heavy-handed melodrama.
• Genuinely funny comedic moments that balance the emotional weight.
• A strong supporting cast that adds depth and charm.

Cons

• The pacing in the second act drags, with some repetitive confrontations.
• The ending, while satisfying, feels a little rushed given the buildup.

Once More is a beautiful, soulful film that reminds us that healing isn’t linear, and love has a funny way of finding us when we least expect - or want - it. It’s a celebration of life, music, and the courage it takes to open your heart again. With powerhouse performances and a soundtrack for the ages, this is one of the most charming films Kollywood has given us this year. Don’t miss it. It’s a cinematic experience that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your chest, long after the credits roll. Trust me, this is a second chance worth taking.