Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)
Season four of Panchayat continues its journey into the heart of rural India, set once again in the familiar village of Phulera. While the show still carries the soul that won it a dedicated fanbase—its warmth, simplicity, and sharp social commentary—this season slightly pulls away from the charm that defined its earliest days. With politics turning murkier and emotions running deeper, Panchayat 4 opts for a more serious tone, laced with familiar moments of humour and heart.
Story and Tone
The show picks up from the political tensions of Season 3 and dives further into the rivalry between Manju Devi’s camp (symbolised by the humble lauki) and Kranti Devi’s group (marked by the pressure cooker). The gram panchayat elections become a central battleground, with smear campaigns, petty fights, and manipulative tactics taking centre stage.
While Panchayat has always used politics as a backdrop, this season leans more heavily into it—sometimes at the cost of the show’s original slice-of-life lightness. The whimsical humour is still there, but scattered. Small moments—like a late-night “Hi” text from Pradhan Ji that means it’s time to drink and de-stress, or the sass-laden banter with his father-in-law—offer glimpses of the charm fans fell in love with.
Performances in Panchayat Season 4
Jitendra Kumar as Abhishek continues to anchor the show with restraint. His character’s long-awaited love arc with Rinky finally finds some traction this season, although it’s often interrupted by CAT prep stress and local drama.
Faisal Malik delivers one of the most emotionally resonant performances this season. His character, Prahlad-cha, is still recovering from the tragic loss of his son in Season 2, and his quiet chuckles work as a subtle release valve for his pain.
Raghubir Yadav and Neena Gupta shine, especially when Manju Devi takes on more political ownership, not just in name but in action. Supporting characters like Vikas (Chandan Roy), Bhushan (Durgesh Kumar), and new attention to opposition faces Binod and Madhav, add more layers to the show.
What Works
- Strong Ensemble Cast: Each actor brings depth, even in short scenes.
- Political Realism: The show cleverly mirrors grassroots politics with humour and bite.
- Smart Symbolism: Food continues to be used as a metaphor—from laddoos to samosas to lauki.
- Emotional Depth: Moments of grief, love, and frustration are woven carefully into the narrative.
What Falters
- Less Humour, More Drama: The tonal shift toward heavy politics might disappoint viewers expecting more fun.
- Pacing: Some parts feel stretched, especially subplots that don’t tie up meaningfully.
- Underutilised Characters: While some side characters get more screen time, others feel neglected or underdeveloped.
Highlights
- A nod to Swachh Bharat through satirical toilet politics.
- The return of iconic food motifs, from laddoo measurements to samosa campaigns.
- The delicate but touching evolution of Abhishek and Rinky’s relationship.
- “Poltics, poltics, poltics” – a moment that neatly summarises the season’s core theme.
Final Verdict
Panchayat Season 4 may not deliver the laugh-a-minute charm of its debut season, but it still remains a grounded and engaging watch. If you’re emotionally invested in the Phulera universe and its lovable characters, this season will feel like a steady continuation. For newcomers or casual viewers, the political-heavy storyline may be a slow burn.
As the final episode hints at another season, it’s clear the makers are building toward something bigger—perhaps a redemption arc, or a dramatic political shift. Whatever it may be, Panchayat still holds its ground as one of India’s most authentic rural dramas.
Should You Watch It?
Yes, if you’re a loyal viewer or interested in small-town political drama with a slice-of-life flavour.
Skip if you’re looking for quick comedy or fast-moving plots.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video
Created by: Deepak Kumar Mishra & Akshat Vijaywargiya
Starring: Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, Neena Gupta, Chandan Roy, Faisal Malik, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar
