Mismatched
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| Mismatched | |
|---|---|
Poster | |
| Genre | |
| Based on | When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon |
| Written by | Gazal Dhaliwal |
| Directed by |
|
| Starring | |
| Composers |
|
| Country of origin | India |
| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 22 |
| Production | |
| Producer | Ronnie Screwvala |
| Cinematography |
|
| Editors | |
| Running time | 35 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release | 20 November 2020 – present |
Mismatched is an Indian Hindi-language coming-of-age romantic drama television series on Netflix, based on Sandhya Menon's 2017 novel When Dimple Met Rishi. It was adapted by Gazal Dhaliwal and directed by Akarsh Khurana and Nipun Dharmadhikari. It is produced by Ronnie Screwvala's RSVP Movies.[1] Starring Prajakta Koli, Rohit Saraf, Rannvijay Singha and Vidya Malvade in prominent roles, the series is about Rishi, a die-hard romantic who believes in traditional ways of dating, who falls for Dimple, a gamer, and eventually wants to marry her.
Dhaliwal adapted the novel in early 2018, with the script being tweaked for the series. While the novel is set in the United States, the story was adapted to take place in Jaipur. The series features cinematography handled by Avinash Arun and Milind Jog, with editing done by Sanyukta Kaza and Namrata Rao. Mismatched features a soundtrack album composed by Jasleen Royal, Samar Grewal, Anurag Saikia, Prateek Kuhad, Shashwat Singh, Taaruk Raina, Deepa Unnikrishnan, Abhijay Negi and Hiphop Bhaiya, with Saikia also composing background score for the series.
The series premiered on 20 November 2020, through the streaming platform Netflix.[2] It received a positive response from audiences, with critics praising the chemistry of Saraf and Koli, the performances of the cast, music and background score. However, the writing and the direction was criticized.
The series was renewed for a second season on 3 March 2021. Season 2 premiered on Netflix on 14 October 2022.[3] Season 3 premiered on Netflix on 13 December 2024. The series was renewed for a fourth and final season and is expected to release in 2026. This is the first Indian Netflix Original Series to reach four seasons.[4]
Cast
[edit]Main
[edit]| Actor | Character | Description | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Saraf | Rishi Singh Shekhawat | Kalpana's son, Ashish's elder brother, Namrata's best friend and project partner, Sanskriti's former love interest, Dimple's love interest, NNIT's student | 1-present |
| Prajakta Koli | Dimple Ahuja | Dheeraj and Simple's daughter, Celina's best friend, Harsh's project partner and former love interest, Rishi's love interest, LLIT's student | 1-present |
| Rannvijay Singha | Professor Siddharth Sinha | Head of LLIT, Nandini’s ex-husband, Zeenat's second husband | 1-present |
| Vidya Malvade | Zeenat Karim | Anmol's project partner, Sid's second wife | 1-present |
| Taaruk Raina | Anmol Malhotra | Simran’s cousin, Krish’s bestfriend turned enemy, Zeenat's project partner, Vinny’s love interest, NNIT's student | 1-present |
| Muskkaan Jaferi | Celina Matthews | Dimple's best friend, Krish’s project partner, Namrata’s former love interest, Rith’s love interest, NNIT'S student | 1-present |
| Abhinav Sharma | Krish Katyal | Anmol's best friend turned enemy, Simran's ex-boyfriend, Celina's project partner, Celina’s casual boyfriend, Rith’s rival, NNIT'S student | 1-present |
| Vihaan Samat | Harsh Agarwal | NRI, Dimple's project partner and former love interest | 1-2 |
| Kritika Bharadwaj | Simran Malhotra | Anmol's cousin, Krish's ex-girlfriend, Momo's project partner | 1-2 |
| Devyani Shorey | Namrata Bidasaria | Rishi's childhood best friend and project partner, Celina’s former love interest, Ayesha’s girlfriend | 1-present |
| Ahsaas Channa | Vinny | Anmol's love interest | 2-present |
| Dipannita Sharma | Nandini Nahata | Head of NNIT, Sid's ex-wife and rival, Dimple's career idol | 2-present |
| Lauren Robinson | Rithika "Rith" Joshi | LLIT student, Celina’s love-interest, Krish’s rival | 3-present |
| Garima Yajnik | Anuradha Ray | LLIT's student, Aalif’s love-interest | 3-present |
| Akshat Singh | Aalif Ansari | LLIT student, Anuradha’s love-interest | 3-present |
Others
[edit]- Ruturaj Shinde as Momo
- Simran’s project partner
- Ravin Makhija as Ashish Singh Shekhawat
- Kalpana's younger son, Rishi's younger brother
- Rishi and Ashish's Grandmother
- Aditi Govitrikar as Kalpana
- Rishi and Ashish's mother, Randeep's wife
- Digvijay Savant as Randeep
- Kalpana's second husband, Rishi and Ashish's stepfather
- Jugal Hansraj as Mr. Shekhawat
- Kalpana's ex-husband, Rishi and Ashish's father
- Jatin Sial as Dheeraj Ahuja
- Simple's husband, Dimple's father
- Kshitee Jog as Simple Ahuja
- Dheeraj's wife, Dimple's mother
- Adhir Bhat as Mr. Bidasaria
- Namrata's father
- Sarika Singh as Mrs. Bidasaria
- Namrata's mother
- Lisha Bajaj
- Hostel Warden
- Sanjana Sarathy as Sanskriti
- Randeep's assistant, Rishi's former love interest
- Priya Banerjee as Ayesha Duggirala
- Namrata's girlfriend
- Anoushka Maskey as Phila Konglam
- LLIT student
- Aathithya Chandramouli as Sai
- Rishi’s colleague at NNIT
- Akarsh Khurana as Dr. Sumel Suri
- Anmol's therapist
Episodes
[edit]Series overview
[edit]Season 1 (2020)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date [5] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "When Dimple Met Rishi" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 20 November 2020 | |
|
Hopeless romantic Rishi hopes to woo Dimple at a summer course after seeing her photo on a matrimonial website - but marriage is far from her mind. | ||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Hot Summer, Cold Vibes" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 20 November 2020 | |
|
Dimple learns why she was really allowed to come to Jaipur. Bonding with Dimple during a class assignment, Rishi hopes they'll be paired for a project. | ||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Message Deleted" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 20 November 2020 | |
|
After a less than fun dinner with Celina's friends Dimple's walk home with Rishi proves enlightening. Celina and Namrata both hide secrets. | ||||||
| 4 | 4 | "Making Moves" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 20 November 2020 | |
|
Namrata confides in Rishi about her crush. Emotions run high when a wild house party at Zeenat's brings surprises and misunderstandings. | ||||||
| 5 | 5 | "It's Not A Date" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 20 November 2020 | |
|
Rishi and Dimple go on a platonic date, but confessions and secrets raise the stakes. As Dimple's app idea is approved, Anmol poses a challenge. | ||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Games We Play" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 20 November 2020 | |
|
Dimple devotes herself to her app before a dramatic gaming showdown with Anmol. Multiple betrayals risk relationships, including Dimple and Rishi's. | ||||||
Season 2 (2022)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 1 | "When Dimple Met Rishi.. Again" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 14 October 2022 | |
|
Dimple and Harsh seek credit for their app. Namrata faces the aftermath of her secret spreading, while Rishi tries to salvage their friendship. | ||||||
| 8 | 2 | "Girl in the Middle" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 14 October 2022 | |
|
With Namrata and Rishi back on campus, Celina's anxieties run high, while Dimple and Harsh's closeness sparks jealousy. | ||||||
| 9 | 3 | "100 Reasons to Hate You" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 14 October 2022 | |
|
Dimple's search for the data leak's source proves challenging. Zeenat offers Sid a home-cooked meal and Anmol makes a discovery that tests his trust. | ||||||
| 10 | 4 | "Heartech" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 14 October 2022 | |
|
Sparks fly at the tech fest in Ajmer as new connections are forged and a dance competition turns heated. | ||||||
| 11 | 5 | "Altair and Vega" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 14 October 2022 | |
|
Love and lust are in the air as a tech-free day on campus leads to new revelations. In therapy, Anmol grapples with the reason behind his anger. | ||||||
| 12 | 6 | "You're The One" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 14 October 2022 | |
|
As the wedding nears, family drama leaves Rishi anxious. Harsh weighs a major decision about his future, while Celina overcomes her fears. | ||||||
| 13 | 7 | "It's Not a Non-Date" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 14 October 2022 | |
|
Namrata contemplates her future as tensions run high at home. Serious consequences catch up with Celina and Anmol finds he isn't alone. | ||||||
| 14 | 8 | "I Love You More" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 14 October 2022 | |
|
A romantic date gets in the way of Dimple's dream. While the farewell party brings remorse and resolution, Namrata takes a bold step. | ||||||
Season 3 (2024)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 1 | "When Dimple Didn't Meet Rishi" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 13 December 2024 |
| 16 | 2 | "For Better or For Verse" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 13 December 2024 |
| 17 | 3 | "Chill vs Dil" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 13 December 2024 |
| 18 | 4 | "It Gets Better, Hon" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 13 December 2024 |
| 19 | 5 | "Where Does The Love Go?" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 13 December 2024 |
| 20 | 6 | "Growing Pains" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 13 December 2024 |
| 21 | 7 | "Hello, Future Wife!" | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 13 December 2024 |
| 22 | 8 | "Beginning, Middle and..." | Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari | Gazal Dhaliwal | 13 December 2024 |
Production
[edit]Development
[edit]In late 2018, Netflix India and Ronnie Screwvala of RSVP Movies approached screenwriter Gazal Dhaliwal to adapt Sandhya Menon's 2017 novel When Dimple Met Rishi for Indian audiences.[2] The original novel is about two Indo-American teenagers, Dimple and Rishi (the titular characters), whose parents are trying to arrange their marriage.[6] Published by Hachette Book Group, it opened to good response from readers, and became a best selling novel, according to a report from New York Times.[6] Netflix picked Akarsh Khurana (of Karwaan fame)[7] and Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari to direct the series.[8]
Dhaliwal had already finished writing the script before Khurana was roped in to helm the series. Khurana approved of the new script as - 'it was a love-story between two real people with real issues'. He added, "Even though this was essentially a young adult romance, there was maturity in the way it was depicted. Dhaliwal, who counts Kuch Kuch Hota Hai as one of her guilty pleasures, was similarly drawn in by the simplicity of the high-school romance at the heart of the book, a contrast to the large-scale candyfloss high school universe depicted in Hindi films."[8]
Casting
[edit]In a Firstpost interview, Dhaliawal stated about the casting and characters, syncing to the adaptation and the liberties while recalibrating the story to the Indian context. She added, "The story is about a setup which has gone horribly wrong. To make that happen, it was important to change the family dynamics. Akarsh and I felt very strongly about the fact that it wouldn't have been believable for Indian viewers if Rishi's parents were behind him to start looking out for girls when he's all of 18 so that he can get married in two years. So I introduced a grandmother in the mix (her character is not featured in the book), effectively using the older generation's adherence to tradition as justification for the arranged marriage setup. I also played around with Rishi's dynamics with his parents as well: In the book, Rishi's parents, who belong to a typical Gujarati family, are still together and Rishi is built to be more obedient than hopeless romantic."[8]
Characters
[edit]Prajakta Koli and Rohit Saraf were cast in the series, marking the debut for the former.[9] In an interview, Saraf stated, "The biggest selling point for him about the show was the 'romance' it has. The love, ambition, navigating through the college years of one's life and a kind of acceptance toward all that I going on in the life was something I found very relatable."[citation needed] Koli described her character Dimple, "She's very driven to achieve her goal; if she doesn't, her parents will get her married! Isn't that relatable to so many girls —and boys — across the country? I have so many cousins in my family who are dealing with this dilemma. That's why Dimple is so tough to crack; she doesn't let her guard down at all."[10] Rannvijay Singha stated his character as being "cool and snarky on the outside but a softie inside, Professor Sid (himself) believes in tough love when it comes to his students". Speaking about his role, he further added that his character wants to push students out of their comfort zones so that they can each reach their highest potential.[citation needed]
Filming
[edit]While the book is set in the United States,[citation needed] the story was adapted to take place in Jaipur. About the setting, Khurana stated in an interview to Poulomi Das of Firstpost, that "When I initially read Gazal's take on the book, what I loved was that she altered the context for the love story at the centre of the proceedings and introduced a host of new characters who had very distinct characteristics which made the world building so much more interesting."[8]
Shooting of the series took place in November 2019, with some portions being filmed Old Royal School of Jodhpur,[11] and majority of the scenes were filmed in Jaipur. The shooting took place for 38–39 days, with the cast members shooting for 12 hours daily.[12] The post-production was completed in May 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in India.[13]
Soundtrack
[edit]| Mismatched | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by Jasleen Royal, Samar Grewal, Anurag Saikia, Prateek Kuhad, Shashwat Singh, Taaruk Raina, Deepa Unnikrishnan, Abhijay Negi, Hiphop Bhaiya | |||||
| Released | 11 November 2020 | ||||
| Recorded | 2020 | ||||
| Genre | Soundtrack | ||||
| Length | 25:11 | ||||
| Language | Hindi | ||||
| Label | Netflix | ||||
| |||||
The soundtrack album for Mismatched was composed by an assortment of nine artists, which includes Jasleen Royal, Samar Grewal, Anurag Saikia, Prateek Kuhad, Shashwat Singh, Taaruk Raina, Deepa Unnikrishnan, Abhijay Negi and Hiphop Bhaiya. Five of them also wrote lyrics for the songs, along with Nikhita Gandhi, Raj Shekhar, Shwetang Shankar, Ritviz.[citation needed] Anurag Saikia also scored the background music for the series. The soundtrack album, which released on 11 November 2020, features seven tracks upon the initial release, with an eighth song "Sun Toh" unveiled on 20 November as a bonus track.[14]
Reviewing the soundtrack, Devarsi Ghosh of Scroll.in stated, "The Mismatched soundtrack is a couple of soft ballads along with some wacky cross-genre stuff, that doesn't make you disappoint."[15]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Kahaan Ho Tum" | Prateek Kuhad | Prateek Kuhad | Prateek Kuhad | 2:35 |
| 2. | "Jaana" | Jasleen Royal | Jasleen Royal | Jasleen Royal, Soundarya Jayachandran | 2:49 |
| 3. | "Milne Ke Bahaana" | Imaad Shah, Samar Grewal | Samar Grewal | Imaad Shah, Samar Grewal | 4:53 |
| 4. | "Dil Ke Baat" | Deepa Unnikrishnan, Hiphop Bhaiya | Deepa Unnikrishnan, Hiphop Bhaiya | Deepa Unnikrishnan | 2:09 |
| 5. | "Aise Kyun" | Raj Shekhar | Anurag Saikia | Anurag Saikia, Raghav Chaitanya, Nikhita Gandhi, Rekha Bharadwaj | 4:24 |
| 6. | "Main Chala" | Shwetang Shankar | Taaruk Raina | Taaruk Raina, SlowCheeta | 2:59 |
| 7. | "Tabdeeli" | Nikita Gandhi | Shashwat Singh | Nikhita Gandhi | 2:28 |
| 8. | "Sun Toh" | Ritviz | Abhijay Negi | Ritviz | 2:54 |
| Total length: | 25:11 | ||||
Release
[edit]On 16 July 2020, Netflix announced the release of seventeen Indian originals,[16] with Mismatched being one of them,[17] scheduled for a release in late 2020.[18][19] On 3 November 2020, the makers unveiled the first look posters through social media platforms[20] and the official trailer was released on 6 November 2020.[21][22] Ahead of its release, the makers conducted a virtual college fest event, through YouTube, in order to promote the series.[23] The series premiered on Netflix on 20 November 2020.[24]
The series was renewed for a second season on 3 March 2021. Season 2 premiered on Netflix on 14 October 2022.[25] Season 3 premiered on Netflix on 13 December 2024. The series was renewed for a fourth and final season and is expected to release in 2026. This is the first Indian Netflix Original Series to reach four seasons.[26]
Reception
[edit]Poulomi Das of Firstpost stated, "There is a certain convenience to the storytelling... that makes teenage adolescence look like a statement, and not a stage of life."[27] Antara Kashyap of News18 gave two-and-a-half out of five to the series and stated, "Mismatched is a show which should be watched for what it is, a light teenage drama to be binged on a weekend. There isn't a lot of depth in it, but it really isn't fair to expect it from the show in the first place."[28] Raja Sen of Mint reviewed "There is a fair bit that doesn't — the final episode, evidently existing only to create emotionally high-strung cliff-hangers for the next season, is a massive letdown — but, on the whole, Mismatched has heart."[29] Avinash Ramachandran of The New Indian Express stated, "Despite the missed opportunities and pulled-back punches, Mismatched does have its moments under the Jaipur sun."[30]
Pallabi Dey Purkayastha of The Times of India, gave three out of five and stated, "The fresh pairing of Rohit Saraf and Prajakta Koli is a delight to watch on screen – the duo shares a crackling chemistry and sort of heightens the drama surrounding teenage bickering in an adorable way."[31] Sanjana Jadhav of Pinkvilla stated, "Mismatched on Netflix creates a young, fun and drama-filled world of college students but with prospects of marriage looming that seems to be the biggest dampener."[32]
References
[edit]- ^ Arora, Akhil (16 July 2020). "Netflix Will Release 17 Indian Titles in the 'Coming Months'". NDTV Gadgets 360. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
- ^ a b "Netflix India announces eight new titles for 2020, including Anurag Basu's Ludo, Mira Nair's A Suitable Boy". Firstpost. 16 July 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2020.
- ^ Grater, Tom (3 March 2021). "Netflix India Unveils Slate Of 40 Films & Series". Deadline. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
- ^ Shetty, Karishma (29 May 2025). "Mismatched Season 4 confirmed: Here's all we know, so far, about the final chapter of Rohit Saraf & Prajakta Koli's rom-com show on Netflix". GQ India. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ^ "Mismatched – Listings". The Futon Critic. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
- ^ a b "Micro review: When Dimple Met Rishi is a refreshing YA romance". The Times of India. 11 August 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
- ^ Parkar, Shaheen (19 November 2020). "Mismatched director Akarsh Khurana: Picked up new lingo from them". mid-day. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
- ^ a b c d "Director Akarsh Khurana, writer Gazal Dhaliwal discuss Netflix's Mismatched and adapting a popular book to screen". Firstpost. 24 November 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
- ^ "Prajakti Koli, Rohit Saraf on Netflix series Mismatched and bringing gravitas to the young adult genre". Firstpost. 19 November 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
- ^ Sunder, Gautam (20 November 2020). "The 'Mismatched' couple: Rohit Saraf and Prajakta Koli on their new Netflix rom-com". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
- ^ Radhakrishnan, Manjusha (23 November 2020). "Indian Netflix show 'Mismatched' explores young love and arranged marriage". gulfnews.com. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
- ^ "Meet team Mismatched". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
- ^ "Mismatched felt like the perfect project to step out of YouTube universe, says Prajakta Koli". The Indian Express. 18 November 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
- ^ Mismatched (Music from the Netflix Original Series) - Prateek Kuhad - Download or Listen Free - JioSaavn, 11 November 2020, retrieved 24 January 2021
- ^ Ghosh, Devarsi (19 November 2020). "'Mismatched' music review: Yay for happy Prateek Kuhad song, nay for overproduced duds". Scroll.in. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
- ^ "Netflix Will Release 17 Indian Titles in the 'Coming Months'". NDTV Gadgets 360. 16 July 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
- ^ Keshri, Shweta (16 July 2020). "Gunjan Saxena to Ludo: Netflix announces 17 new films and series for direct release". India Today. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
- ^ "Netflix India announces eight new titles for 2020, including Anurag Basu's Ludo, Mira Nair's A Suitable Boy". Firstpost. 16 July 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
- ^ Sunder, Gautam (16 July 2020). "Netflix announces new line-up of Indian premieres: 'Ludo', 'A Suitable Boy', 'Raat Akeli Hai' and more". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
- ^ "These first look posters from Netflix's 'Mismatched' prove that we're in for a fun-filled ride!". LetsOTT. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
- ^ Scroll Staff (6 November 2020). "'Mismatched' trailer: Series aimed at young adults is based on the novel 'When Dimple Met Rishi'". Scroll.in. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
- ^ Keshri, Shweta (6 November 2020). "Mismatched trailer out. Prajakta Koli web series is just college, coding and 60s wala romance". India Today. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
- ^ "Netflix Mismatched College Fest | The only college fest 2020 didn't cancel feat. @MostlySane". www.youtube.com. 20 November 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
- ^ "New on Netflix this week: 'Mismatched', 'The Crown' Season 4, and more". The Hindu. 13 November 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
- ^ Grater, Tom (3 March 2021). "Netflix India Unveils Slate Of 40 Films & Series". Deadline. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
- ^ Shetty, Karishma (29 May 2025). "Mismatched Season 4 confirmed: Here's all we know, so far, about the final chapter of Rohit Saraf & Prajakta Koli's rom-com show on Netflix". GQ India. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ^ "Mismatched review: Netflix India show makes teenage adolescence look like a statement, not a stage of life". Firstpost. 21 November 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
- ^ "Mismatched Review: This Netflix Series Slows Down Right When it Needed the Thrust". News18. 21 November 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
- ^ "'Mismatched' review: A series with heart". Mintlounge. 23 November 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
- ^ "Mismatched review | Love in the time of coding and confusion". The New Indian Express. 23 November 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
- ^ "Mismatched Season 1 Review: Same old, same old...", The Times of India, retrieved 24 January 2021
- ^ "Mismatched Review Ep 1, 2: Rohit Saraf, Prajakta & bunch of misfits star in fun, predictable college drama". Pinkvilla. 20 November 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
External links
[edit]- Mismatched at IMDb
Mismatched
View on GrokipediaPremise and format
Series premise
Mismatched centers on the unlikely pairing of Dimple Ahuja, a free-spirited computer science student uninterested in arranged marriage and dedicated to her career ambitions, and Rishi Singh Shekhawat, a traditional romantic who believes in destiny and upholds family expectations.[2][7] Their families arrange an introduction between them, sparking an initial clash of perspectives that unfolds during a summer tech program in Jaipur.[8][9] The series delves into themes contrasting modern and traditional Indian values, particularly the tensions surrounding arranged marriages, while examining personal ambitions in technology and the arts alongside the dynamics of relationships shaped by the digital age.[10][11] It highlights the cultural pressures on young adults navigating independence versus conformity in contemporary India. Adapted from Sandhya Menon's 2017 young adult novel When Dimple Met Rishi, the show relocates the story from the United States to India to emphasize local cultural nuances and societal expectations.[12][11] Dimple's motivations revolve around achieving professional independence in the tech field, while Rishi embodies a blend of optimism and adherence to traditional norms.[2][8]Format and style
Mismatched is structured as a web series with each season consisting of six to eight episodes, typically running 30 to 40 minutes in length, allowing for a blend of romantic comedy tropes and slice-of-life vignettes that unfold over compact narratives.[2][13] This format facilitates episodic focus on character development while maintaining an overarching seasonal arc centered on interpersonal relationships.[8] The visual style employs vibrant cinematography to depict contemporary urban Indian environments, including college campuses and familial homes, with sweeping shots and colorful palettes that underscore the series' youthful vibrancy and emotional depth.[10][14] Cinematographers Avinash Arun (Season 1), Manoj Kumar Khatoi and Bijitesh De (Season 2), and Sudip Sengupta (Season 3) contribute to this aesthetic, using appropriate framing to highlight the dynamic interplay of modern and traditional elements in everyday settings.[15][7][16] Tonally, the series strikes a balance between lighthearted humor—often arising from generational and cultural mismatches—and sincere dramatic explorations of personal growth and romance, creating an earnest and endearing atmosphere suitable for binge-watching.[17][18] Directed primarily by Akarsh Khurana and Nipun Dharmadhikari across its seasons, this approach infuses the narrative with a spunky, relatable energy that appeals to young adult viewers.[19] Classified as a coming-of-age romantic drama infused with comedy, Mismatched targets a demographic navigating the tensions between tradition and individuality in contemporary India.[2][20]Cast and characters
Main cast
The main cast of Mismatched centers on the contrasting leads whose mismatched romance forms the series' emotional core, supported by key ensemble members who amplify the themes of modern relationships, ambition, and identity. Prajakta Koli portrays Dimple Ahuja, the tech-savvy and fiercely independent protagonist, a college student passionate about coding and innovation who resists traditional matchmaking in favor of her career aspirations. Koli's performance infuses Dimple with relatable energy and wit, drawing from her background as a popular YouTuber on the channel MostlySane, where she built a following through humorous sketches and social commentary; this marked Koli's acting debut, transitioning her digital persona into scripted storytelling that highlights millennial independence.[20] Rohit Saraf plays Rishi Singh Shekhawat, Dimple's optimistic and tradition-bound counterpart, a literature-loving romantic who idealizes arranged marriage and family values, creating the series' central dynamic of cultural and personal clashes. Saraf's depiction emphasizes Rishi's vulnerability and earnest charm, contributing to the character's growth across seasons; prior to Mismatched, Saraf had established himself in films such as Dear Zindagi (2016), where he played a supportive friend to Alia Bhatt's lead, showcasing his ability to convey youthful sincerity.[20][21] Among the key supporting mains, Vihaan Samat appears as Harsh Agarwal, an NRI student and Dimple's classmate who serves as her initial love interest and romantic rival to Rishi, introducing tension through his confident, worldly demeanor that contrasts Rishi's idealism. Samat's portrayal adds layers to the love triangle, emphasizing themes of cross-cultural attraction in the early seasons. Muskkaan Jaferi plays Celina Matthews, a vibrant member of the friend group and Dimple's close confidante, whose own arc explores identity and relationships, enriching the ensemble's interpersonal dynamics around the core couple. Jaferi's energetic presence bolsters the series' youthful camaraderie.[20][2]Recurring cast
Taaruk Raina recurs as Anmol Malhotra, Dimple Ahuja's quirky classmate and tech-savvy colleague at the Aravalli Institute, injecting comic relief through his enthusiastic gamer persona and awkward social dynamics in the competitive tech environment.[22] His role evolves across seasons, notably in the second installment where Anmol navigates life as a differently abled individual using a wheelchair, fostering deeper ensemble interactions with main characters like Dimple and Rishi while highlighting themes of resilience and friendship in professional settings.[22] By the third season, Anmol joins Rishi at the virtual-reality firm Betterverse, shifting from rival to teammate and amplifying group humor amid workplace challenges.[5] Devyani Shorey appears recurrently as Namrata Bidasaria, Rishi Singh Shekhawat's steadfast childhood best friend and academic partner, who offers candid advice and levity to balance the protagonists' romantic tensions.[23] Namrata's portrayal emphasizes loyal friendship, with her character arc progressing from supportive sidekick in the first season to exploring personal identity and relationships, including a same-sex romance first with Celina and later with Ayesha in season 3, which enriches the series' depiction of diverse ensemble bonds.[24] Rannvijay Singha recurs as Professor Siddharth Sinha (Sid), the charismatic coordinator of the tech program and mentor to the students, whose innovative teaching style and personal storylines underscore themes of ambition, loss, and reinvention across all three seasons.[2] Vidya Malvade embodies Zeenat Karim, the empathetic professor and mentor to the young students, whose guidance underscores generational clashes between traditional expectations and youthful ambitions in the tech-driven narrative.[25] As a widowed Muslim educator, Zeenat's interactions with Dimple and her peers provide emotional depth, evolving from authoritative figure in season one to a more vulnerable ally in later episodes, particularly as she collaborates on projects that bridge academic and personal growth. Family members also recur to heighten relational dynamics, such as Kshitee Jog as Simple Ahuja, Dimple's overprotective mother, who represents conservative parental pressures clashing with her daughter's independent pursuits across the series.[26] Similarly, Jugal Hansraj portrays Rishi's father, contributing to familial expectations that influence Rishi's decisions, with their interactions evolving to reflect reconciliation in the face of his evolving career and romance. These roles collectively strengthen the show's ensemble by contrasting the leads' journeys with supportive, humorous, and conflict-driven subplots.Episodes
Series overview
Mismatched is an Indian Hindi-language coming-of-age romantic comedy series on Netflix, centering on young adults navigating unexpected romantic connections and personal growth amid cultural expectations of arranged marriages.[2] The series premiered its first season on November 20, 2020, with six episodes, followed by a second season of eight episodes on October 14, 2022, and a third season of eight episodes on December 13, 2024.[2][27] A fourth and final season was announced in May 2025, slated for release in 2026.[28] Episodes across all seasons typically run between 25 and 45 minutes, blending lighthearted humor with emotional depth in a serialized format.[2][13] Developed by a writing team led by Gazal Dhaliwal, the series maintains a consistent narrative style focused on character-driven stories without individual episode titles emphasized in overviews.[5] Each season has performed strongly in viewership, debuting or ranking in the top 10 on Netflix in India post-release, reflecting its appeal to local audiences.[29][30]Season 1 (2020)
The first season of Mismatched premiered on Netflix on November 20, 2020, comprising six episodes that establish the core premise of an arranged marriage setup between the ambitious coder Dimple Ahuja and the traditional romantic Rishi Singh Shekhawat. Directed by Akarsh Khurana and Nipun Dharmadhikari, the season was written by Gazal Dhaliwal, Sunayana Kumari, Vaibhav Ekde, Neha Hooda, and Aarsh Vora. It introduces the protagonists' contrasting worldviews—Dimple's focus on career independence versus Rishi's belief in destined love—amid the vibrant backdrop of a summer coding program at a Jaipur college, where initial clashes arise from their mismatched expectations. Supporting characters, including Dimple's protective mother and Rishi's enthusiastic grandmother, underscore family pressures on tradition, while friends like Celina, Namrata, and Zeenat add layers of college camaraderie and personal secrets.[2][7][31] A key subplot revolves around Dimple's passion for developing a dating app called "Pyaar.com," which symbolizes her modern take on relationships and faces hurdles in the program, paralleling the growing romantic tension with Rishi. The season builds to a resolution of their initial friction through shared experiences, including group outings and personal revelations, culminating in a high-stakes gaming challenge that tests loyalties and forces confrontations. This arc highlights themes of self-discovery in a youthful, tech-savvy environment, without resolving the overarching romantic conflict.[2][32]| No. | Title | Original release date | Brief synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | When Dimple Met Rishi | November 20, 2020 | Rishi, a hopeless romantic, becomes smitten after viewing Dimple's profile on a matrimonial site arranged by his grandmother, leading him to join her summer coding program in Jaipur to woo her; Dimple, focused on her tech ambitions, rebuffs his advances, introducing their families' expectations and her initial irritation at the setup.[33][2] |
| 2 | Hot Summer, Cold Vibes | November 20, 2020 | Dimple discovers her parents allowed her trip to Jaipur partly due to the marriage proposal, sparking clashes with Rishi during a class assignment where he tries to bond as friends; supporting friends like Harpreet (Zen) are introduced, highlighting college life's social dynamics amid rising tensions.[2] |
| 3 | Message Deleted | November 20, 2020 | After an awkward dinner with Celina's friends, Dimple and Rishi share a revealing walk home that deepens their understanding, while Celina and Namrata conceal personal secrets; the episode explores friend group introductions and Dimple's early app brainstorming struggles in the college setting.[2] |
| 4 | Making Moves | November 20, 2020 | Namrata confides her crush on Celina to Rishi, complicating friendships; a chaotic house party at Zeenat's leads to misunderstandings and emotional outbursts between Dimple and Rishi, emphasizing college party culture and the strain of hidden family-influenced romantic pressures.[2] |
| 5 | It's Not a Date | November 20, 2020 | Dimple and Rishi embark on a platonic outing that turns tense with confessions and revelations about their arranged setup; Dimple's app idea gains approval, but rival Anmol issues a challenge, intensifying romantic friction and showcasing her determination in the program.[2] |
| 6 | Games We Play | November 20, 2020 | Dimple immerses in finalizing her app before a pivotal gaming showdown with Anmol; betrayals among friends and family strain relationships, resolving initial tensions between Dimple and Rishi through honest confrontations amid the college program's climax.[2] |
Season 2 (2022)
The second season of Mismatched builds on the core character dynamics established in the first season, where Dimple Ahuja and Rishi Shekhawat developed a tentative friendship amid mismatched expectations from an arranged marriage setup.[2] Comprising eight episodes, the season delves deeper into their evolving relationship as young adults at the Aravali Institute of Interactive Media in Jaipur, emphasizing progression through new romantic tensions, career hurdles, and personal growth.[20] Released simultaneously on Netflix on October 14, 2022, the episodes explore long-distance strains when opportunities pull characters apart, Dimple's ambitions in tech innovation, and interventions from family members grappling with cultural expectations.[2] New challenges include the introduction of romantic rival Anmol Malhotra, a differently-abled student whose interactions with Dimple add layers of emotional complexity and self-discovery.[22] The narrative incorporates virtual reality via the Betterverse platform, a tech space that facilitates interpersonal connections and highlights Dimple's rising role in app development.[34] Directed primarily by Akarsh Khurana, the season features writing contributions from Gazal Dhaliwal, Aarsh Vora, Nandini Gupta, and Sunayana Kumari, focusing on Gen Z themes like mental health and identity without notable guest directors.[35][36] The season's episodes trace the characters' journeys through campus life, project deadlines, and relational conflicts:- Episode 1: "When Dimple Met Rishi.. Again" – Dimple and her project partner Harsh push to claim credit for their innovative app amid competition at the institute, while Namrata deals with the fallout from her personal secret being exposed, and Rishi works to mend their fractured friendship.[37] This installment reintroduces the group dynamics and sets up Dimple's tech aspirations.
- Episode 2: "Girl in the Middle" – Tensions escalate between Dimple and Rishi as unresolved feelings surface during preparations for a coding competition, placing Dimple in a precarious position between old connections and new possibilities.[38]
- Episode 3: "100 Reasons to Hate You" – Dimple intensifies her investigation into a data thief threatening her project, while Namrata confronts family opposition to her choices, with Rishi intervening to protect her privacy. The episode underscores career pressures and familial interventions.
- Episode 4: "Heartech" – The group navigates cultural traditions and personal traditions during a heartfelt event, blending romance with reflections on family expectations and individual ambitions.[39]
- Episode 5: "Altair and Vega" – Characters grapple with codependency and self-discovery in relationships, as Dimple's app work intersects with emerging romantic interests like Anmol, testing boundaries in the virtual and real worlds.[40]
- Episode 6: "You're The One" – Amid a chaotic wedding and emotional breakdowns, the episode highlights relational commitments and the impact of external pressures on Dimple and Rishi's bond.[41]
- Episode 7: "It's Not a Non-Date" – Reflections follow a college festival, with characters making pivotal decisions about futures, including Dimple's career path and Rishi's emotional vulnerabilities.[42]
- Episode 8: "I Love You More" – A romantic outing disrupts Dimple's dreams, leading to remorse and resolutions at a farewell party; Namrata takes decisive action on her path, culminating the season's exploration of love and independence.[43]
Season 3 (2024)
The third season of Mismatched premiered on Netflix on December 13, 2024, consisting of eight episodes that explore the evolving relationship between Dimple and Rishi three years after the events of season 2. Set against the backdrop of post-college life, the season delves into mature themes such as long-distance challenges, career ambitions in the tech sector, and the pressures of commitment, as the couple navigates dual lives—one in the real world and one in the digital realm.[2][20] The narrative highlights Dimple's struggles with professional stagnation and rejection from a prestigious tech internship at Nandini Nahata College of Technology, contrasting with Rishi's rising success in his career, which strains their bond. Key events include tech industry obstacles like code leaks and startup dreams, family weddings that bring emotional turmoil, and the couple's exploration of living apart while questioning their future together. These elements escalate the stakes, focusing on personal growth and relational maturity beyond the youthful romance of prior seasons.[26][44][45]| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | When Dimple Didn't Meet Rishi | Akarsh Khurana | Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari, Gazal Dhaliwal | December 13, 2024 | While navigating a long-distance relationship, Rishi's career soars while Dimple's life turns stagnant. Sid dreams big with a new educational institute.[46] |
| 16 | For Better or For Verse | Akarsh Khurana | Ayesha Aziz, Anu Singh Chaudhary | December 13, 2024 | Dimple grapples with creative blocks and family expectations as Rishi balances work and romance. |
| 17 | Chill vs Dil | Akarsh Khurana | Supritha Ramnath, Raghav Kakkar | December 13, 2024 | Tensions rise over differing priorities, with Dimple facing tech setbacks and Rishi supporting a friend's venture. |
| 18 | It Gets Better Hon | Akarsh Khurana | Nidhi Srivastava, Vaibhav Vishant | December 13, 2024 | The couple confronts emotional hurdles amid a personal loss, testing their commitment. |
| 19 | Where Does the Love Go? | Akarsh Khurana | Tanvi Rastogi, Aditi Banerjee | December 13, 2024 | Ambitions clash as Dimple pursues her app project, leading to reflections on their separate paths. |
| 20 | Growing Pains | Akarsh Khurana | Prashasti Singh, Sameer Gujar | December 13, 2024 | Family dynamics intensify with wedding preparations, forcing Rishi and Dimple to address living apart. |
| 21 | Hello, Future Wife! | Akarsh Khurana | Sneha Desai, Abhishek Raj | December 13, 2024 | Commitment pressures mount during social events, blending joy and anxiety in their relationship. |
| 22 | Beginning, Middle and... | Akarsh Khurana | Anu Menon, Gazal Dhaliwal | December 13, 2024 | The season culminates in decisions about their future, intertwining tech dreams and personal vows.[47] |