Actor Bharath is set to make his 53rd film appearance in Once Upon a Time in Madras, a hyper-link thriller directed by newcomer Prasad Murugan. The film, slated for release on September 26, aims to bring a fresh perspective to the genre by interweaving elements of politics, crime, action, and emotion.
Bharath, who plays an auto driver in the film, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “The story has a striking point, similar to what drew me to Emden Magan and Pattiyal,” he said. “I trusted Prasad’s creative vision even without hearing the full script.”
Director Murugan shed light on the film’s premise, stating, “The narrative revolves around a 9mm pistol discovered by chance, and how it affects four characters from lower middle-class families. It’s based on real incidents that occurred in Chennai in 2013.”
The film has garnered attention for its commitment to authentic representation. Actor Abhirami, who plays a sanitation worker, praised the decision to cast a trans woman, Deeksha, in a significant role. “The makers have prioritized accurate portrayal by casting a transperson for a crucial character,” Abhirami noted.
Once Upon a Time in Madras features a diverse ensemble including Pavithra Lakshmi, Anjali Nair, and Thalaivasal Vijay. The technical team comprises Jose Franklin for music, Kalidas and Kannan for cinematography, and San Lokesh for editing.
As the release date approaches, the film’s non-linear storytelling and its exploration of Chennai’s urban landscape in 2013 have become points of interest. The project, produced by MP Anand under Friday Film Factory, represents Bharath’s return to complex, character-driven narratives.