Once Upon a Time in Madras
Data provided by TMDb.
| Title | Once Upon a Time in Madras |
| Release Date | 2024-12-13 |
| Rating | 8/10 |
| Genres | Thriller |
| Runtime | 121 minutes |
| Cast | Bharath Srinivasan, Pavithra Lakshmi, Abhirami |
| Director | Prasadh Murugan |
| Overview | In Chennai, along the Koovam River, 9-year-old Dinesh's life ends tragically when he's shot by retired army officer Krishnaraja in a fit of rage. Confusion ensues as the police investigation fails to identify the shooter. Krishnaraja disposes of the gun in the river, but its discoveries by a few people sets off a chain of events with unforeseen consequences. |
Plot Summary
Set in Chennai along the Koovam River, Once Upon a Time in Madras unfolds a complex tale of interconnected lives. A retired army officer, Krishnaraja, shoots 9-year-old Dinesh in a fit of rage, sparking chaos as the police fail to identify the shooter. Krishnaraja disposes of the gun in the river, but its discovery sets off a chain of events affecting four characters. One subplot involves Anitha’s father, a casteist who accidentally kills a man he believes is his daughter’s lover, only to realize his tragic mistake. The 2-hour-1-minute film explores themes of guilt, rage, and morality, earning a 6.0/10 on IMDb. While some praise its satisfying narrative, others note it avoids overreach but lacks depth.
Cast Details
Bharath delivers a compelling performance, supported by Abhirami, Pavithra Lakshmi, and Anjali Nair, who bring emotional weight to their roles. The film also features a transgender actor in a significant role, a thoughtful casting choice by the director. The cinematography by K.S. Kalidoss and R. Kannan, paired with Jose Franklin’s soundtrack, including the single “Po Po Che Guevera,” enhances the thriller’s atmosphere. However, some reviews critique its pacing and narrative focus.