The Tamil romantic comedy Once More, starring Arjun Das and Aditi Shankar, finally hit theaters on August 28, 2026, and the industry is watching closely to see how this music-infused love story performs at the box office. Directed by Vignesh Srikanth, the film brings a fresh pairing to Kollywood screens, with audiences eager to see if this tale of grief, second chances, and unexpected love can translate into commercial success.

At its core, Once More follows Raghu, played by Arjun Das, a man trapped in the suffocating grip of grief after a personal loss. His world is turned upside down when Anjali, portrayed by Aditi Shankar, enters his life with a determined mission to win his heart. The narrative pivots on the age-old belief that love, once given, eventually finds its way back - sometimes through a completely different person. It is a story that explores the uncomfortable territory of receiving affection when one is not ready to accept it, weaving together themes of healing, bittersweet closure, and the messy reality of moving forward. The film’s 137-minute runtime promises a blend of music, romance, and comedy, a combination that has historically been a reliable formula in the Tamil film industry.

The film’s release comes at a time when the box office is fiercely competitive. While early estimates are still being tabulated, the initial buzz suggests that the film has opened to a decent response in urban centers, where the star power of Arjun Das and Aditi Shankar is most potent. Arjun Das, who gained significant recognition for his intense performance in Kaithi and his notable role in Bachelor, steps into a more emotionally vulnerable character here, a departure from his usual action-heavy roles. Aditi Shankar, the daughter of veteran director Shankar, continues to carve out her own path in the industry, and her chemistry with Das is reportedly one of the film's biggest talking points.

The supporting cast adds considerable weight to the production. Dravid Selvam steps in as Ibrahim, while Sona Olickal takes on the role of Indra Vasudevan, and Anusha Prabhu appears as Sara. Veteran actor Chitra Lakshmanan plays Paadhaga Lingam, a character that likely brings the comedic relief, while Prithviraj and Jenson Dhivakar round out the ensemble. This mix of seasoned performers and younger talent is designed to appeal to a broad demographic, which is crucial for the film’s opening weekend numbers.

A Director's Balancing Act

Vignesh Srikanth, who helms this project, faces the challenge of blending tonally different elements. A story about a man who does not want to accept love, set against a backdrop of music and comedy, requires a delicate hand. The early reviews from premieres suggest that Srikanth has managed to keep the narrative engaging, though some critics have noted that the pacing lags in the second half. The music, a key component for any film in this genre, is being praised for its melodic appeal, which could help sustain interest in the film over the coming weeks. The soundtrack, designed to mirror the emotional arc of the protagonists, is reportedly one of the film's strongest assets, expected to drive repeat viewings among music lovers.

The Road Ahead

As the weekend progresses, the true test for Once More will be its word-of-mouth traction. The film does not have the backing of a mega-budget production, so it relies heavily on positive audience reception to stay afloat in theaters. The initial advance bookings were moderate, indicating a steady but not explosive start. Industry analysts are keenly observing whether the film can pick up momentum from Friday evening shows onward, as families and college crowds typically decide a film's fate during the Saturday and Sunday matinee slots.

The next step for the team is the overseas market, particularly in regions with a strong Tamil diaspora. Distributors are hopeful that the film's universal theme of love and healing will resonate beyond linguistic boundaries, even though its roots are firmly in Kollywood. There is also chatter about a potential OTT release window, though the producers are likely to wait for the theatrical run to settle before making any digital platform announcements. For now, the team is keeping its fingers crossed, hoping that the story of Raghu and Anjali finds its own second chance at the ticket counters.

Source: Filmibeat Tamil