OTT Review: Bench Life – Telugu Web Series on Sony Liv

After a successful debut as a producer with Committee Boys, Niharika Konidela is back with a new web series titled Bench Life. Directed by Manasa Sharma for the first time, the 5 episode series is now available for streaming on Sony Live. Let’s go into the review and see how this web series is doing.

Story:

The story of Bench Life centers around Balu (Vaibhav), Meenakshi (Ritika Singh), and Ravi (Charan Peri), three software employees at Apco Tech in Hyderabad. All of them are trying to climb the company bench for their own reasons. Meanwhile, manager Esha (Akanksha Singh) has issues with new employee Prasad Vasishta (Rajendra Prasad). Why do all three want to sit on the bench and what is the reason for Esha’s dislike for Prasad? What will happen next in their respective careers? This five episode series has the answers.

Plus Points:

Niharika Konidela has once again come up with a theme that everyone can relate to. Especially for the youth working in software companies. Her faith in director Manasa Sharma paid off as the concept was entertaining.

As for the acting, Ritika Singh entertains as Meenakshi. She doesn’t enjoy her job, but is willing to risk everything to make her dreams come true. It succeeds in showing the struggle between following one’s passion and meeting professional expectations.

Vaibhav gives a fun and lighthearted performance as a man who tries to avoid work while secretly harboring feelings for the man he has been in love with for nine years. His scenes are light and humorous.

Ravi Charan also entertained in comedy scenes. Veteran actor Rajendra Prasad entertains by acting very easily. Balancing humor and seriousness with his performance turned out to be a big plus point for the series.

Akanksha Singh gives a good performance as Esha, a responsible manager who believes in personality. Her character became very crucial to the series. He made a good impression with his performance.

Supporting actors like Tulsi, Nayan Sarika, Ananth and Venkatesh also entertained. The final episode conveys the message of empowerment for women to realize their dreams.

Minus Points:

Although the series is good, it could have been better especially in terms of pacing. The middle episodes feel like a bit of a stretch.

While the relationship between Balu, Meenakshi and Ravi is well written, it would have been better if there was more depth to make their friendship more effective. Some unnecessary scenes would have been edited.

Tanikella Bharani’s character, though good, seems to be underused. Extending his role with more screen time could have increased his contribution to the plot. Similarly, the role of Tulsi is limited. She may have further developed her relationship with her daughter to strengthen the emotional dimension.

Technical Department:

In her directorial debut, Manasa Sharma handled the story and was praised for her emotional range. However, it would have been nice to have some interesting conversations in this web series. Unnecessary scenes should have been edited for better viewing.

Danush Bhaskar’s cinematography is good. Music by PK Dandi is catchy. Praveen Puri’s editing is good, but a sharper cut in the middle episodes would have maintained a good pace. The production values ​​are good.

Verdict:

Overall, Bench Life is a good comedy drama with good performances from Vaibhav, Ritika Singh, Charan Peri, Akanksha Singh and Rajendra Prasad. Although this web series lacks emotional depth, the narrative is not very impressive with occasional pacing issues, but it is entertaining. Watch this web series this weekend.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

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