Tamil romantic drama Once More arrives in cinemas worldwide on 28 August 2025 carrying an unusual backstory: director Vignesh Srikanth reportedly turned down multiple production houses that offered to finance the film on the condition that lead actor Arjun Das be replaced. The revelation, made by Arjun Das himself at the film's trailer launch event in Chennai, has drawn attention to the director's uncommon loyalty to his original casting vision.

How the Story Began

Arjun Das revealed that Vignesh Srikanth approached him with the film's concept well before a producer was on board. Director Surya Narayan, a common friend, had made the introduction. 'The line that Srikanth narrated was very beautiful,' Arjun Das said at the event. He was, according to the director's own admission at the same launch, the first actor to whom the story was ever pitched.

The Offers Srikanth Turned Down

What Vignesh Srikanth did not publicly elaborate on at the trailer launch, Arjun Das chose to disclose. The director had pitched the script to several production companies over an extended period, and more than one had expressed interest — but with a condition. 'Many production companies had told him, “We can cast another hero,”' Arjun Das said. Srikanth's response to each of them, according to the actor, was unambiguous: 'No, I will do it with Arjun Das.'

This kind of director-led casting conviction is relatively rare in the Tamil film industry, where commercial considerations frequently dictate hero choices, particularly for debut or mid-tier directors seeking their first big production deal.

How the Film Finally Got Made

The project eventually materialised when Vignesh Srikanth connected with producer Yuvaraj Ganesan, who shared the director's enthusiasm for the film. Yuvaraj Ganesan has bankrolled Once More under his banner Million Dollar Studios. Harish Durairaj serves as executive producer, and Vijay MP has taken on the role of creative producer.

Cast, Music, and Technical Team

Once More stars Arjun Das and Aditi Shankar in the lead roles, with model-turned-actress Sona Olickal in a pivotal part. The film marks the Tamil debut of celebrated Malayalam music director Hesham Abdul Wahab, widely recognised for his work on Hridayam and Hi Nanna. Several songs from the album have already gained traction as chartbusters ahead of release.

Lyrics have been penned by Vignesh Srikanth himself. Aravind Viswanathan handles cinematography, Nash has edited the film, and Raj Kamal leads art direction. Costumes are by Navadevi Rajkumar, choreography by Apsar, sound design by Renjith Venugopal, and colour grading by Arun Sangameshwar.

What to Watch For

Once More releases worldwide on 28 August 2025. Beyond its romantic drama premise, the film is being watched as a test of whether Hesham Abdul Wahab's distinctive musical sensibility — which powered emotionally resonant soundtracks in Malayalam cinema — translates to Tamil audiences. It is also a significant moment for Arjun Das, who has built a reputation primarily through intense, antagonist-driven roles and is now headlining a mainstream romantic film.