Maniben.com Rajiv Dogra
Posted online: Jul 03, 2009 at 1453 hrs

: A canned-laughter fare
Monday to Thursday, 8 pm, SAB TV
Some witty one-liners, animated expressions and a topping of perfect comedy timing make an ideal laughter sitcom. But Maniben.com, a new comedy show on SAB TV, falters on all fronts and seems like a half-baked script that fails to evoke even a chuckle. Sample this: Aap meray ghar dopahar ko dinner kay liyey aana or ice cream falooda suna tha, yeh ijaat ka falooda kaun sa hota hai?
A remake of a Gujarati play, even the presence of a seasoned actor like Smriti Irani fails to evoke much enthusiasm. Her forced dialogue delivery and over-the-top acting leaves you baffled.

The story is of a Gujarati family that shifts base from Bhuleshwar to upscale Malabar Hill in Mumbai. Maniben (Smriti Irani) is a simpleton and wife of diamond merchant Jaman Patel (Nitin Vakharia). She is faced with the dilemma of adjusting with the snobbish and fashionable women of the high-society colony. The series showcases how she transforms from a typical ‘behenji’ to an ultra-modern woman... a déjà vu feeling, anyone?
After a tear-jerker serial, Smriti starts new innings on television with a comedy caper, but the outcome is lackluster. Maniben’s husband owns 11 Mercedes, but why she moves around in a garishly red-coloured Lambretta with a side-car? Perhaps, liberty in the name of comedy!

The cast includes Manini De-Mishra, Simple Kaul, Sharad Vyas, Dolly Bindra, Dilip Rawal, Sudha Shivpuri and Bijal Batavia. Everyone rants and hams in the name of dialogue delivery and acting!
Verdict:
Check this ‘dotcom-bubble’ that promises to be a laughter-riot at your own risk!