Bench Life(2024) - A joyful and relatable journey of life on the bench.

 

Genre: Drama
Written by: Manasa Sharma, Mahesh Uppala
Directed by: Manasa Sharma
Starring:

• Vaibhav
• Charan Peri
• Ritika Singh
• Aakanksha Singh
• Rajendra Prasad
• Nayan Sarika
• Venkatesh Kakumanu
• Tanikella Bharani

Music by: Pk Dandi
Country of Origin: India
Original Language: Telugu
No. of Episodes: 5

Production
Executive Producer: Ramesh Manyam
Producer: Niharika Konidela
Cinematography: Danush Bhaskar
Editor: Prawin Pudi
Camera Setup: Multi-camera
Running Time: 39-42 minutes
Production Company: Pink Elephant Pictures
Original Release
Network: SonyLIV
Release: 12 September 2024

Plot Summary:

The show chronicles the lives of its three protagonists, Balu (Vaibhav Reddy), Ravi (Charan Peri), and Meenakshi (Ritika Singh). While their professional ambitions differ, they are united by their shared journey of being on the Bench Team. With humor, emotion, and heartfelt moments, Bench Life dives into the quirks and struggles of corporate life, resonating deeply with viewers.

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Highlights

Relatable Narrative:
The series captures the camaraderie and unique challenges of corporate bench life with authenticity, humor, and emotion.

Outstanding Performances:

• Vaibhav: Shines as Balu, bringing warmth and charm to his role.
• Charan Peri: Displays emotional depth and versatility, breaking away from his usual comedic image.
• Ritika Singh: Perfectly portrays Meenakshi’s passion and struggles, drawing inspiration from real-life experiences.
• Rajendra Prasad & Aakanksha Singh: Deliver heartfelt performances, adding layers of familial and emotional complexity.

Music:
Pk Dandi’s music is integral to the storytelling, with tracks like “Break Ee Theesukora Aajamu” becoming instant favorites.

Direction:
Manasa Sharma’s debut as a director is remarkable, blending humor and realism while maintaining an emotional core.

Production:
Niharika Konidela’s production house, Pink Elephant Pictures, ensures high-quality execution with polished cinematography, editing, and production design.

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Strengths

• Authentic portrayal of IT bench life.
• Stellar performances by the cast, especially Vaibhav and Charan Peri.
• Catchy music that enhances the narrative.

Weaknesses

• The pacing dips slightly in the middle episodes.
• Limited exploration of some supporting characters.
• The story and the conflicts are all old school.

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My Personal Take on Cinema

Bench Life transcends being just a web series; it’s a heartfelt experience that captures the unsung journey of IT professionals on the bench. Manasa Sharma’s direction and storytelling finesse shine through, creating a narrative that’s equal parts humorous and touching. The authenticity in the characters and their struggles resonates deeply, making the series relatable for audiences across the board.

The music, led by Pk Dandi, acts as a perfect complement to the emotions on screen, with tracks like “Break Ee Theesukora Aajamu” adding vibrancy to the series. Special mention to Vaibhav and Ritika Singh for their performances, which bring life to their characters. Charan Peri’s versatility is a revelation, showcasing a side of his talent that audiences haven’t seen before.

Rating: 

2.75/5