Three women, three generations, three different stories! They are all underappreciated by the men in their lives, and this is the common factor that binds the three women who undertake an adventurous and heartwarming road trip in producer Reshma Ghatala’s Sweet Kaaram Coffee, an eight-episode Amazon Prime series directed by Bejoy Nambiar, Krishna Marimuthu and Swathi Raghuraaman.
Sweet Kaaram Coffee isn’t just another woman-centric series. It is the story of every woman who longs to be heard and acknowledged. The bonding and chemistry between the three protagonists, played by Lakshmi, Madhoo and Santhy Balachandran, is refreshingly beautiful.
Sundari is an elderly woman, filled with zest for life. But she is expected to be merely a frail, grieving widow. Kaveri, her daughter-in-law is the ideal housewife—her happiness is expected to be in the happiness of her family, although she is often taken for granted. The youngest of the three, the granddaughter Niveditha, is a talented cricketer, but her boyfriend refuses to acknowledge her career at a crucial point. Exhausted by these acts of subtle patriarchy, the trio yearns for a temporary escape. They then embark on a road trip that becomes a journey of self-discovery and togetherness.
Set in a modern, urban background, all three characters are seen grappling with their past. The series takes the audience through multiple flashbacks which help resonate with the characters better. There are many instances that show how patriarchy turns even bold and educated women into mere puppets. In one scene, Kaveri’s husband pretends to be sick in an attempt to bring the women back from their trip. It is amusing to see how a grown man who travels the world all the time transforms into a helpless being the moment he has to take care of himself. While Niveditha’s character speaks of the insecurities faced by the youth, Sundari’s speaks for the ones who long lost their youth. On the course of the trip, which stretches from the South to the North, the women form a special bond that helps them see each other like never before.
The interactions and conversations between the characters are very heartwarming, especially, the unconventional bond shared by the mother and the daughter-in-law. Madhoo and Santhy have done justice to their roles as Kaveri and Niveditha. But it is the grace and charm delivered by Lakshmi’s Sundari that pulls the audience. The open-minded, energetic Sundari stands out for her youthful spirit.
Though the series begins strongly, it fails to find its footing at times. The introduction of newer characters and subplots seemed mostly unnecessary. The ending does give a feeling of content and sparks a curiosity to know more about their lives.
The soulful music for the series deserves special mention.
Sweet Kaaram Coffee is a feel-good series that gives you a few things to think about. Though the central issue encountered is one portrayed several times before, the approach taken by the story and characters make it unique. If you are looking for a sweet and simple addition to your watchlist, Sweet Kaaram Coffee checks the box.
Show: Sweet Kaaram Coffee
Language: Tamil
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video
