Single Review: Love, Lies, and Laughter

Single has been released in theatres this Summer. Telugu Funda tells you what to expect from the movie.

Telugu Funda’s reveal of the Plot:

Vijay (Sree Vishnu) is smitten by Poorva (Ketika Sharma), a spirited saleswoman at a sleek car showroom. Using the ruse of scouting a flashy Audi for his well-settled brother in the US, Vijay engineers frequent rendezvous with Poorva, his heart racing with every stolen glance. Meanwhile, Harini (Ivana), a bold and grateful stranger Vijay once shielded from troublemakers in a bustling mall, sets her sights on him, her affection growing like wildfire. Chaos erupts when Poorva uncovers Vijay’s deception. Undeterred, Harini seizes the moment, weaving herself deeper into Vijay’s orbit. Where will all this end?

Telugu Funda’s take on the Performances:

1. Sree Vishnu: Samajavaragamana and SWAG, despite their contrasting BO results, elevated his standing as a ‘minimum guarantee’ actor on the performance front. Single furthers the cause he has been espousing as an actor carving his own path. Since the likes of Sharwanand, Sai Dharam Tej and Varun Tej have stopped doing entertainers like before, Sree Vishnu is certainly filling the void.
2. Vennela Kishore: This is the kind of film he needed after Satya started stealing the march with films like Mathu Vadalara 2. Brahma Anandam might have disappointed his admirers, but Single doesn’t.
3. The girls: Ketika Sharma should try an out-and-out family girl role. In Single, she is at ease with herself in the scenes where she has to interact with her onscreen mother. Ivana of Love Today fame is cute in some moments but, overall, the director fails to present her differently.
4. The cameos: Satya is seen in a comedy scene. Lucky Baskhar fame Manasa Chowdary and Monica Reba John get short roles. Revanth of Sankranthiki Vasthunam should have been utilized better.

Telugu Funda’s take on the Technical Departments:

Vishal Chandrasekhar’s background score is middling. As it is, the script didn’t offer him much scope to be inventive. The songs are largely above-average, with Shilpi Yevaro working the best despite the bland backdrop. Single is not the technicians’ film by any reckoning. Geetha Arts and Kalya Films don’t make an attempt to make a glitzy film. Even films set in small towns and villages seem to exude a level of richness.

Telugu Funda’s Analysis:

A constant complaint many of us have is that Telugu cinema has forgotten the art of making comedies. The absence of clever, witty situations is evident in most of the comedies made in the last 10-15 years. Sree Vaitla’s Athadu was panned by many when it was released. But if you watch it today, you will realize that it is better than most so-called good comedies of the day. That’s the reason even very ordinary entertainers like Sankranthiki Vasthunam earn Rs 300 Cr if they time their release for festivals.

By today’s standards, Single is enjoyable. Yes, cleaners and servant maids are made fun of and this classist mindset is reprehensible. But there are plenty of other scenes where the comedy is healthy and neat. Two friends making fun of each other’s choices and relationship status is an idea this film toys with, explores on repeat, and makes the most of.

These days, nobody expects a strong storyline in rom-coms, especially in love triangles. Single doesn’t concern itself with a story. By the time a new character is introduced in the second half, you almost lose interest in the film’s story. You wait for Sree Vishnu or Vennela Kishore to abruptly end the progression of the plot and simply tickle your funny bone. The climax is totally unserious. The film itself shouldn’t be taken seriously at all.

Telugu Funda’s Verdict:

Single is not a boring film by any stretch. Even if you are an uncharitable critic of forced situations in rom-coms, you will have some takeaways. Watch this one with realistic expectations.

Rating: 2.75

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