At its heart, the story is straightforward, focusing on the journey of its main characters toward redemption. It unfolds with a relaxed narrative style and plenty of humor.
When we think of corporate life, we often picture the frantic pace, endless conference calls that stretch beyond working hours, and the stress that accompanies a seemingly glamorous lifestyle. However, “Bench Life,” the new Telugu web series directed by Manasa Sharma, explores a unique aspect of the corporate world—the bench life, where employees earn good salaries but are assigned fewer responsibilities than their peers. This role comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks.
The writing team of Manasa Sharma and Mahesh Uppala successfully creates this world in a straightforward manner, even if some elements may feel familiar to viewers. While “Bench Life” presents an interesting premise, it features recognizable characters, conflicts, and resolutions—nothing overly complex or intricate. At its essence, the series tells a simple story of redemption for its main characters, delivered with a laid-back narrative filled with humor.
The series primarily follows the lives of its three main characters—Balu (Vaibhav Reddy), Ravi (Charan Peri), and Meenakshi (Ritika Singh). They each have different career aspirations but share a common goal of securing a spot on the Bench Team. Although their professional (and often personal) behavior leaves much to be desired, director Manasa Sharma skillfully navigates their non-heroic moments with a light touch. “Bench Life” clearly establishes its comedic tone right from the start, showcasing Balu’s desperate struggle to maintain his position among colleagues who are all vying for the bench life for various reasons. The series also incorporates the typical tropes of young corporate culture, such as the constant longing for a trip to Goa.
As we delve deeper into the characters’ lives, we encounter numerous situations that naturally lend themselves to humor and relatable moments.
If the show manages to stay engaging despite its rough moments, it’s largely due to the impressive performances of its lead actors, who showcase excellent comedic timing and consistently bring the laughs. Vaibhav Reddy and Rajendra Prasad shine in their roles. Prasad, portraying a retired IPS officer seeking to mend his relationship with his daughter while quietly supporting an ambitious colleague, adds a wonderful warmth to the series. His character offers a refreshing contrast to the anxieties and struggles of the younger generation depicted in the show. The interactions between Prasad and Balu are especially hilarious.
“Bench Life” is a light-hearted entertainer that delves into the lives of a generation grappling with the pressures of corporate culture, all while maintaining a fun and breezy tone. Despite some imperfections, the series remains enjoyable and easy to watch.
“Bench Life”
Cast: Vaibhav Reddy, Ritika Singh, Rajendra Prasad, Charan Peri, Nayan Sarika, Tulasi
Director: Manasa Sharma
Leave a Reply