Full of breezy wit and pop culture zingers, “Single” presents a laid-back but fun spin on contemporary romance.
“Single” presents a witty but relatable story of love confusion and societal pressure, courtesy of the charming Sree Vishnu. Caarthick Raju’s film aims to entertain the youth, and succeeds in tickling the funny bone, though it falls short of hitting all the emotional buttons.
A Story Grounded in Real-Life Struggles of Being Single
At the centre of Single is Vijay (Sree Vishnu), middle-aged insurance broker trying to sail through the uncertain waters of loneliness and love. Vijay is well beyond marrying age, and his love towards Purva (Ketika Sharma) falls on deaf ears. Just as things look dull, a proposal from a far younger Harini (Ivana) comes like a surprise turn. The movie traces Vijay’s attempts to decide whom to pick—and if love still has a place in his life.
The story is straightforward and earthy, which makes it extremely accessible, particularly for those who are going through societal pressure when it comes to relationships and marriage.
Humor First, Depth Later (Or Not At All)
Chaavu Kaburu Challaga director Caarthick Raju plays it safe here by making the movie virtually all-comedy. The movie relies heavily on comedy to move the story forward, and it succeeds for the most part.
Sree Vishnu’s timing is impeccable, and his dialogues with Vennela Kishore are filled with pop culture references that hit the mark. The two characters’ back-and-forth adds much-needed energy to an otherwise formulaic plot.
However, the emotional journey is underdeveloped. For a tale of the internal conflict of love and societal pressure, the movie fails to provide deeper emotional beats that would have made it more effective.
Mixed Pacing: A Slow Beginning but a Laughable Conclusion
The movie falters in terms of pacing, particularly in the first half, as the scenes are repetitive and dragged out. The story only gains momentum towards the interval.
The second half, though, is a treat with its comic situations and the mayhem that erupts when Vijay finds himself caught between two women. These scenes are well thought out and add a lot of entertainment value to the movie.
The conclusion is smart and opens the door for a future sequel well, leaving the viewer with a mysterious smile.
Performances: Sree Vishnu Steals the Show
Sree Vishnu yet again shows his versatility with an easy-going performance that blends laughter and sensitivity. His presence on screen, expressions, and posture infuse life into Vijay’s character without much ado.
Vennela Kishore, back in a full-fledged comic role, assures regular laughter. His interaction with Vishnu is spontaneous and engaging.
Though the male heroes are in the limelight, the heroines take a backseat. Ivana makes a reasonable debut, but there is no follow-up for her character. Ketika Sharma is a pleasant surprise with a stronger presence and lending some emotional depth to the film.
Technical Aspects: Good But Not Great
Single’s production values are good. The movie is clean-looking, the visuals are interesting, and the setup is nice overall. The editing, though, is poor, particularly in the first half of the movie when unnecessary scenes could have been cut.
Vishal Chandrasekhar’s music is also forgettable. The songs fail to impress, which is a wasted chance for a youth-oriented film.
Final Verdict: A Light-Hearted Comedy for the Weekend
Single is not a film that aims to be deep or philosophical. It’s meant to entertain, and it largely succeeds at that, thanks to the strong comedic performances and relatable premise.
If you’re in the mood for a breezy rom-com that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Single is a fun, time-pass watch. Just don’t go in expecting emotional depth or groundbreaking storytelling.
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