Girls Hostel (2018 TV series)

Girls Hostel is an Indian comedy-drama web series that originally premiered on Sony LIV on 8 December 2018. The show revolves around the lives of girls residing in a hostel at a medical institute, highlighting the challenges they face in obtaining basic amenities and fostering inclusivity. It is created by Shreyasi Sharma and directed by Hanish D Kalia.

Cast
The cast of Girls Hostel includes Ahsaas Channa, Srishti Shrivastava, Parul Gulati, Simran Natekar, Shreya Mehta, and Tanvi Lehr Sonigra.

Overview
The third season of Girls Hostel, also referred to as Girls Hostel 3.0, continues the story from the previous seasons. The characters have progressed by a year, with the juniors becoming seniors and preparing to welcome new students into the complex ecosystem of the hostel. The season explores personal conflicts and the reactions of the surrounding environment. One of the standout characters in the series is Jo, portrayed by Srishti Shrivastava. Jo, initially a misfit, presents herself with flamboyance and a "don't mess with me" attitude. However, beneath her tough exterior lies a girl who yearns to stand up for herself. The show acknowledges Jo's inner struggles as she makes a life-changing decision that alters the course of the entire narrative. The remaining cast members play their respective roles as per the script, with some characters bordering on caricatures. While the series attempts to delve into relevant themes, some subplots and conflicts are resolved too quickly, resulting in an incomplete and purposeless narrative. Furthermore, the absence of family backgrounds for the characters, which were emphasized in previous seasons, raises questions about the show's consistency and the audience's investment in the characters' personal lives.

Reception
Archika Khurana of The Times of India gave season 1, a rating of 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "All said, it’s a light-hearted binge-watch series with a motto of ‘why can’t girls have all the fun’." Season 2 received 3.5 stars out of 5 and Khurana wrote "This season tackles some serious issues—right from water crises management to eve-teasing—which are depicted in a lighter manner."

Girls Hostel 3.0 received mixed reviews from viewers and critics. Some appreciated the relatable portrayal of hostel life and the exploration of relevant issues such as gender fluidity, expectations from parents, and anxiety at a young age. The performances of the main cast members, including Ahsaas Channa, Srishti Shrivastava, and Parul Gulati, were praised for their natural and convincing portrayal of student life.

Sukanya Saha of Dainik Jagran in his review wrote "Dull, Unimaginative, And Just Not Worth Your Time."

Shubham Kulkarni of Koimoi wrote "TVF Spark Goes Missing From A Show That Is Confused About Its Own Intent."