OTT Review: Permanent Roommates Season 3

Cast: Sumeet Vyas, Nidhi Singh, Deepak Kumar Mishra, Sheeba Chaddha, and others.
Director: Shreyansh Pandey
Producers: Arunabh Kumar
Streaming On: Amazon Prime

TVF’s Permanent Roommates series made its debut on YouTube in 2014 and created waves with its fresh and witty humour. The show was groundbreaking for YouTube at the time, which made Amazon Prime buy it and make Season 2 of the same, which turned out to be successful one. After a seven-year hiatus following the blockbuster success of the first season, the same cast reunited for Season 3.

Synopsis:

In this new series, we see the characters dealing with fresh challenges. Tanya (Nidhi Singh), who has been left with no office friends after her colleague moves abroad for career growth, decides to make some major changes in her own life. She contemplates leaving the country and seeking new experiences, feeling somewhat dissatisfied with her current situation. On the other hand, Mikesh (Sumeet Vyas) is secretly resistant to the idea of leaving the country and goes to great lengths to prevent Tanya from making that life-altering decision. This season not only delves into the lives of the two main characters but also explores the journeys and issues faced by their respective parents. Tanya’s father, Deepak Kumar Mishra, grapples with personal and sensual matters, while Mikesh’s mother struggles with the loss of her husband. The series spans five episodes and explores their quest for permanent residency in Canada and the events that transpire along the way.

Performances:

Sumeet Vyas stands out with his portrayal of Mikesh. He masterfully maintains his endearing inner man-child persona and keeps the audience engaged with his expressive yet often silent and inquisitive facial expressions. The supporting characters complement his performance effectively.

Nidhi Singh delivers a performance marked by ease and emotional depth. Her character’s pursuit of career growth while also desiring a harmonious relationship with Mikesh is portrayed convincingly.

Sheeba’s character, as a modern and open-minded mother, provides moments of emotional connection. Her portrayal of sudden realizations and subtle reactions, particularly in a scene where she reacts to a budding affair, adds depth to her character. Her on-screen chemistry with Sachin Pilgaonkar is heartwarming.

Technical Aspects:

The true strength of the series lies in its writing. While the production values may not astonish, the writing keeps the audience engaged and invested throughout.

Thumbs Up:

The humor is as effective as ever.
Superb performances by the cast.

Thumbs Down:

TVF’s familiar character dynamics feel repetitive.
The screenplay follows a predictable path.

Analysis:

Permanent Roommates Season 3 retains the essence of the original series, featuring the same characters and familiar comedic scenarios. It doesn’t introduce any groundbreaking elements, but it successfully explores modern-day issues and offers resolutions in an engaging and enjoyable manner. While it may not take risks with new characters, it continues to address relatable topics and provides a well-rounded viewing experience.

At times, the content seems repetitive in addressing Gen Z’s concerns, such as the heroine’s desire to escape the monotony of work and relocate to Canada, while the hero’s motivation to stay in their home country only becomes clear towards the end of the storyline. Until that revelation, it’s natural to wonder why Mikesh wants to remain in the country without a clear reason, especially when many young people today are eager to explore opportunities abroad. While this season could serve as a practical guide for those aspiring to obtain Canadian Permanent Residency, it might not pique the interest of Telugu viewers who often travel overseas due to their IT jobs.

The ending, where the heroine heads off to Germany, may appear surprising within the context of the story, but it reflects a common occurrence in Telugu culture where one spouse frequently relocates for work, leaving the family behind. This ending may not provide a satisfying climax for Telugu audiences, while Hindi viewers might find it fresh and view it as a potential setup for the show’s fourth season.

Bottom Line: A one-time watch for fans of the series.