The digital series “Nagendran’s Honeymoons,” now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, has sparked considerable discussion, but not for the reasons one might hope. Directed by Nithin Renji Panicker, known for previous works like “Kasaba” (2016) and “Kaaval” (2021), this series sets itself up for intrigue by revolving around a complex web of serial marriage frauds. However, the execution leaves much to be desired. Critically, it has been panned for lacking creativity and depth.
The central character, Nagendran, played by Suraj Venjaramoodu, is portrayed as an unremarkable man who falls into marriages with a series of six women, one per episode. Nagendran appears naive and easily manipulated, showing little to no resistance to suggestions from his scheming friend Soman, interpreted by Prasanth Alexander. Nagendran’s apparent lack of interest in anything beyond good food, coupled with a noticeable disinterest in his brides, makes his character feel one-dimensional and implausible.
This characterization seems strategically designed to minimize the audience’s anger toward Nagendran, a man who participates in blatant fraud over six episodes. Instead, the show diverts viewer frustration towards Soman, the mastermind behind the fraudulent marriages. Soman, a marriage broker and drama artist, orchestrates deceitful plans to marry Nagendran off to various women, each time aiming to extort dowry money. This dynamic between the two characters—Nagendran’s passivity and Soman’s manipulation—deflects moral outrage from the protagonist to his friend.
In a narrative choice that further tests the audience’s engagement, each of Nagendran’s wives has considerable personal issues, seemingly to justify or forgive the crimes against them. Lilly, played by Grace Antony, struggles with mental health issues and erratic behavior. Laila, brought to life by Shweta Menon, has a criminal background with a murder conviction. Savithri, portrayed by Niranjana Anoop, is pregnant with another man’s child. Thankam, played by Kani Kusruthi, works as a sex worker.
. This portrayal of flawed characters shifts focus from Nagendran’s misdeeds, suggesting his actions are somewhat excusable because of their circumstances.
The series attempts to grant Nagendran a redemption arc with an out-of-character confession towards the end, attempting to provide moral closure. This sudden pivot feels forced and incongruent with his previous behavior, failing to offer satisfying resolution or growth.
Repetition plagues “Nagendran’s Honeymoons,” as each episode rehashes the same plot pattern. The fraudulent duo finds a new vulnerable woman, marries her off to Nagendran, and then vanish with the dowry. Though redundant, these episodes are slightly refreshed by their changing backdrops—from scenic backwaters to highland vistas around Kerala. The production design admirably recreates the late 1970s setting, although the accompanying background score is inconsistent, sometimes enhancing the setting, at other times disrupting it.
Director Nithin Renji Panicker shows some signs of improvement from his earlier works, but the series as a whole remains marred by weak writing. Particularly concerning is the episode set in Ottapalam, which fails to evoke any imagination or engagement, feeling more like a parody of old films than serious narrative content. Extended scenes, including Savithri’s romance with a college professor, come off as melodramatic and clichéd.
Not all is lost in the series, though. Strong performances by the supporting cast offer a silver lining. Prasanth Alexander’s, Suraj Venjaramoodu’s, Grace Antony’s, Shweta Menon’s, and Kani Kusruthi’s roles bring some measure of investment into an otherwise dull script. Yesteryear actor Janardhanan also makes a delightful return, adding a touch of nostalgia for longtime Malayalam cinema fans.
In the end, “Nagendran’s Honeymoons” attempts to blend drama and intrigue within the framework of marriage fraud but falls flat due to its repetitive and unimaginative storytelling. Despite a few strengths in locale settings and periodic details, the series does not tread any new ground, leaving many viewers longing for a more captivating experience.
