Single (2025) Telugu Movie Review: A Hilarious Yet Flawed Comedy Ride
Single, the latest Telugu comedy starring Sree Vishnu, hit theaters on May 9, 2025, generating buzz for its promise of lighthearted entertainment. Directed by Caarthick Raju and produced by V Celluloid and Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Cinema, the film features Ketika Sharma, Ivana, and Vennela Kishore in key roles. With a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, Single aims to deliver a fun, laughter-filled experience but struggles with narrative depth and pacing issues. This 800-word review dives into the film’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact for a blog audience, drawing from critical reception and audience sentiment.
Plot: A Tangled Web of Comedy and Romance
Single centers on Vijay (Sree Vishnu), a bank employee whose life takes a comedic turn when he falls for Purva Nettem (Ketika Sharma) at first sight. Determined to win her affection, Vijay embarks on a series of humorous misadventures to get closer to her. Complicating matters, Harini (Ivana) develops feelings for Vijay and begins following him, creating a love triangle fueled by misunderstandings. The narrative unfolds as Vijay navigates these romantic entanglements, with the second half revealing twists about Purva and Harini’s intentions. The story attempts to blend comedy, romance, and mild emotional beats, but its reliance on situational humor often overshadows deeper storytelling. Without spoiling key plot points, the film’s resolution hinges on Vijay’s choices, though the payoff feels predictable and rushed.
Thematically, Single explores the quirks of modern relationships and the chaos of unrequited love, sprinkled with pop culture references and trending memes. While the premise is relatable, the screenplay lacks a cohesive structure, swinging between laugh-out-loud moments and draggy sequences. The film’s lighthearted tone makes it a potential crowd-pleaser, but its uneven execution prevents it from fully capitalizing on its potential.
Performances: Sree Vishnu and Vennela Kishore Steal the Show
Sree Vishnu is the film’s backbone, delivering a performance that leans heavily on his impeccable comic timing. Known for roles in films like Brochevarevarura and Raja Raja Chora, he effortlessly carries Single with his natural charm and ability to turn mundane dialogues into laugh riots. His use of trending slang and meme-inspired one-liners resonates with younger audiences, making Vijay a relatable everyman. Critics have praised his “hilarious comedy timing” and ability to “infuse life” into the narrative, even when the script falters.
Vennela Kishore, as Vijay’s friend, is the film’s secret weapon. His scenes with Sree Vishnu are the comedic high points, evoking genuine laughter with his deadpan delivery and quirky mannerisms. Posts on social media highlight their chemistry, with fans noting that the duo “fill the screens with comedic scenes that evoke genuine laughs.” Ketika Sharma, playing Purva, opts for a subdued role, moving away from her usual glamorous persona. While she performs adequately, her character feels underwritten, limiting her impact. Ivana, as Harini, shows promise but is similarly hampered by a lack of depth in her role. Supporting actors like VTV Ganesh and Rajendra Prasad appear in brief roles, but their contributions feel underutilized, with Prasad’s emotional arc failing to land in the comedy-heavy narrative.
Technical Aspects: Decent but Unremarkable
Director Caarthick Raju, making his Telugu debut, aims to craft a comedy-driven entertainer but struggles to balance humor with a compelling story. His reliance on one-liners and situational gags works in parts, but the screenplay’s lack of focus dilutes the film’s momentum. Critics note that “the story takes a backseat” to the comedy, with the second half feeling particularly draggy due to “unnecessary scenes and proceedings.” The cinematography by Charan Madhavan is functional, capturing the film’s urban setting with a clean, vibrant look. However, the visuals lack the flair seen in other recent Telugu comedies like Mathu Vadalara 2.
The background score by Leon James is serviceable but forgettable, failing to elevate key moments. The songs, while catchy in theaters, don’t leave a lasting impression post-screening. Editing by KL Praveen is adequate, though trimming 10-15 minutes from the second half could have sharpened the pacing. Production values are solid, reflecting the film’s modest budget, but the overall technical package feels standard for a mid-tier Telugu comedy.
Reception and Box Office: A Mixed Bag
Single has received mixed reviews, with critics and audiences appreciating its humor but criticizing its weak narrative. 123telugu.com gave it a 3/5, calling it “a decent comedy watch” but noting that “not so engaging story” and “some unnecessary scenes” dull its appeal. Telugu360 rated it 2.75/5, praising the “punchy one-liners” but lamenting the “draggy screenplay.” GreatAndhra described it as a “passable entertainer” that “stumbles in its second half due to weak writing.” Fans have echoed these sentiments, with some calling it a “timepass film” and others enjoying Sree Vishnu’s “effortless performance.”
Box office-wise, Single opened to decent numbers, buoyed by Sree Vishnu’s fanbase and the lack of major competing releases. Reports suggest it performed well on its second day, though exact figures are unavailable. However, its long-term success may depend on word-of-mouth, given the mixed critical response and competition from other summer releases like Subham, Samantha’s horror-comedy.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Sree Vishnu and Vennela Kishore’s hilarious chemistry, delivering laugh-out-loud moments.
- Relatable premise and meme-driven humor that appeals to younger audiences.
- Solid production values for a mid-budget comedy.
Weaknesses:
- Weak screenplay and underdeveloped characters, especially for Ketika Sharma and Ivana.
- Draggy second half with pacing issues and a predictable climax.
- Forgettable music and unremarkable technical execution.
Final Verdict: A Fun but Forgettable Comedy
Single is a breezy, enjoyable comedy that banks heavily on Sree Vishnu and Vennela Kishore’s comedic prowess. It’s the kind of film that works best as a weekend watch with friends, offering enough laughs to keep you entertained, especially in the first half. However, its lack of narrative depth, uneven pacing, and underdeveloped supporting characters prevent it from being a standout in the Telugu comedy genre. Compared to recent hits like Mathu Vadalara 2 or MAD, it falls short of delivering a consistently engaging experience. If you’re a fan of Sree Vishnu’s brand of humor or looking for a light, no-brainer entertainer, Single is worth a watch in theaters. Otherwise, it’s a passable OTT candidate for a lazy afternoon.
Rating: 3/5
Recommendation: Catch it for Sree Vishnu’s comic timing and Vennela Kishore’s antics, but temper expectations for a cohesive story. Best enjoyed with a group for maximum laughs.
