Rating – 2.5/5

Cast – Prajakta Koli, Rohit Saraf, Ranvijay Singh, Vidya Malwade, Vihaan Samat, Taaruk Raina

Mismatched on Netflix is a coming-of-age teen drama starring Prajakta Koli and Rohit Saraf. Based on the 2017 book by Sandhya Menon, Mismatched is about two teenagers and their messed-up love story. Prajakta plays Dimple, a 17-year-old coding enthusiast who is on a quest to become the next Bill Gates. Rohit Saraf plays Rishi, an 18-year-old boy who just wants a happy married life like his grandparents’. I know it’s weird how an 18-year-old boy is obsessed about getting married rather than fretting over his future. Maybe the credit for that goes to his financially secure lineage.

But still, trying to arrange a wedding for two teenagers who are still struggling to find meaning in their life can sound a little absurd.

Dimple is excited that her conservative mother grants her permission to attend a summer course in Jaipur, only to realize later that it was a setup to introduce her to Rishi. The rest of the plot is built by events that follow.

Mismatched is indeed the Indian version of a western teen rom-com. It is a culmination of Sex Education, Never Have I Ever, and other teen dramas in small fractions. Except it fails to play to its strength.

Mismatched on Netflix strikes off all the elements in the checklist of “how-to-make-a-teen-drama”. A clandestine homosexual best friend, classmates struggling with identity issues, a cool and handsome sir, the rich and spoilt wanna be campus queen are a few to mention. It’s ironic how every episode is narrated by each of these characters, where they explain their dilemma, yet the series fails to dig in deep into their subplots.

In spite of being significant, these subplots are unattended and do not receive a distinct voice. It could have compensated for this by including a few more episodes instead of sticking to just six episodes.

Of all the supporting actors, Vidya Malwade’s Zeenat, a 41-year-old widower stands out. It is by far the only subplots properly explored. Ranvijay’s Singh’s character is hardly touched upon, due to which he appears a bit mysterious. We are hinted about his broken past, maybe we will be detailed about the same in the second season if there is one.

Prajakta Koli does an impressive Netflix debut. To see her outside of YouTube may seem odd but Prajakta convincingly portrays Dimple. By stepping out of her conventional platform every time, she is able to bring out the best of her acting capabilities. Rohit Saraf too is lovable as Rishi. The leading pair share amazing chemistry and that is one of the biggest highlights of Mismatched.

Though the first installment of Mismatched did not end on a cliffhanger, a second season is clearly on the cards. Maybe that can wipe out all the flaws and missing elements in season 1.

Mismatched on Netflix is an entertaining weekend binge but rather forgettable. If you are up for some light-hearted teen drama, there’s no harm in giving this one a chance.

Image Courtesy: YouTube