STAR PLUS
Saturday-Sunday 8 pm
WHAT IS IT ABOUT:
A reality show that hunts for the best stand-up comics from across India. It has had four seasons so far and discovered some of the best comedians in the form of Kapil Sharma, Ehsaan Qureshi, Sunil Pal, Naveen Prabhakar, Bharti Singh, etc. The show is back after a break of nine years with Akshay Kumar as the super judge and three mentors — stand-up comic Zakir Khan and YouTube sensation Mallika Dua and dialogue writer Hussain Dalal. It is hosted by Elli AvrRam.
WHAT IS HOT:
Any show that attempts to raise laughs is welcome as there is a severe paucity of comedy shows on TV. And this one is already tried and tested. The first two episodes threw up some gems of talent in the form of Nitesh Shetty who brought alive the middle-class Mumbaikar on stage in a hilarious way with his props and perfect punchlines. Ajay Kumar, a visually impaired contestant, with his self-deprecating humour mocked filmi stereotypes and had everyone in splits.
A 19-year-old girl Vidushi Swaroop swept away racial discrimination, gender bias and her height issue (she is short) in one stroke with an unusual introduction. She is the only female contestant on the show so far and hope we see more of her. Of the three mentors Hussain’s comments are kickass, while Mallika and Zakir seem a little restrained. Akshay as the judge keeps his comments to the point and precise, but at the same time comes across friendly and affable to the contestants, most of whom are in awe of him.
WHAT IS NOT:
Elli was roped in probably because her broken Hindi would have raised laughs, but what worked for her in Bigg Boss, is going against her here. Even her hosting skills are lacking. Besides lending glamour and laughing away, she does nothing for the show. Also, some of the contestants like Hakim Singh (a fan of Akshay) were so bad that you laughed despite yourself. We sincerely hope that the makers refrain from showing such people who make a spectacle of themselves.
WHAT TO DO:
Watch this show for the sheer talent that it throws up, and get your fix of laughter.
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 "The Great Indian Laughter Challenge 5")
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