The first two seasons of Netflix’s Mismatched have been an enjoyable trip to the land of young love, set against the backdrop of the quirks and challenges of a tech-driven world. In its third season, the show, written by Gazal Dhaliwal, shifts from Jaipur’s cosy confines to Hyderabad’s cutting-edge fictional tech institute NNIT campus, introducing new challenges in the lives of Dimple, Rishi and their friends as they embrace adulting.
Three years have passed since Dimple Ahuja (Prajakta Koli) was rejected by her idol — tech czar and the principal of NNIT, Nandini Nahata (Dipannita Sharma) — from admission to the prestigious institute. It derailed her dreams and continues to haunt Dimple, who is stuck in Ambala and keeping herself busy with online courses. Meanwhile, her boyfriend Rishi Sekhawat (Rohit Saraf) is thriving — he’s at NNIT in Hyderabad, living the life she always wanted.
Dimple and Rishi’s long-distance relationship adds a new layer of tension to their dynamic. While still very much in love, their worlds couldn’t be more different. When Dimple finally joins Rishi in Hyderabad, it’s not at NNIT but at LLIT, an alternative tech institute run by Sid (Rannvijay Singha).
The physical proximity, however, doesn’t bridge the emotional distance between them. Rishi is busier than ever with his ambitious projects and his deepening ties with Nandini Nahata. To complicate matters, Rishi has also forged a strong bond with Anmol (Taaruk Raina), who was once Dimple’s greatest rival.
As Dimple struggles to find her footing in Hyderabad, resentment begins to brew. She’s frustrated by her own failures and jealous of the life Rishi is effortlessly excelling in. Whether their relationship will withstand the strain or be torn apart by it is the theme the eight-episode Season 3 revolves around.
One of the core themes of Mismatched is the impact of technology on human interactions, and it gets greater focus in Season 3 with the lines blurring between the real and the digital. A virtual reality platform called Betterverse that is being developed at NNIT increasingly becomes the place where Dimple and Rishi meet, whose interactions until now were restricted to phone screens and video calls. Even in this dreamlike virtual space, there’s an ache for something real — proof that no amount of digital connection can replace physical presence.
The sprawling narrative sometimes feels overcrowded, with certain subplots left underdeveloped. Some characters from previous seasons have disappeared without an explanation. A new addition to the cast this season is Lauren Robinson, who plays Rith, a closeted trans man who sees Betterverse as a sanctuary where he can live his true self. This is a poignant story arc and Rith’s journey is handled with care, thanks to head writer Gazal Dhaliwal, whose own experiences as a trans woman lend authenticity and depth to this subplot.
The writing team deserves applause for addressing complex issues like gender dysphoria, grief and body positivity. These themes are woven into the characters’ personal crises without feeling tokenistic, providing a richer emotional quotient than the earlier seasons.
As always, Rohit Saraf and Prajakta Koli anchor the series but their chemistry in Season 3 feels a bit strained. Prajakta is now more deft at portraying Dimple’s vulnerability and frustration. Rohit brings alive Rishi’s rising distress from being caught between his career ambitions and his emotional insecurities.
Taaruk Raina once again steals the show as Anmol, balancing his character’s rough edges with moments of genuine vulnerability. Muskkaan Jaferi, as Celina, delivers a moving performance, though her storyline is not explored much. Rannvijay Singha and Vidya Malvade provide a refreshing counterpoint as Sid and Zeenat, whose mature romance offers a welcome break from the younger lot’s turbulence.
