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After delivering a decent hit with her maiden feature film production, Committee Kurrollu, Niharika Konidela returns with a new web series titled Bench Life. Directed by first-time filmmaker Manasa Sharma, the 5-episode series is now live on Sony LIV. Read our review to find out how this show measures up.

Story:

Bench Life centers around Balu (Vaibhav), Meenakshi (Ritika Singh), and Ravi (Charan Peri), three software employees at Apcoh Tech in Hyderabad who are all trying to get on the company’s ‘bench’ for their own reasons. Meanwhile, Eesha (Aakanksha Singh), the manager, has unresolved issues with Prasad Vassishta (Rajendra Prasad), a new employee. Why does the trio want to be benched, and what drives Eesha’s dislike for Prasad? What will happen next in their respective careers? The answers unfold in this lighthearted five-episode series.

Plus Points:

Niharika Konidela once again taps into a relatable theme, especially for the youth working in software companies. Her faith in director Manasa Sharma pays off, as the concept is entertaining.

Regarding performances, Ritika Singh shines as Meenakshi, a passionate individual who doesn’t enjoy her job but is willing to risk it all to pursue her dreams. She convincingly portrays the struggle between following one’s passion and meeting professional expectations.

Vaibhav delivers a fun and easygoing performance as a man who tries to avoid work while secretly harboring feelings for someone he has loved for nine years. His scenes are light and humorous, keeping the tone upbeat.

Charan Peri as Ravi also provides comic relief, complementing the dynamic among the younger cast members. Veteran actor Rajendra Prasad effortlessly adds weight to the series, balancing humor and seriousness with his flawless timing and seasoned performance.

Akanksha Singh gives a measured performance as Eesha, a responsible manager who believes in individuality. She brings depth to the role and leaves a nice impression on screen. Supporting actors like Tulasi, Nayan Sarika, Ananth, and Venkatesh also contribute to the narrative.

The final episode stands out as it communicates an empowering message about women pursuing their dreams.

Minus Points:

While the series is decent, it could have been better, especially in terms of pacing. The middle episodes feel slightly stretched, and a tighter edit could have enhanced the viewing experience.

Although the bond between Balu, Meenakshi, and Ravi is well-written, it could have been explored in greater depth to make their friendship more impactful. Additional scenes focusing on their camaraderie at work would have enriched the storyline.

Tanikella Bharani’s character, though charming, feels underutilized. Extending his role with more screen time could have increased his contribution to the plot. Similarly, Tulasi’s character is limited, and her relationship with her daughter could have been developed further to strengthen the emotional angle.

Technical Aspects:

On her debut, director Manasa Sharma earns praise for handling the story and showcasing a range of emotions well. However, the series would have benefited from a more streamlined narrative, with a few unnecessary scenes trimmed for better flow.

Danush Bhaskar’s cinematography is vibrant, and PK Dandi’s music complements the tone of the series, adding a fresh and lively feel. Praveen Pudi’s editing is fine, but a sharper cut in the middle episodes would have helped maintain a better pace. Production values are solid.

Verdict:

On the whole, Bench Life is a decent comedy-drama that benefits from strong performances delivered by Vaibhav, Ritika Singh, Charan Peri, Akanksha Singh, and Rajendra Prasad. Although the series lacks deeper emotional resonance and suffers from occasional pacing issues, it is still a fun weekend watch. So grab your popcorn and stream it.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

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