If you believe in destiny, life can often feel like a series of second chances. Once More takes that idea and turns it into a romantic drama about a man who has almost forgotten what happiness feels like. Raghuvaran is trapped in a depressive phase, simply trying to get through each day, until Anjali, a woman full of warmth and optimism, enters his life. Determined to pull him out of his emotional shell, she gradually gives him another chance at finding happiness.
Raghuvaran (Arjun Das) has spent eight years struggling after a traumatic incident changed his outlook on love and life. Anjali, his junior from college, unexpectedly returns to his life with an infectious energy that stands in stark contrast to his withdrawn nature. Although he repeatedly tries to keep her at a distance, her affection slowly begins to break down his emotional barriers.
What happened to Raghuvaran? Why has he remained unable to move forward for eight years? And can Anjali truly help him rediscover happiness? Director Vignesh Srikanth explores these questions through a warm romantic drama that handles some subjects with sensitivity, even as it occasionally falls back on familiar storytelling devices.
One of Once More's strongest aspects is its treatment of themes such as suicide, same-sex relationships and intimacy. These issues are not used merely as dramatic devices or allowed to dominate the story. Instead, they are woven naturally into the characters' lives. The film approaches them without judgement, allowing its characters to acknowledge their feelings, consider seeking help and make mistakes without turning those experiences into moral lessons.
As hinted at in the trailer, Raghuvaran experiences love through two very different relationships with two very different people. Both relationships leave a lasting impact on him, although they take him in entirely different directions.
His equation with Anjali, however, takes some time to settle into. She almost forces herself into his life, frequently ignoring his attempts to push her away. Her motivation is straightforward: she wants to be the person who brings happiness back into his life. While the intention is endearing, her approach can sometimes feel excessive. Interestingly, the film appears to recognise this, as Raghuvaran responds to Anjali much like viewers might initially do.
Eventually, as Raghuvaran begins opening up to her, the audience does too. Aditi Shankar's lively performance plays a major role in this. Her infectious energy comes through naturally, making Anjali appealing even when her persistence becomes a little overwhelming. Arjun Das, meanwhile, gets an opportunity to step away from his familiar brooding image and effectively portray both a deeply withdrawn man and someone gradually rediscovering the excitement of youth and romance.
The film is less convincing when it explores Raghuvaran's relationship with Indra (Sona Olickal). Their connection begins as love at first sight, but the sudden breakdown of their relationship makes it difficult for viewers to become emotionally invested. When Indra later returns seeking closure, the sequence starts to feel exhausting, particularly because her reasoning does not completely convince. The emotional stakes built around the moment consequently lose their impact.
Fortunately, Once More regains its footing when Raghuvaran finally understands what he wants. His concluding conversation with Indra is among the film's better-written sequences, giving his character the emotional maturity that the story has gradually been building towards.
Sona Olickal brings considerable charm to her role as Indra, handling both the romantic and dramatic moments effectively. The supporting cast, including Devadarshini, Dravid Selvam, Anusha Prabhu and others, adds warmth and humour and helps maintain the film's momentum.
Beyond its performances, Once More benefits greatly from Hesham Abdul Wahab's music and Aravind Viswanathan's cinematography. Songs such as Vaa Kannamma and Idhayam, along with the background score, leave a lasting impression even after the film ends.
Once More marks a promising debut for Vignesh Srikanth, combining sensitivity, warmth and strong performances to deliver an engaging romantic drama in parts. However, whenever the film has an opportunity to move beyond conventional romantic-drama territory, it often falls back on familiar clichés. There is the foundation of a beautiful film within Once More — but this version never quite manages to reach its full potential.
