Even with charming performances and comic moments, ‘Single’ fails to deliver an emotionally satisfying or coherent conclusion.
‘Single’ begins with a breezy and entertaining feel, spearheaded by Sree Vishnu’s natural charm, but the underwhelming second half and poor emotional impact keep the film from being an all-out entertainer. Let’s break down what pays off — and what doesn’t — in this rom-com.
A Relatable Plot That Starts Off Strong
Single’s narrative revolves around Vijay (Sree Vishnu), who is eager to get out of being single. The movie follows his eccentric and clumsy efforts at finding love, mostly with Purva (Ketika Sharma), and ultimately presents the circumstantial and emotional reasons that keep him single at the end.
The first half of the film effectively establishes a lighthearted, comedic tone, examining friendship, dating disasters, and emotional confusion through realistic and amusing scenes. The concept of reliving romantic situations with varying results keeps the audience mildly engaged.
Performances That Carry the Film
Sree Vishnu slots back in with ease, getting back to what he does best: easy-going, slice-of-life humor. His easygoing nature and innate comedic sense lift a number of scenes, even if the writing is less than great. It’s his show from beginning to end.
Ketika Sharma, however, is not as memorable. Her character lacks depth and consistency, and her portrayal doesn’t leave a strong impression. While she does what’s expected, the role itself feels underwritten and forgettable.
Vennela Kishore adds much-needed energy, delivering several laugh-worthy moments. Ivana also contributes positively with her calm and neat performance, though her screen time is limited.
The rest of the supporting cast — such as Rajendra Prasad and VTV Ganesh — are sadly wasted. Their characters are more like filler than an actual part of the narrative.
Direction and Writing: Missed Opportunities
Director Caarthick Raju begins with a great premise, mixing comedy and a search-for-love story in a young backdrop. But the writing soon runs out of steam in the second half.
Where the first half has quirky-yet-humorous situations with a new energy, the second half is predictable, contrived, and emotionally shallow. The Rajendra Prasad subplot does not fit and feels old-fashioned, and Purva’s belated realization does not ring true.
In a movie that sells itself as a quirky rom-com, the lack of a powerful and natural conclusion becomes its biggest disappointment. The conclusion comes across as forced, as if stitched together without emotional sense.
Technical Departments Deliver, But Can’t Save the Climax
Vishal Chandrasekhar’s score is a strength in itself, picking up the mood and adding a fun-filled background to Sree Vishnu’s shenanigans. His songs, however, don’t quite leave a mark on their own.
Velraj’s cinematography gives the film a warm and polished look, and the production values from Geetha Arts and Kalya Films make the film visually appealing. Editing by Praveen, however, falters especially in the latter half — where the narrative becomes choppy and less cohesive.
Highlights That Make It Worth a Watch
- Sree Vishnu’s charismatic and casual performance
- Comedic relief by Vennela Kishore
- A few engaging and humorous first-half sequences
- Pleasant cinematography and background music
What Brings the Film Down?
- Unconvincing character arc for Ketika Sharma’s role
- Forced emotional beats that feel unnecessary
- Disjointed storytelling post-interval
- A dull and unsatisfying climax that fails to match the film’s initial tone
Final Verdict
Single provides a few chuckles and is worth seeing for Sree Vishnu’s phenomenal performance. Yet, the film fails to quite stick its landing. Better character development and a more robust second half would have made this a high point in the romantic comedy genre. Instead, it’s a one-time watch — pleasant in spots but ultimately disappointing.
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