Once Upon a Time in Madras is a 2024 Tamil hyperlink thriller film directed by debutant Prasadh Murugan and produced by Captain MP Anand under Friday Film Factory. The movie features an ensemble cast, including Bharath, Abhirami, Shaan, Anjali Nair, Pavithra Lakshmi, and Thalaivasal Vijay, among others.

With a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes, the film explores interconnected lives disrupted by a single gun, leading to a chain of violent and morally complex events.

The film was released in theaters on December 13, 2024, and later made available on Amazon Prime Video from January 17, 2025. It received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its ambitious storytelling but criticism for its uneven execution.

About the Once Upon a Time in Madras South Movie Hdmovies4u

Plot Summary of Once Upon a Time in Madras Movie Hdmovies4u

The film begins with Rangaraj (Thalaivasal Vijay), a retired army officer, shooting a young boy, Sudharshan, in a fit of rage when the child attempts to pluck mangoes from his tree. To evade accountability, Rangaraj disposes of the gun in the Coovum canal, where it is later retrieved by different individuals, setting off a series of violent encounters.

The narrative follows four interconnected stories:

1. Savitri (Abhirami), a sanitation worker and single mother, struggles to protect her transgender daughter, Karthi “Aarthi” (Disha Govindharaj), from a predatory loan shark, Moorthy (PG Saravanan).
2. Raja (Bharath), a desperate husband, takes on a hit job to fund his wife’s kidney transplant, only to discover a tragic twist.
3. Madhi (Anjali Nair), a newlywed woman, uncovers her husband’s hidden sexuality and her father-in-law’s horrific abuse.
4. Anitha’s father (Thalaivasal Vijay), a casteist man, commits a brutal murder based on a mistaken identity.

The gun passes from one character to another, exposing societal injustices—transphobia, caste violence, marital rape, and corruption—while questioning morality and vigilante justice.

Review of Once Upon a Time in Madras Movie Hdmovies4u

Strengths

✅ Powerful Performances – Abhirami delivers a moving performance as a mother fighting for her transgender daughter, while Bharath portrays desperation convincingly. Anjali Nair stands out as a woman trapped in a toxic marriage.
✅ Ambitious Themes – The film tackles heavy subjects like homophobia, casteism, and gender violence, making it socially relevant.
✅ Engaging Narrative Structure – The hyperlink format keeps the audience engaged as the gun’s journey unfolds.

Weaknesses

❌ Uneven Execution – Critics noted shoddy editing and abrupt scene transitions that disrupt the flow.
❌ Logical Gaps – Some character decisions feel forced, like Savitri leaving her daughter alone despite threats.
❌ Preachy Dialogue – Certain lines, like “Thappu panravana adikardhu dhaan right nu nenachen, aana ippo left dhaan right nu nenaikiren”, lack subtlety.

Box Office & Budget

The film had a modest box office performance, earning ₹0.39 crore worldwide . While not a commercial success, it gained attention for its bold themes. The budget remains undisclosed, but given its mid-scale production, it likely ranged between ₹5-10 crore.

Fan Reactions & Critical Reception

Positive Reviews

• “A gripping thriller with strong social messages. Abhirami’s performance is heart-wrenching!” – Times of India (3/5).
• “The film’s ambition is commendable, even if execution falters.” – IMDb User (7.2/10).

Negative Reviews

• “A loaded chamber that misfires due to poor editing.” – Cinema Express (2/5).
• “Too many coincidences weaken the impact.” – Filmibeat User.

Final Verdict of Once Upon a Time in Madras Movie Hdmovies4u

Once Upon a Time in Madras is a bold but flawed thriller that attempts to weave multiple societal issues into a single narrative. While it suffers from pacing and logical issues, its strong performances and relevant themes make it worth a watch for fans of hyperlink cinema.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Where to Watch?

• Theatrical Release: December 13, 2024
• OTT Release: Amazon Prime Video (from January 17, 2025).

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