Manorama Max’s ‘Coupling’: A breezy rom-com that wraps up before you know it | Review

In a world where social media posts travel faster than thoughts, navigating relationships and marriage comes with its own set of challenges. Yet, at their core, our emotions remain unchanged—love, heartbreak, and the gut-wrenching realisation of losing a chance at what might have been. “Coupling,” Manorama Max’s original web series directed by Pramod Mohan, unpacks this familiar emotion with effortless clarity. Also, it keeps you engrossed right to the final frame.

The emotional arc may recall the premise of 'My Best Friend’s Wedding,' where the protagonist realises she has always been in love with her best friend just as he announces his engagement. 'Coupling' borrows this central dilemma but roots it firmly in Kerala. It follows Abhinav (Sarjano Khalid) who discovers his feelings for his close friend Zoya (Vyshnavi Raj) only after she decides to marry someone else.

Though the story follows a familiar rom-com template (read jealousy, anger, and uncertainty), the creators avoid turning Abhinav into a one-note, lovelorn figure. Instead, they allow him emotional depth and room to grow. However, it seems, he is not fully ready to move on. This grounded approach adds a relatable, lived-in quality to the series.

The narrative does poke fun at modern wedding trends such as the 'Save the Date' fad but stops short of ridiculing them. Instead, it offers a gentle reflection on how these practices fit into today’s relationship dynamics.

What strengthens the series is the attention paid to each character. Pramod, who previously wrote 'Lalitham Sundaram' and 'Marivilin Gopurangal,' both centred on family, now shifts to a younger demographic. 'Coupling' offers a measured, contemporary take on how today’s youth view relationships. The dialogues, notably, stay free of cringe and manage to be both natural and meaningful.

Some tropes do surface. Sreenath Babu, as Abhinav’s best friend, evokes the classic rom-com sidekick who always has your back. But he brings just the right dose of humour to keep the character warm rather than predictable. The series also briefly touches on mother-daughter relationships and hints at the strength of familial bonds even amid personal upheavals.

Sarjano, known for his role as Noel in 'June,' delivers a nuanced performance as Abhinav. He balances heartbreak with the stirrings of new affection that appear midway through the story. Malavika Sreenath, Samarth Ambujakshan, and Vyshnavi Raj bring energy and chemistry to their roles and keep the eight-episode series lively.

One of the production’s biggest strengths is its length. Most episodes run under 20 minutes and hence keeps it a quick and engaging watch. Aromal Chekavar’s music adds warmth, while Abhimanyu Viswanath’s vibrant frames elevate the visual texture. Overall, “Coupling” may traverse familiar rom-com territory, but its charm, sincerity, and lightness make it an enjoyable viewing experience from start to finish.