Girish Karnad's robust tale of medieval India is that country's first martial arts film, and a beautiful bow to Japanese director Kurosawa. The setting is thirteenth-century Karnataka, the birthplace, history has it, of martial arts (created by Buddhist priests as self defense against marauding bandits). In the lawless state of Karnataka, ruled by greed for land and lust for power, the skill most in demand was that of the mercenary soldier. Once Upon a Time is the story of two such soldiers engaged in a struggle on behalf of rival brothers.
“In a supremely enjoyable film, Karnad brings to the genre historical authenticity, human characters, a strong narrative sense and some brilliantly choreographed fights”--David Robinson, London Times