Single Salma Movie – Story, Cast, Release Date & Complete Review

Single Salma is a 2025 Hindi romantic comedy-drama that tells the story of an independent woman fighting against societal pressure to get married.

Starring Huma Qureshi in the lead role, this film explores themes of self-discovery, women empowerment, and the Indian obsession with marriage. Released on October 31, 2025, Single Salma brings a fresh perspective to Bollywood’s women-oriented films.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Single Salma – from its story and cast to detailed reviews and box office performance. Whether you’re planning to watch this movie or just curious about what it offers, this article has all the answers.

Single Salma Release Date and Platform

Single Salma hit theaters on October 31, 2025 across India. The film received a theatrical release through Viacom18 Studios and Star Studios, though it was given limited screens compared to bigger Bollywood releases.

Release Details:

• Release Date: October 31, 2025
• Release Type: Theatrical Release
• Language: Hindi
• Runtime: 2 hours 21 minutes (141 minutes)
• Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
• Certificate: U/A (suitable for 12+ years with parental guidance)

The movie was primarily released in multiplexes across major cities in India. After its theatrical run, Single Salma is expected to stream on digital platforms, though the exact OTT release date has not been officially announced yet. Given the partnership with Viacom18 Studios, the film will likely premiere on JioCinema or similar platforms within 45-60 days of its theatrical release.

Where to Watch: Currently, Single Salma is available only in cinemas. For viewers outside India, the film may get an international theatrical release in select markets with significant Indian diaspora populations, including the USA, UK, UAE, and Australia.

Single Salma Story and Plot

Single Salma revolves around Salma Rizvi, a 33-year-old unmarried woman living in Lucknow, India. Despite working hard to support her entire family, Salma is constantly reminded by society that she is “unsettled” because she isn’t married. The film beautifully captures the struggles of an independent woman caught between her responsibilities and societal expectations.

The Complete Story:

Salma works in the municipal department of Lucknow and is the sole earning member of her family. She lives with her father, mother, and younger brother Subhan.

Her family depends entirely on her income, and she has already helped her two elder sisters get married. The family’s ancestral house is mortgaged, and Salma is working tirelessly to pay off the debt to a corrupt real estate businessman named Rastogi.

Despite her contributions to the family, Salma faces constant pressure to get married. Her family arranges several meetings with potential grooms, but none of them turn out to be suitable matches.

Some men are too traditional, others are looking for a housewife, and most cannot accept Salma’s independent nature and career ambitions.

Finally, Salma meets Sikandar Khan, a humble and semi-literate man who runs a small apparel shop. Unlike other men, Sikandar is impressed by Salma’s dedication to her family and respects her career. He doesn’t try to change her or make her feel inferior. Touched by his humility and genuine nature, Salma agrees to marry him.

Just as their wedding preparations begin, Salma receives an incredible opportunity – she is selected to go to London for two months as part of the Lucknow Smart City project.

This is a dream opportunity for her career, but her family is against the idea. They worry about what society will say about an unmarried woman traveling abroad alone.

However, Sikandar surprises everyone by encouraging Salma to take this opportunity. He believes in her dreams and doesn’t want marriage to become a barrier to her growth. This gesture makes Salma respect him even more.

In London, Salma experiences true freedom for the first time in her life. She works on the Smart City project, explores the city, and discovers a world where women aren’t judged for being single or independent.

Here, she meets Meet Singh Sahni, a charming and educated man who represents everything Salma has dreamed of in a partner. He is modern, well-traveled, and shares her intellectual interests.

As Salma spends time with Meet, she develops feelings for him. She finds herself torn between two worlds – Sikandar, who accepts her as she is but comes from a simple background, and Meet, who shares her modern outlook but might not understand her family responsibilities.

Things get complicated when a picture of Salma enjoying her time in London goes viral on social media. Her family and the entire neighborhood in Lucknow see these photos, and gossip spreads like wildfire. People question her character, and her family’s reputation is at stake.

The film reaches its emotional peak when Salma returns to Lucknow and must face her family, society, and her own heart. She needs to make a choice that will define her future – should she follow her heart or fulfill her commitments?

The Unique Ending:

Without spoiling too much, Single Salma doesn’t take the predictable route. The film’s conclusion focuses on Salma’s journey of self-discovery rather than just romantic resolution. It delivers a powerful message about women’s right to choose their own path, whether that means marriage, career, or both on their own terms.

Single Salma Star Cast and Crew

Single Salma features a talented ensemble cast led by Huma Qureshi. The film brings together experienced actors and fresh faces to tell this heartwarming story.

Lead Actors

Huma Qureshi as Salma Rizvi

Huma Qureshi plays the titular role of Salma, a 33-year-old independent woman from Lucknow. This is one of Huma’s most challenging roles as she portrays a character dealing with family pressure, societal judgment, and her own desires.

Huma, known for her performances in Gangs of Wasseypur, Badlapur, and Monica O My Darling, brings depth and authenticity to Salma’s character. Interestingly, Huma also turned producer with this film alongside her brother Saqib Saleem.

Shreyas Talpade as Sikandar Khan

Shreyas Talpade plays Sikandar, the humble shopkeeper who falls in love with Salma. Shreyas is perfect for this role, bringing warmth and sincerity to his character.

Known for his versatility in films like Iqbal, Dor, and the Golmaal series, Shreyas delivers a memorable performance as a man who breaks stereotypes by supporting his partner’s dreams.

Sunny Singh as Meet Singh Sahni

Sunny Singh portrays Meet, the modern and charming man Salma meets in London. Sunny, who gained popularity through films like Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, and Jai Mummy Di, brings his natural charm to this role. His character represents the urban, educated Indian man who understands contemporary women’s aspirations.

Supporting Cast

The supporting cast adds authenticity to the film, with each actor bringing their unique flavor to their respective roles. Kanwaljit Singh, a veteran actor, provides the emotional anchor as Salma’s father, while Nidhi Singh adds the much-needed friendship angle to Salma’s life.

Director and Writers

Director: Nachiket Samant

Nachiket Samant makes his directorial debut with Single Salma. While this is his first feature film, Nachiket brings a fresh perspective to storytelling.

His direction focuses on simplicity and authenticity, though critics have noted that the pacing could have been tighter. He handles the emotional scenes well and allows his actors to shine.

Writers: Amina Khan and Ravi Kumar

The story and screenplay are written by Amina Khan and Ravi Kumar. The writing duo has crafted a narrative that addresses an important social issue – the pressure on women to get married. While the premise is strong, some critics felt the screenplay could have been sharper, especially in the second half.

Dialogue Writer: Mudassar Aziz

Mudassar Aziz, known for his work on Pati Patni Aur Woh and Happy Bhag Jayegi, has penned the dialogues for Single Salma. His witty one-liners and situational humor add light moments to the film, though the dialogue could have been more consistent throughout.

Music Composers: Sohail Sen and Jassi Sindhu

The music of Single Salma is composed by Sohail Sen (known for Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Ek Tha Tiger) and Jassi Sindhu. The film features five songs that blend traditional Lucknowi melodies with contemporary beats.

Producers:

• Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem (Elemen3 Entertainment)
• Viacom18 Studios
• Star Studios

Production Companies:

• Elemen3 Entertainment
• Viacom18 Studios
• Star Studios

Other Key Crew Members:

• Cinematography: Andrew Boulter
• Editing: Ashish Tripathi and Abhishek Anand
• Production Design: Tariq Umar Khan
• Costume Design: Veera Kapur Ee

Single Salma Detailed Review

Single Salma tackles an important subject – women’s independence and society’s obsession with marriage. But does it succeed in delivering its message effectively? Let’s break down every aspect of this film.

Story and Screenplay

What Works:

The core premise of Single Salma is both relevant and refreshing. The film addresses the very real pressure that unmarried women face in Indian society, especially those who are financially independent and career-oriented. The story of a 33-year-old woman being labeled as “unsettled” despite supporting her entire family resonates with many viewers.

The first half establishes Salma’s world beautifully. The scenes showing her daily struggles, the awkward marriage meetings, and her first encounter with Sikandar are well-written. The film doesn’t preach initially; instead, it shows the reality organically.

The decision to set the story in Lucknow adds authenticity. The small-town mindset, the family dynamics, and the cultural nuances are portrayed realistically. The London sequence provides a nice contrast, showing how different societies view independent women.

What Doesn’t Work:

Despite a strong premise, the screenplay by Amina Khan and Ravi Kumar has noticeable weaknesses. The biggest issue is the pacing – the film moves too slowly, especially in the middle portion. At 141 minutes, Single Salma feels longer than it should be.

The London track, while important thematically, takes up a significant chunk of the runtime. Some scenes feel repetitive, showing Salma’s freedom in different ways but not really adding new dimensions to her character development.

Critics have pointed out similarities with Queen (2014), where Kangana Ranaut’s character also discovers herself during a trip abroad. While Single Salma has its own story, the parallels are hard to ignore.

Another major issue is the viral picture subplot. It’s hard to believe that Salma, who is shown to be intelligent and aware, wouldn’t notice her photo going viral or check her social media during her two-month London stay. This plot convenience weakens the story’s credibility.

The climax tries to be different from typical Bollywood endings, but it doesn’t pack the emotional punch it should. The resolution feels rushed after a slow-burning narrative, leaving viewers wanting more depth.

Comparison with Similar Films:

Single Salma draws comparisons with films like Queen, Pad Man (especially Sikandar’s supportive husband speech), and even English Vinglish. While these comparisons aren’t entirely fair, they highlight that the film’s treatment of its subject could have been more unique.

Rating: 2.5/5

Performances

Huma Qureshi:

Huma Qureshi carries Single Salma on her shoulders, and she does a commendable job for the most part. In the initial scenes, she appears to try too hard to look serious and burdened, which makes her expressions a bit forced. However, once she settles into the character, Huma shines.

Her best moments come in the dialogue-heavy scenes where she questions societal norms or stands up for herself. The beach scene in London, where Salma experiences pure joy, is beautifully performed. Huma’s body language changes subtly between Lucknow and London, showing her character’s transformation.

However, some emotional scenes lack the impact they should have. Perhaps the inconsistent screenplay affects her performance in these moments.

Performance Rating: 3.5/5

Shreyas Talpade:

Shreyas Talpade is the surprise package of Single Salma. From his very first scene, he brings authenticity to Sikandar. Playing a semi-literate shopkeeper from Lucknow, Shreyas never lets it become a caricature. He finds the perfect balance between humility and strength.

His confrontation scene with the local goon Babban is powerful, showing that Sikandar’s gentle nature doesn’t mean he’s weak. The scene where he encourages Salma to go to London is heartwarming, and Shreyas delivers it with genuine emotion.

Critics and audiences agree that Shreyas is one of the film’s biggest strengths. He makes you root for Sikandar throughout.

Performance Rating: 4/5

Sunny Singh:

Sunny Singh’s performance as Meet Singh Sahni is decent but not exceptional. His British-Indian accent sounds forced in some scenes, which can be distracting. However, he brings the required charm to the character and shares good chemistry with Huma Qureshi.

Meet could have been a one-dimensional character – the perfect modern man – but Sunny adds some layers through his expressions and body language. He makes Meet likable without overshadowing the main narrative.

Performance Rating: 3/5

Supporting Cast:

Kanwaljit Singh, as Salma’s father, is dependable as always. He portrays the conflict of a traditional father who depends on his daughter but also worries about her reputation.

Sachin Kavetham leaves a mark as Subhan, Salma’s brother. His character arc is well-written, and Sachin performs it convincingly.

Nidhi Singh as Ratna, Salma’s friend, provides good support. Lauren Gottlieb as Zoya brings positive energy to the London sequences.

The supporting cast overall does justice to their roles, even though most characters could have been better developed in the script.

Overall Cast Rating: 3.5/5

Direction

Nachiket Samant, making his debut with Single Salma, shows promise but also reveals his inexperience. His strength lies in handling emotional scenes and getting good performances from his actors. The family scenes in Lucknow feel authentic under his direction.

However, Nachiket struggles with pacing. The film needed tighter editing and better rhythm. Some sequences, especially in London, could have been trimmed significantly without losing their essence.

The director’s vision for the climax is appreciable – he wants to give an unconventional ending that focuses on self-empowerment rather than romantic resolution. Unfortunately, the execution doesn’t match the ambition. The finale feels incomplete, as if the director wasn’t sure how to conclude the story effectively.

Another issue is the tone inconsistency. Single Salma can’t decide if it wants to be a light-hearted romantic comedy, a serious social drama, or an inspirational story about self-discovery. This confusion affects the overall impact.

On the positive side, Nachiket captures Lucknow’s essence beautifully. The narrow lanes, the traditional houses, the local markets – everything looks authentic. The contrast between Lucknow’s traditional atmosphere and London’s modern vibe is well-established visually.

Direction Rating: 2.5/5

Music and Songs

Single Salma features five songs composed by Sohail Sen and Jassi Sindhu. While the music fits the film’s narrative, none of the tracks became chartbusters before or after the release.

Song List:

1. Single Salma (Title Track) – An upbeat number celebrating singlehood and independence. Huma Qureshi features prominently in this song. The lyrics are fun, but the composition is forgettable.
2. Saiyaan Re Aaja Saiyaan – A traditional Lucknowi melody with classical influences. This song plays during the marriage meeting sequences. It’s pleasant but doesn’t stand out.
3. Drive Me Krazy – The London party song where Salma lets loose and enjoys her freedom. This is the most contemporary track in the album, with EDM beats. However, it sounds generic.
4. Sun Rahe Ho Na – A romantic ballad that captures Salma’s emotional confusion. This is probably the best song in the film musically, with good lyrics and soulful composition.
5. Bepaarwah – The closing anthem about living life on your own terms. While the message is powerful, the song doesn’t have the impact of similar empowerment anthems from other films.

Background Score:

The background score, also by Sohail Sen, is well-integrated into the narrative. It doesn’t overpower the scenes and supports the emotional moments effectively. The use of traditional Lucknowi instruments mixed with contemporary sounds creates a nice audio palette.

Music Rating: 2.5/5

Technical Aspects:

Cinematography (Andrew Boulter): The camera work is the film’s technical highlight. Andrew Boulter captures both Lucknow and London beautifully. The warm, earthy tones of Lucknow scenes contrast nicely with London’s cooler, brighter visuals. Rating: 4/5

Editing (Ashish Tripathi and Abhishek Anand): This is where Single Salma needed the most work. The editing is too lenient, allowing scenes to drag on. A tighter cut could have improved the film significantly. Rating: 2/5

Production Design (Tariq Umar Khan): The sets look authentic, especially Salma’s house and Sikandar’s shop. The production design effectively establishes the socio-economic background of characters. Rating: 3.5/5

Costume Design (Veera Kapur Ee): Veera does an excellent job showing Salma’s transformation through her wardrobe. In Lucknow, Salma wears simple, conservative clothes. In London, her style becomes more confident and contemporary. This visual progression enhances the storytelling. Rating: 4/5

Single Salma Box Office Collection

Single Salma received a limited theatrical release, which significantly impacted its box office performance. The film was released on approximately 500-700 screens across India, which is much lower than typical wide releases that get 2000+ screens.

Opening Day Collection: Single Salma earned approximately ₹40-50 lakhs (0.4-0.5 crores) on its opening day. This low number was expected given the limited release and lack of major promotional campaigns.

First Weekend Collection: The film collected around ₹1.5-2 crores in its opening weekend. The word-of-mouth was mixed, with some appreciating the message while others found the execution lacking.

First Week Collection: By the end of the first week, Single Salma had earned approximately ₹3-4 crores net in India. The film showed minimal growth during weekdays.

Total Collection (Estimated): The total domestic box office collection is estimated to be around ₹5-7 crores. With a reported budget of ₹15-20 crores (including production and marketing), Single Salma is a commercial failure at the box office.

Why Did It Fail at Box Office?

1. Limited Release: With only 500-700 screens, the film never had a chance for mass reach.
2. Lack of Promotion: The marketing campaign was minimal compared to other releases.
3. Competition: Released around Diwali season, Single Salma faced competition from bigger releases.
4. Mixed Reviews: Critical response was lukewarm, with most reviews ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 stars out of 5.
5. Niche Appeal: The subject matter, while important, appeals to a specific urban audience rather than mass viewers.

OTT Prospects: Given the theatrical underperformance, Single Salma’s makers are likely hoping for better response on OTT platforms. Films with feminist themes often find a more receptive audience on streaming platforms. The film may recover some of its investment through digital rights and satellite deals.

Comparison with Similar Films:

Unlike Queen and Tumhari Sulu, which became sleeper hits, Single Salma couldn’t capture audience imagination despite having a similar empowerment message.

Single Salma Pros and Cons

Pros (What Works)

✅ Important Message: The film addresses the real issue of societal pressure on unmarried women, especially those who are independent and career-focused.

✅ Shreyas Talpade’s Performance: His portrayal of the supportive, humble Sikandar is heartwarming and authentic.

✅ Huma Qureshi’s Dedication: Despite some forced moments, Huma brings sincerity to Salma’s character.

✅ Realistic Setting: The Lucknow backdrop feels authentic, and the film captures small-town dynamics well.

✅ Unconventional Approach: The film tries to avoid typical Bollywood romance tropes and focuses on self-discovery.

✅ Strong Supporting Cast: Kanwaljit Singh, Sachin Kavetham, and Nidhi Singh deliver solid performances.

✅ Beautiful Cinematography: The visuals of both Lucknow and London are captured wonderfully.

✅ Costume Design: Salma’s wardrobe evolution effectively shows her transformation.

✅ Dialogue: Some witty one-liners by Mudassar Aziz add humor to the narrative.

✅ Representation: Featuring Muslim characters in lead roles without making their religion the central conflict is refreshing.

Cons (What Doesn’t Work)

❌ Slow Pacing: The 141-minute runtime feels much longer due to dragging sequences.

❌ Unimpressive Climax: The ending doesn’t deliver the emotional impact it promises.

❌ Repetitive Scenes: Especially in the London portion, similar emotions are shown multiple times without adding depth.

❌ Lack of Originality: The story draws too many comparisons with Queen and other similar films.

❌ Plot Conveniences: The viral picture subplot has believability issues.

❌ Forgettable Music: None of the five songs make a lasting impression.

❌ Direction Issues: First-time director Nachiket Samant shows inexperience in maintaining narrative pace and tone.

❌ Limited Conflict: The story needed more dramatic tension to keep viewers engaged.

❌ Underdeveloped Characters: Meet Singh’s character especially needed better writing.

❌ Sermonic Moments: Some scenes feel preachy rather than organic.

❌ Box Office Failure: Limited release and poor collections mean fewer people will watch this film.

Should You Watch Single Salma?

Who Should Watch:

Women Who Relate to Salma’s Struggles: If you’ve ever faced pressure to get married despite being independent and successful, this film will resonate with you.

Huma Qureshi Fans: If you admire Huma’s work and want to support her debut production, give it a watch.

Advocates of Women’s Cinema: Those who believe in supporting films with women-centric narratives should watch Single Salma.

Fans of Slice-of-Life Dramas: If you enjoy simple, grounded stories over high-octane entertainment, this film might appeal to you.

Shreyas Talpade Admirers: Shreyas delivers one of his finest performances, making it worth watching for his fans.

Who Can Skip:

Those Seeking Entertainment: If you’re looking for a fun, engaging entertainer, Single Salma might disappoint you.

Viewers Who Want Original Stories: If you’ve watched Queen and similar films, Single Salma might feel repetitive.

Impatient Audiences: The slow pace and long runtime can test your patience.

Music Lovers: If songs are important to your movie experience, this film’s forgettable music will let you down.

Our Recommendation:

Single Salma is a film with its heart in the right place but flawed execution. It raises important questions about societal expectations from women but doesn’t explore them deeply enough. The performances, especially by Shreyas Talpade, are worth appreciating, and the film’s message about self-worth is valuable.

However, the slow narrative, unimpressive climax, and lack of dramatic tension make it a one-time watch at best. If you’re interested in the theme and have patience for slow-burn narratives, watch it on OTT when it releases. The theatrical experience isn’t essential for this film.

Overall Rating: 2.5/5

Watch it for: The message, Shreyas Talpade’s performance, and supporting women-oriented cinema.

Skip it if: You want engaging entertainment, original storytelling, or memorable music.

5 Single Salma FAQs

Q1: When was Single Salma released, and where can I watch it?

Single Salma was released in theaters on October 31, 2025. Currently, it’s available only in select cinemas across India. The film hasn’t been announced for OTT release yet, but it’s expected to premiere on streaming platforms like JioCinema within 45-60 days of theatrical release. Keep checking official announcements for the digital release date.

Q2: Is Single Salma based on a true story or real events?

No, Single Salma is not based on a specific true story. However, the film draws inspiration from the real struggles that many independent, unmarried women face in Indian society.

The pressure to get married, the societal labeling of successful single women as “unsettled,” and the judgment they receive are all issues that countless women experience in real life. Writers Amina Khan and Ravi Kumar have created a fictional story that reflects these universal experiences.

Q3: What is the main message of Single Salma?

The core message of Single Salma is about women’s right to choose their own path in life without being defined by their marital status. The film argues that a woman’s worth isn’t determined by whether she’s married or single, but by her character, achievements, and how she treats others.

It also highlights the importance of self-love, independence, and making life choices that make you happy rather than pleasing society. The film questions why society is obsessed with marriage, especially for women, and encourages viewers to respect individual choices.

Q4: How is Single Salma different from Queen (2014)?

While both films share the theme of a woman discovering herself during a trip abroad, there are key differences. Queen focuses on a woman who goes on her honeymoon alone after being dumped, while Single Salma is about an already independent woman who gets a work opportunity.

Queen’s protagonist Rani starts as naive and transforms completely, whereas Salma is already strong and independent but finds validation in London.

Single Salma also deals more directly with the pressure to marry and features a love triangle, which Queen doesn’t have. However, critics have noted that Single Salma doesn’t execute its premise as effectively as Queen did, making the comparison unfavorable for the newer film.

Q5: Is Single Salma suitable for family viewing?

Yes, Single Salma received a U/A certificate, making it suitable for viewers aged 12 and above with parental guidance. The film doesn’t contain any explicit content, violence, or strong language. It deals with mature themes like marriage pressure, societal expectations, and women’s independence, but handles them in a family-friendly manner.

The film actually works better as a family watch because it can spark important conversations about how families treat unmarried women and the need to respect individual choices. Parents can watch it with their teenage and adult children for meaningful discussions afterward.

Conclusion

Single Salma is a well-intentioned film that tackles an important social issue but falls short in execution. The story of an independent woman fighting against societal pressure to get married is relevant and needed in Indian cinema. Huma Qureshi’s debut production shows her commitment to meaningful cinema, and Shreyas Talpade delivers a career-defining performance as the supportive Sikandar.

However, the film suffers from slow pacing, an unimpressive climax, and a screenplay that could have been much sharper. At 141 minutes, Single Salma tests viewer patience with repetitive scenes and borrowed plot elements from better films like Queen. First-time director Nachiket Samant shows promise in handling emotions but struggles with maintaining narrative momentum.

The box office failure, with collections of just ₹5-7 crores against a budget of ₹15-20 crores, reflects the film’s limited appeal beyond urban, progressive audiences. The lack of promotional push and minimal screen count also contributed to its poor theatrical performance.