Masala fare

Pani Puri is the story of Divya Pani Smita Bansal and Vikas Puri Sumeet Raghavan who are completely different as individuals. Divya Pani is sophistication personified and leads a disciplined life. Vikas Puri is a carefree guy, a stage actor by profession, in complete contrast to Ms Pani. Like in every other soap on Indian television, both of them meet and fall in love and marry. The twists come in when two families from diverse cultures come close to each other due to this marriage. Divya Pani8217;s family is sophisticated and Vikas Puri8217;s family the exact opposite. After Divya and Vikas8217;s wedding their families try to influence the couple. The never-ending clash of views creates humorous situations in the serial.

Ques: Who8217;s in it?

Along with Bansal and Raghavan, the show also features other fine actors such as Bhavna

Balsaver, Shagufta Ali and Sudhir Pandey. All these seasoned actors, have been great promoters of comedy even during their younger days. The storyline of the sitcom mainly consists of these six characters and the issues surrounding them.

Ques: What8217;s hot?

In the Indian television arena, that is loaded with saas bahu dramas and hot and spicy reality shows, this one comes as a pleasant surprise. Raghavan, as usual is the captain of the ship, getting his comic timing right on most occasions. Besides, Balsaver puts up a good performance in a role that demands her to be the authoritative mother of the bride. Pandey is good in his loud Punjabi act, dishing out some witty one-liners. Also, the title song is catchy and makes for a good start.

Ques: What8217;s not?

The channel, Star One, has been associated with a number of shows like Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Instant Khichdi which are remembered till date. So when this serial got on air, there were lots of expectations with this new show Pani Puri. But it doesn8217;t quite make a mark in the comedy genre. The comedy is quite slapstick, but at times most jokes feel like a rip off of the popular series Sarabhai. The concept too isn8217;t novel and can strike similarities with many movies and serials of the past. Also, the house in which the entire series is set up reminds you of may be a Hum Paanch or Sarabhai. Bansal is too plastic and suffers from bad dialogue delivery, while Shagufta Ali doesn8217;t fit into the character of a loud Punjabi housewife.

Ques: Should you be watching it?

For those not out partying on a Saturday night, you could share some funny moments with the Pani-Puri couple. But those of you with a plan, no point hanging out with your idiot box. May be you could catch a re-run during the week.