‘Love it or hate it, you just can’t ignore it’ seems like a perfect introduction to Netflix’s Indian Matchmaking. As people across the world were finding ways to stay sane in the 2020 lockdown, the show had found its way into watchlists, giving people a lot to talk about. It had successfully made waves for being both relatable and cringe-worthy among Indian and NRI audiences. Now, Indian Matchmaking has once again entered the news cycle by winning an Emmy nomination, under the Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program category.
Everything that the show was criticised for, fuelled its success last year. Especially if one were to look at the reasons why it trended on social media. People were cringe-watching it and sharing their views via memes and hard-hitting commentaries. Some even found it triggering, bringing back memories they would have rather not revisited. Almost everyone online knew someone they could recall while watching the show.
Read more: Setting up an inflatable theatre in villages to make cinema accessible.
Sima Taparia’s character stood strong against the criticism for it was grounded in what can be called “Indian values”. She, along with a majority of characters on the show, brought forth a section of the Indian society that looks at marriage in a very different way. Indian Matchmaking showcases the age-old ways and patterns of matchmaking that several Indian generations are well-versed with (and still commonly occur in most communities in India). Aspects that today might feel out of touch for those who believe in marriage as a relationship and not just a mere social construct.
All said and done, the show was a massive success for Netflix and the Emmy nomination is bound to take things further for the show and the OTT streaming platform.
