Once Upon a Time) is a 1978 Indian Kannada-language epic film co-written and directed by Girish Karnad with soundtrack by Bhaskar Chandavarkar, starring Shankar Nag and Akshatha Rao in their debut.

The film has excellent outdoor photography, high standard of acting and an eye-catching decor" as cited by the Jury.

Vincent Canby, the chief film critic of The New York Times, called the movie "that is both exotic as well as surprising in view of all the bodies on the ground at the end, sweet natured!".

[1] The film was subtitled into English for its American premiere on 18 October 1995 in Shriver Hall at the Johns Hopkins University as part of the 1995 Milton S. Eisenhower Symposium "Framing Society : A Century of Cinema".

While there, Gandugali befriends the son of the chieftain's eldest brother, Jayakeshi, who is consigned to tending to cattle by his uncle.

Gandugali helps the chieftain earn minor victories against his brother, much to the envy of the chief's commander.

Finally, Peramadi makes a deal with Gandugali to help him destroy the family in return for letting Jayakeshi go.

Peramadi realises that Jaykeshi was crying over Gandugali and, after a change of heart, reinstates him as the chief and walks away.

[7] With wide tracking photography, great shots of the Malenadu forests and excellent detailing, Ondanondu Kaladalli is an epic masterpiece.

Gandugali, as played by Shankar Nag, who has a lot of the force and humor of the younger Toshiro Mifune, and Permadi, played by Sunder Krishna Urs, are most appealing characters, doing their honorable best in a world that does not reward honor, only victory".