Telugu cinema welcomes yet another romantic comedy with Single, the ever- charming Sree Vishnu in the lead and Caarthick Raju helming the project. Released on May 9, 2025, the film has the production of Geetha Arts and Kalya Films, the two banners famed for their pizzazz in youth-oriented films.
Marketed as a universal story of love and isolation, Single gets its tone just right with hilarious posters and trailers brimmed with memes and quirky one-liners. But as the reels progress, the movie is a mixed bag — half pleasant, half disappointing. Read our in-depth review of Single, a patchy film which has a tough time making an impression.
A Tale of Two Loves: The Plot Unfolds
Single traces Vijay, who is acted by Sree Vishnu, a down-to-earth, witty, and somewhat gangly man in his late twenties who is quite desperate to end his singlehood. His tale is that of his two women: Purva (Ketika Sharma) and Harini (Ivana). Vijay’s experiences with both ladies, under similar scenarios, propel the plot forward, providing chances for humor, introspection, and heartbreak.
Although the plot of a guy stuck between two love affairs is nothing new, director Caarthick Raju puts a unique spin using pop culture allusions, meme-based imagery, and situational humor. The film zips by in the first half with funny moments, particularly in the interval block, which leaves us eager for more.
Performances That Keep the Film Afloat
Sree Vishnu anchors the film with his trademark charm and comic timing. His portrayal of Vijay, the quintessential modern-day “nice guy,” is sincere and filled with moments that evoke chuckles and sympathy. Whether he’s getting ghosted or overthinking a message, Sree Vishnu plays it all with a natural flair.
Vennela Kishore is terrific as the dry, sarcastic sidekick. His rapport with Vishnu is one of the biggest assets of the film. Their exchange elevates a lot of scenes that might have otherwise been flat.
While Sharma, who is one of the female protagonists, has nothing much to do because of her underwritten role, her performance does not leave much of an impression, nor does she connect with Sree Vishnu’s character on an emotional level. Ivana, however, does make her role more memorable through energetic expressions and strong screen presence.
Veteran actors such as Rajendra Prasad and VTV Ganesh have cameo appearances. Rajendra Prasad, in fact, is woefully underused, making a cameo appearance in a flashback sequence that is more of a necessity than a purpose. Comedian Sathya and Narne Nithiin also have blink-and-miss appearances that don’t add to the story.
Direction and Writing: Fun Turns into Formula
Director Caarthick Raju appears to have unlocked the code for a laugh-out-loud first half. He constructs the world of the protagonist convincingly and employs creative devices such as movie references, memes, and everyday-life awkward moments to engage young viewers.
But this energy plummets in the second half. As the movie transitions from comedy to emotion, it loses its hold on interest. The flashback sequence with Rajendra Prasad comes across as melodramatic and old-fashioned, jarring with the light-hearted tone established previously. The climax, which should have wrapped up the threads with wit or surprise, becomes nonsensical and hasty.
Briefly, the writing tends to lose steam post-intermission. What starts out as a good rom-com turns into a plot attempting too much to be emotionally deep.
Highlights That Work
In spite of its uneven tone, Single has some highlights that need to be cherished. The interval scene is impactful, evoking curiosity for what is next. The incorporation of meme culture and movie similarities is a breath of fresh air to the script. Sree Vishnu and Vennela Kishore’s performances are responsible for sustaining the humor even when the plot slackens.
The music and background score help the film well. While the songs are not hit numbers, they merge seamlessly with the plot, particularly during the first half.
Where It Fails
- Lousy Second Half: Following a fun first half, the pace significantly slows down.
- Manipulated Feelings: The flashback seems like a mere addition that fails to fit into the atmosphere of the film.
- Flat Climax: The climax doesn’t make sense and doesn’t provide closure or satisfaction.
- Underwhelming Female Characters: The female protagonists aren’t developed well enough to really make the love triangle interesting.
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Final Verdict: A Time-Pass Flick with Missed Potential
Single provides some harmless fun, by and large due to its central actor and humorous script during the first half. It’s that sort of film that can bring a sm
ile on your face at frequent points if you are also one who goes through the challenges of staying single in today’s social media generation. However, it also leaves you feeling it could have achieved much more.
If you walk in expecting a breezy rom-com with occasional laughs and don’t mind a dragging second half, Single won’t disappoint too much. However, for those looking for a strong emotional core or a memorable narrative, this film might feel forgettable once the credits roll.
Rating: 2.75/5
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