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| Mismatched 3 review: Prajakta Koli and Rohit Saraf have grown beautifully as actors. |
Mismatched Season 3, starring Rohit Saraf and Prajakta Koli, returns on Netflix with a bold mix of themes, from virtual reality to gender dysphoria. Yet, the show feels like it’s trying too hard to juggle its growing ambition while staying true to its youthful roots. The result? A season that introduces complex narratives but falters in delivering an emotionally resonant impact.
A Leap into the Digital Age:
Season 3 takes Dimple and Rishi’s long-distance relationship to a futuristic setting, revolving around the Betterverse—a virtual reality world that mirrors their real-life challenges. Dimple’s journey, marked by rejection and professional growth, reflects the show's broader themes of identity and self-discovery. The integration of AI, metaverse technologies, and personal grief creates a timely commentary on how tech shapes relationships and personal growth.
The most striking subplot involves Rith, a queer hacker who uses Betterverse to explore their true self. This storyline feels authentic, thanks to writer Gazal Dhaliwal’s sensitive approach to gender dysphoria. Similarly, Anmol’s struggles with disability and grief find poignant expression through the virtual world. However, while these narratives add depth, the emotional weight is unevenly distributed, often leaving key moments underexplored.
Themes of Growth and Insecurity:
Mismatched tackles themes like loss, body positivity, and childhood trauma, layered over its central focus on romantic and personal insecurities. The writers’ room deserves credit for bringing inclusivity without tokenism, ensuring each subplot contributes to character arcs. Anmol’s redemption, Rith’s journey, and even the rekindled romance of Siddharth and Zeenat add nuanced dimensions to the series.
However, the characters often feel caught between ageing and maturing. While the show bravely touches on mid-20s existential crises, it shies away from raw intimacy, making its portrayal of adulthood feel incomplete. The lack of a cohesive directorial voice further diminishes the potential of its rich material.
The Verdict:
Mismatched Season 3 is a bittersweet cocktail of ambition and execution. Its exploration of identity and technology resonates, but the emotional disconnect between the characters and their conflicts remains a glaring flaw. While it succeeds in showcasing the chaos of young adulthood, it needs stronger performances and direction to fully realize its potential.
For viewers invested in Rishi and Dimple’s journey, Season 3 offers a bumpy ride through love, growth, and Betterverse—but with hope that the show will find its footing in seasons to come.