Ep 1. When Dimple Met Rishi

When Dimple Met Rishi is the first episode of the Indian romantic comedy series Mismatched on Netflix. The show is based on Sandhya Menon's novel When Dimple Met Rishi. The series centers around a group of college students who attend coding camp during the summer.

The pilot, When Dimple Met Rishi, sets up the show's central relationship. The episode introduces the two protagonists, Dimple Shah (Prajakta Koli) and Rishi Singhania (Rohit Saraf). Dimple is a headstrong and ambitious young woman who dreams of creating an innovative app that will change the world. Rishi, on the other hand, is a traditional and romantic young man who dreams of finding true love and living happily ever after. The two meet for the first time at the coding camp, and their initial interaction is fraught with misunderstanding and conflict.

The episode follows their interactions over the course of a day. Dimple is initially hostile to Rishi, thinking he is one of the many boys her parents have arranged for her to meet. However, as the day progresses, the two begin to get to know each other and develop a connection. They spark a friendship, and Dimple begins to see Rishi in a new light.

As the episode progresses, the viewer is introduced to the other characters in the show. Aravind (Rannvijay Singha) is the teacher at the coding camp who takes his job very seriously. He is also the show's resident voice of reason, providing guidance and mentorship for his students. Harsh (Vihaan Samat) is Rishi's cousin and best friend, who is also attending the coding camp. He is a bit of a playboy and spends the day flirting with the female students.

Throughout the episode, the show explores themes of tradition, family, and identity. Dimple struggles to reconcile her desire for independence with her family's expectations for her to conform. Her mother, in particular, portrays a tradition-bound mindset and responds negatively to Dimple's ambitions. This puts a strain on their relationship. On the other hand, Rishi is shown as more traditional and dutiful, with his family expecting him to follow the path laid out for him.

Despite their differences, Dimple and Rishi are drawn to each other. They find themselves sharing personal stories and talking about their hopes and dreams. The episode culminates in a dance competition, during which Dimple and Rishi pair up. As they dance, the sparks between them are obvious, and the viewer is left wondering what the future holds for these two mismatched individuals.

Overall, When Dimple Met Rishi is a charming and engaging pilot. It introduces the central characters and sets up the central relationship in a way that feels organic and natural. The show's exploration of themes of tradition and modernity gives it depth and complexity. The episode also boasts strong performances from its lead actors and a great soundtrack that adds to the overall appeal. For fans of romantic comedies, Mismatched is a must-watch series.