Mismatched is a serviceable study of modern teenage friction
Mismatched is a romantic comedy that moves at a fast pace and does not have very high stakes. For a film about romance, the leads have great chemistry. Unfortunately, the script very much engages with adolescence as a fabricated/curated aesthetic rather than a lived experience. It is fine to ignore that and watch this film when you’re in the mood for a quick, weekend Netflix watch.
The chemistry that anchors the chaos
The series is largely a credit to the lead pair of Prajakta Koli and Rohit Saraf. Koli and Saraf’s performances elevate the material and give the bickering duo a cute, warm relationship that’s reminiscent of teenage banter and drama. The rest of the cast, Rannvijay Singha and Vidya Malvade, together provide a supporting structure that is appreciated. The show really hits its high marks when the focus is on the two leads. Cinematographer Sudip Sengupta uses a picturesque backdrop of Jaipur and really showcases a vibrant, sun-drenched aesthetic, all while utilizing tropes that teen dramas (and other dramas) fall back on. Overall, visually, it really brings a fresh look and feel to the series.
Structural flaws and narrative laziness
The writing struggles with creating high drama in a low drama situation. The arranged marriage plot line adds a cheap, unnecessary dramatic device that stops the characters from being in control of their decisions and adds unnecessary conflict.
The last episode uses a lot of fake cliffhangers to save plot twist for future seasons. This episode sets a bad precedent for the rest of the series because of the sacrifices made to create a good ending.
These plot devices were used a lot to make the last episode a tease. All of a sudden, the episodes begin to have interesting character development.
Who should commit to this campus drama
If you like a show with little substance but nice aesthetics, Boyfriends is for you.
If you want to see youth and how complex of a time that is portrayed in an interesting way or just overall good storytelling, this isn’t the show for you. It likes to take the easy way out by not showing full growth of characters. This show is not for you if you want to see good plot development and payoff.
It seems like you should watch this show if you want a pretty to look at show with little substance, and you should not watch this show if you want a show that goes beyond looking pretty.
