Actor-director Maran, known to fans as Blue Shirt Maran for his signature casual style, has taken a sharp dig at the team behind the upcoming film Once More. In a recent interaction with the media, Maran questioned the credentials of the specialists who supposedly picked the title for the project, sarcastically asking who exactly constituted that “expert panel.” His remarks, laced with his trademark wit, have quickly become a talking point in Tamil film circles, especially since the film’s title announcement had generated considerable buzz earlier this month.
The comment came during a promotional event for another project, where Maran was asked about the trend of unconventional English titles in Tamil cinema. Without naming anyone directly, he singled out Once More as a prime example of what he called “puzzling nomenclature.” Maran said he was genuinely curious to know which “highly qualified committee” sat together and concluded that Once More was the most compelling name for a Tamil film. He added, with a smirk, that perhaps the same group would next suggest titles like Again or One More Time for sequels, mocking what he perceives as a lack of originality in the industry’s naming conventions.
A jab at the trend of bilingual titles
Maran’s criticism isn’t entirely new, as several industry insiders have voiced concerns over the growing reliance on generic English phrases for Tamil films. However, his pointed reference to Once More has elevated the conversation, turning it into a social media debate. Supporters of the film have defended the title, arguing that it fits the movie’s romantic drama premise, which revolves around a couple reuniting after years of separation. But Maran dismissed that defense, suggesting that a meaningful title in Tamil would have resonated better with local audiences. He remarked that if the story is rooted in Tamil emotions, the title should reflect that, rather than sounding like a dubbed version of a Hollywood straight-to-streaming release.
What do we know about Once More?
The film, which went into production earlier this year, is directed by a relatively new filmmaker known for his work in short films. The project stars a popular young actor and a rising actress, both of whom have gained decent followings on social media. The movie is reportedly a feel-good romantic entertainer, with music composed by a trending independent artist who has previously delivered chartbusters for indie labels. Filming is said to be completed, with post-production currently underway. The makers have yet to announce a release date, but trade insiders expect the film to hit theaters around the festive season later this year.
Interestingly, the title Once More was revealed with a stylish poster that featured the lead pair in a rainy backdrop, and the announcement was met with enthusiastic likes from fans. At that time, no one questioned the choice of title. It was only after Maran’s comment that netizens began to re-examine the naming decision, with some noting that the film’s original working title, which was in Tamil, had apparently been scrapped in favor of the English phrase. A source close to the production team, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the change was made to attract younger audiences and to make the film more marketable on streaming platforms. Maran, however, sees this as a symptom of a deeper issue, where filmmakers are chasing international appeal at the cost of cultural authenticity.
Industry reaction and Maran’s standing
Maran has built a career out of speaking his mind, often playing the role of the industry’s conscience in interviews. Known for his unconventional film choices and his preference for rooted narratives, he has previously criticized the overuse of English dialogues in Tamil films and the blind imitation of western aesthetics. His “Blue Shirt” nickname came from his habit of wearing the same blue shirt in multiple talk show appearances, which fans turned into a meme, and Maran embraced it with good humor. This playful public persona makes his biting remarks on Once More all the more impactful, as he is not typically seen as a combative figure but rather a affable one who occasionally peppers his conversations with sharp observations.
The makers of Once More have not yet issued an official response to Maran’s comments. However, a junior member of the production crew told reporters that they were taking the criticism in stride and focusing on the release. The film’s director, known for his quiet handling of media interactions, reportedly smiled when asked about Maran’s statement at a recent technical rehearsal, asking journalists to judge the film only after watching it. That diplomatic response contrasts sharply with Maran’s direct attack, and it remains to be seen whether this will turn into a larger public spat or simply fade away as a humorous footnote in the film’s promotional cycle.
For now, the debate has shifted from the film’s content to its title, which is perhaps an unintended publicity boost. Maran, for his part, appears satisfied with having sparked the conversation. He ended his remarks by saying that he wishes the team all the best, adding that he hopes the film’s story is as strong as its title is confusing. Whether that was a genuine blessing or another layer of subtle mockery, only he knows. As the release date approaches, all eyes will be on Once More - not just for its story, but to see if it manages to live up to the unexpected attention that a veteran’s witty critique has brought to its name.
Source: Filmibeat Tamil