Nagendran's Honeymoons(web-series(2024)) - "A Dowry Plan Gone Hilariously Wrong"

Genre: Dark Comedy

Written by: Nithin Renji Panicker
Directed by: Nithin Renji Panicker
Starring:

• Suraj Venjaramoodu as Nagendran / Joseph / Ali Hussain / Govindan / Sukumaran
• Alexander Prasanth as Soman
• Kalabhavan Shajon as Inspector Varkey Avarachan
• Grace Antony as Lilly Avarachan
• Shwetha Menon as Lyla Sulthana
• Kani Kusruti as Thankam
• Alphy Panjikaran as Janaki
• Niranjana Anoop as Savithri
• Ammu Abhirami as Mozhi, Soman's wife

Music by: Ranjin Raj
Country of Origin: India
Original Language: Malayalam
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 6
Producer: Nithin Renji Panicker
Cinematography: Nikhil S Praveen
Editor: Mansoor Muthootty
Production Company: Nithin Ranji Panicker Productions in association with MGC(P) Ltd
Original Network: Disney+ Hotstar
Release Date: 19 July 2024

Plot:

Lazy Nagendran dreams of going abroad and devises a plan to make money for the trip through marriage and dowry. But he doesn't stop at one marriage. This dark comedy web series follows Nagendran as he marries different women, each providing dowry money to fuel his goal. Each episode explores his marriages and the comedic mishaps that follow.

Performances:

• Suraj Venjaramoodu (Nagendran): Suraj delivers a flawless performance, embodying the lazy and sluggish Nagendran. His portrayal is so natural that he effortlessly brings the character to life whenever he's on screen.
• Alexander Prasanth (Soman): Prasanth is good in his role as Nagendran's friend, adding to the comic element of the series.
• Grace Antony (Lilly Avarachan): Grace gives a phenomenal performance as Lilly, standing out with her notable acting throughout the series.
• Shwetha Menon (Lyla Sulthana): Shwetha is fierce and compelling in her role, adding depth to her character.
• Kani Kusruti (Thankam): Kani's presence is enough to make her character impactful without needing much dialogue.
• Kalabhavan Shajon, Ammu Abhirami, Alphy Panjikaran, and Niranjana Anoop: They all deliver solid performances, supporting the narrative effectively.

Technicians:

• Direction: Nithin Renji Panicker turns a serious concept into a parody, executing it well. He extracts the needed performances from each actor, delivering a cohesive dark comedy.
• Cinematography: Nikhil S Praveen captures the essence of the story effectively, complementing the dark comedic tone.
• Editing: Mansoor Muthootty's editing maintains the sluggish pace that aligns with Nagendran's character, though it could be tighter in parts.

Strengths:

• Performances: Strong, ground-level acting from the entire cast, particularly Suraj Venjaramoodu and Grace Antony.
• Narration: The sluggish narrative mirrors the lazy protagonist, creating a unique viewing experience.
• Humor: The dark comedy is well-executed, making the series enjoyable without feeling disconnected.

Weaknesses:

• Tension: The director could have added more tension to enhance the viewing experience.
• Drama: More dramatic elements would have strengthened the narrative.
• Character Motivation: Nagendran's desire to live lavishly could have been better explained to add depth to his character.

My Personal Take:

"Nagendran's Honeymoons" is a dark comedy that manages to entertain without resorting to uncomfortable scenes, making it suitable for a broad audience. The series offers dark humor that might not appeal to everyone, but the sluggish narrative feels fresh and aligns well with the protagonist's character. The conflicts are minor, focusing more on Nagendran's laziness, which is a unique twist. The last episode, though predictable, wraps up the series well. The performances, especially by Suraj Venjaramoodu and the supporting cast, showcase impressive acting talent. Overall, it's a passable web series that's worth watching for the performances and the unique take on dark comedy.

Rating: 2.5/5