Single Salma Movie Review – Huma Qureshi Shines in a Bold Tale of Self-Discovery
Introduction
Single Salma is a heartfelt and thought-provoking Hindi drama directed by Nachiket Samant, starring the ever-versatile Huma Qureshi in the lead role. Released on October 31, 2025, the film takes audiences on a journey of independence, identity, and the constant tug-of-war between societal expectations and personal freedom.
Plot Summary
Set in Lucknow, Single Salma tells the story of Salma, a hardworking woman who has spent her life putting her family’s needs before her own. Despite being responsible and accomplished, society sees her as “incomplete” simply because she remains unmarried.
Just before an arranged marriage, Salma travels to London for work, where she experiences freedom and self-expression for the first time. Away from her family and societal norms, she begins to question the life that’s been planned for her — is marriage the only path to being “settled”? The film follows her emotional awakening as she must choose between returning home to conformity or embracing a new, self-defined life.
Performances
Huma Qureshi delivers one of her most mature performances to date. Her portrayal of Salma is layered, capturing both vulnerability and quiet strength. She beautifully conveys the emotional confusion of a woman torn between duty and desire.
Supporting actors Sunny Singh and Shreyas Talpade add texture to the story. Singh’s calm presence and Talpade’s comedic timing bring balance to the film’s heavier themes. Together, the cast ensures that even the simplest dialogues feel authentic and grounded.
Direction & Writing
Director Nachiket Samant brings sensitivity to the subject matter, avoiding melodrama while keeping the story emotionally rich. The writing is crisp and relatable, particularly in scenes where Salma confronts her family or questions her own happiness. The pacing, however, dips slightly in the second half as the narrative leans into introspection, but it regains rhythm with a powerful finale.
Cinematography & Music
The visual contrast between Lucknow and London mirrors Salma’s inner transformation — from a world of constraints to one of freedom. Cinematographer’s framing of everyday life in India versus the openness of London adds symbolic depth to the film.
The music, composed by Sohail Sen and Jassi Sindhu, complements the tone perfectly. Soft, soulful tracks blend seamlessly into the story without overshadowing it. The background score underscores Salma’s loneliness and eventual empowerment with subtle grace.
Themes & Message
Single Salma is not just a film about being single — it’s a commentary on how society measures a woman’s worth through marital status. It questions long-held traditions with compassion, not rebellion, and celebrates the courage it takes to choose oneself.
The narrative resonates strongly with modern audiences, especially women who face the pressure of “settling down.” It invites viewers to rethink what happiness and success truly mean.
Verdict
Single Salma is a powerful and emotionally resonant film that blends humor, introspection, and honesty. Huma Qureshi’s captivating performance anchors this story of self-realization and empowerment. Despite minor pacing flaws, the film’s emotional depth and relatable storytelling make it a must-watch.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Strengths: Stellar performance by Huma Qureshi, relatable script, empowering message
Weaknesses: Slightly slow mid-section, predictable ending
Conclusion
With Single Salma, Bollywood gains a rare gem — a film that speaks for countless women redefining their own idea of fulfillment. It’s not just about choosing freedom over marriage, but about embracing the right to choose at all.