Aditi Shankar: Playing Anjali in 'Once More' healed me
Synopsis
Aditi Shankar's confession at the 'Once More' trailer launch — that playing Anjali pulled her through a difficult period in her own life — gives the film an emotional backstory that goes well beyond typical promotional talk. With Hesham Abdul Wahab making his Tamil debut on the soundtrack, the romantic drama arrives on 28 August carrying both personal and musical weight.
Key Takeaways
Aditi Shankar revealed that playing Anjali in 'Once More' healed her during a difficult personal phase.
The film is directed by Vignesh Srikanth and produced by Yuvaraj Ganesan under Million Dollar Studios . 'Once More' releases worldwide on 28 August 2025 , with Arjun Das as the male lead.
The film marks the Tamil cinema debut of Malayalam music director Hesham Abdul Wahab , known for 'Hridayam' and 'Hi Nanna' .
Model-turned-actress Sona Olickal plays a pivotal role in the film.
Actress Aditi Shankar, daughter of celebrated director Shankar, revealed at the trailer launch of the upcoming Tamil romantic drama 'Once More' that portraying the character Anjali was a deeply personal and healing experience. The film, directed by Vignesh Srikanth and produced by Yuvaraj Ganesan under Million Dollar Studios, is set to release worldwide on 28 August 2025.
Aditi Opens Up About a Difficult Phase
Speaking candidly at the trailer launch event in Chennai, Aditi said, 'Once More came to me when I was down in life. So, playing this Anjali character, healed me and helped me so much. So, thank you Srikanth sir for that.' The actress, who plays the female lead opposite Arjun Das, described the film as something that arrived at just the right moment in her life.
She also expressed gratitude toward the film's producer, saying, 'I want to start by saying thank you to producer Yuvraj sir for giving director Srikanth this opportunity. Because of you, we get to give Once More to everybody out there.'
What Aditi Said About Director Vignesh Srikanth
Aditi reserved particular praise for director Vignesh Srikanth, crediting him with pouring himself into the project. 'This man, my director, has given his blood, his sweat, his heart and his heartbreak for this movie. So, thank you so much for approaching and giving me this opportunity and trusting me with this, Srikanth sir,' she said.
Srikanth has also penned the film's lyrics, several of which have already gained significant traction ahead of release.
A Landmark Tamil Debut for Hesham Abdul Wahab
'Once More' marks the Tamil film debut of celebrated Malayalam music director Hesham Abdul Wahab, widely recognised for chartbuster soundtracks in films such as 'Hridayam' and 'Hi Nanna'. His entry into Tamil cinema has been one of the most-watched aspects of the film's pre-release buzz.
The film also features model-turned-actress Sona Olickal in a pivotal role, adding to an ensemble that has generated considerable anticipation.
The Technical Team Behind the Film
Cinematography for 'Once More' has been handled by Aravind Viswanathan, with editing by Nash and art direction by Raj Kamal. Costumes have been designed by Navadevi Rajkumar, while choreography is by Apsar. Sound design is credited to Renjith Venugopal and colour grading to Arun Sangameshwar.
Harish Durairaj has served as executive producer, with Vijay MP as creative producer. With its music, cast, and an emotionally resonant backstory, 'Once More' arrives in cinemas on 28 August 2025 carrying considerable expectations.
Point of View
A role that visibly affected her is a credible and compelling narrative. The real test, however, is whether the film delivers on the emotional register she is promising — particularly given that Hesham Abdul Wahab's music sets a high bar that Tamil audiences will benchmark against his Malayalam work.
NationPress
24 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Aditi Shankar say about her role in 'Once More'?
Aditi Shankar revealed that playing the character Anjali in 'Once More' healed her during a difficult phase in her personal life. She made the disclosure at the film's trailer launch event in Chennai, crediting director Vignesh Srikanth for trusting her with the role.
When does 'Once More' release in cinemas?
'Once More' is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 28 August 2025. The Tamil romantic drama stars Arjun Das and Aditi Shankar in the lead roles.
Who is Hesham Abdul Wahab and why is his involvement significant?
Hesham Abdul Wahab is a celebrated Malayalam music director best known for the soundtracks of 'Hridayam' and 'Hi Nanna'. 'Once More' marks his debut in Tamil cinema, making it a notable crossover for fans of his work.
Who has directed 'Once More' and who produced it?
'Once More' has been directed by Vignesh Srikanth, who has also written the film's lyrics. It is produced by Yuvaraj Ganesan under the banner of Million Dollar Studios.
Who else is in the cast of 'Once More'?
Apart from leads Arjun Das and Aditi Shankar, the film features model-turned-actress Sona Olickal in a pivotal role.
