Haters prove that we spend so much energy hating that we lose faith. We find wrongs and We lose sight of how can we let something be good and useful / beneficial to us.
This show is about various people from very different backgrounds, most of whom, having tried other paths to a stable companionship or having waited some, are putting their faith in the Indian matchmaking process with openness to see what happens.
Be aware that they don't show endings and the season finishes with a beginning rather than an ending - makes it very clear that the endings are not the point. The varied journeys, emotions, tough life, dealing processes - that's the point. If you want clear endings, don't watch.
So here's my honest review :
1. It's REALISTIC - in that it doesn't force the people in the show to mince words. Doesn't force characters to necessarily present themsleves in an absolute good light - not even the matchmaker herself... if you don't hate the show from get-go because of pre concieved notions, you'll find the matchmaker vulnerable and not-right at various points. But everyone is as realistic as a show like this could present. It also openly portrays what a majority of individuals wouldn't even admit (even to themselves) they do look for in life partners. That's the best part about the show.
2. It shows various people's JOURNEYS and the journey IS the story. The point is NOT whether the matchmaker was good or not, what was right or wrong, wether the matches happened or not,... The point is each individual's story. Matchmaker's story included.
With so many varied characters, you are bound to associate with one or the other in the show or with different aspects in multiple characters. So with at least one of the stories, you may learn something about yourself too, no matter what stage you are in your life.
(And face it - regarding finding love/companionship/marriage there is no absolute right or wrong. Rights and wrongs are completely contextual concepts)
3. The STORY TELLING STYLE of the director is off putting sometimes because of the incessant breaks in each story like tiny crumbs of each story spread thin for the viewer - hence the minus one star. But hey, it's just 8 episodes. By the way, a second season exploring even more diverse stories will be great too in my opinion !
4. The show even cleverly crafts-in the EVOLUTION of Indian matchmaking too - by showing the old couples' short interviews. Shows very succinctly how the process has adapted to modern times while staying within the diverse traditional contexts of a country as unbelievably diverse as India. From marrying after just one-time 20 minute conversations to a long and tough 7 dates / 100 meetings process.
5. The show keeps a POSITIVE undertone, which is important, especially because it is being seen by non indian people around the world too who have enough lopsided exposure to everything that's wrong/bad/dirty in this country. Ref : slumdog millionaire, world's strictest parents series, or just watch Karolina Goswami's videos on how much negative media the West consumes about India daily.
All in all, i liked it very much. And I liked all the characters - all of them. Even learnt something from Preeti ji - even though a similar situation of misplaced expectations from my mother in law broke my own love marriage!
I suppose this show is drawing a lot of flak and hate because too many people have those baggages the show mentions, those feelings of residual angst from past experiences which causes them to have many issues with the show.
These are individual lives and this is a very realistic context, it is how matchmaking has happened, happens and will probably continue to evolve.
My suggestion : relax and watch each story as separate from your own existing notions and not with angst from your own experiences, your past or your expectations from your own future.
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