So, have you watched the new season of Panchayat yet?
The latest season of Panchayat has arrived, and this time, you will find Phulera steeped in an electoral atmosphere. It’s the kind of village election that city dwellers, often unaware of such events, might find enlightening. Watching Panchayat could ease their curiosity. These are the elections for the village head, and this electoral vibe takes you on a roller-coaster ride.
Let’s talk about Season 3, where Brij Bhushan Dubey, aka Pradhan Ji, was shot. In this season, Pradhan Ji is recovering, and the search for the shooter is underway. Initially, Sachiv, Bhushan, and the MLA are all entangled in a police case. They work hard to get the charges dropped, but then the issue vanishes as if it never existed. It’s mentioned in one episode and forgotten for the rest of the season.
One crucial point… this season feels slow, and at times, it seems unnecessarily dragged out. Many scenes feel forced, as if stuffed in for no reason. However, the creators deserve praise for one thing. After watching all four seasons, you will be left pondering, whether they achieved much or not, but they have mastered one art… crafting season endings with a hook that compels you to watch the next one. Every season, without fail, ends with a feel-good moment and a spark of hope.
This season’s story does not flow smoothly, instead, it’s issue-driven. Each episode tackles a different topic… whether it’s convincing Binod to switch sides, installing a generator in Phulera, or orchestrating a raid on Pradhan Ji’s house. Every new episode introduces a fresh issue.
You could say this season focuses more on individual issues than a cohesive storyline.
With eight episodes, this season does not match the brilliance of the previous three, despite high expectations. It feels like it was made just for the sake of it. You might feel bored in parts, though some scenes are genuinely entertaining.
The season’s core focus is the village election, pitting Manju Devi against Kranti Devi. While Manju Devi and Pradhan Ji strategise to win, Bhushan and his wife leave no stone unturned to undermine them.
Phulera is no longer just a hub of light-hearted banter… it’s now a battlefield of politics.
Speaking of characters, Sachiv Ji, played by Jitendra Kumar, is awaiting his CAT exam results while falling for Pradhan Ji’s daughter. This makes him appear less impartial. It’s unclear whether he will choose love or his career, and he seems more conflicted than ever.
Pradhan Ji remains as stubborn as always, believing he is still the village head, making decisions for Manju Devi. Prahlad Pandey carries his trademark innocence, maintaining the same charm he’s had for three seasons. He’s perhaps the one character without whom Panchayat feels incomplete. Prahlad has no interest in contesting the election, but by the climax, he delivers a surprising twist.
Vikas’s character has lost the spark it had in the previous seasons. Forced scenes and unnecessary dialogues make his role feel weak and ineffective.
Manju Devi, a central character, is underutilised this season. Her decisions are still dictated by her husband, Brij Bhushan. Neena Gupta, who plays Manju Devi, is a phenomenal actor, but her talent is not fully leveraged. Perhaps the next season will see Manju Devi emerge as a more independent figure.
The trio of Bhushan, Binod, and Madhav is commendable. Their dialogues are impactful and leave a mark. Aur bhai Binod ki is line ne to dil jeet liya…, “Hum Gareeb Hain, Gaddar Nahi.”
The most diligent and overlooked character, who you will grow to despise, is Kranti Devi… Bhushan’s wife and a candidate for village head. A true actor makes you feel, and Sunita Rajwar, who plays Kranti Devi, does just that. You may have seen her in other series, but her performance here is exceptional, deserving all the praise.
Overall, this season lacks the punch of the previous three, but the dialogues and acting keep you engaged. Like its predecessors, it ends with a hook that leaves you eager for the next season.
Yes, there is a sense of incompleteness, but the legacy of the first three seasons balances it out. It remains to be seen where this political drama will lead.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
A good but incomplete season… It has some brilliant moments, but the impact isn’t as profound as expected.
