In early 2010, O'Nell also completed shooting for the critically acclaimed and Indian National Award-winning "Chittagong", a period drama based on historical events surrounding the East Indian Chittagong armoury raid of 1930. O'Nell plays Charles Johnson, the British Official in charge of law and order, who is pitted against a school teacher named Surya Sen (played by Indian actor Manoj Bajpai) and a group of students who go on to famously defeat the imperial force for the first time in the history of British India. Due to similar subject matter, "Chittagong" was compared to the Abhishek Bachchan-starrer "Khele Hum Jee Jaan Sey", which received a lukewarm reception in 2011. O'Nell has commented that "Chittagong" is a "grittier" depiction of the events. Chittagong also stars notable India-based British actor and acting instructor Barry John, and released to unanimously positive reviews on October 12, 2012. Critics commented "... Charles Johnson [Alexx O'Nell], ... along with the others perform brilliantly.". Bollywood trade analyst Komal Nahta added "Alexx O’Nell, as Charles Johnson, plays the cruel officer by getting into the skin of the character." Hindustan times asserted "The performances are earnest and genuine to the core..." and "Alexx O'Nell ... leave[s] a tremendous impression...". Box Office India critiqued O'Nell and John together writing: "Barry John and Alexx O'Nell act ably", with News Track India adding "[O'Nell and John] who have played the characters of Britishers are superb...".