Panchayat Returns, But Something Feels Missing
Panchayat, the much-loved slice-of-rural-life series, is back with its fourth season on Amazon Prime Video. Set once again in the fictional village of Phulera, this new chapter dives deep into panchayat election politics—but unfortunately, without the emotional weight and humor that made the earlier seasons memorable.
While the backdrop remains charming and the cast familiar, the writing this time feels scattered, and the once-sharp satire comes off as watered down. The Panchayat Season 4 review is in: it’s not a bad season—but it’s certainly not great either.
Plot: The Election Build-Up That Doesn’t Deliver
Season 4 had a promising setup: village elections, old rivalries, and the possibility of real political drama. But as the story unfolds, it fails to tie the narrative threads together in a satisfying way.
The focus is loosely centered on the rift between Manju Devi and her daughter Rinki, and the ongoing tension between Bhushan and the Pradhan gang, but none of these subplots get the depth they deserve. Key conflicts are either rushed, unresolved, or simply fade into the background.
In short, the political buildup leads to very little payoff.
Characters: Still Familiar, But Lacking Growth
One of Panchayat’s original strengths was its rich, lovable characters—but in Season 4, they feel oddly static.
- Jitendra Kumar as Abhishek is still charming, but this season gives him far less to do. His character barely evolves.
- Raghubir Yadav and Neena Gupta deliver solid performances, but the Manju Devi–Rinki fallout is poorly developed.
- Prahlad (Faisal Malik), whose story arc in Season 2 was emotionally gripping, now seems to drift with no real purpose.
- Bhushan as the antagonist becomes almost cartoonish, with no real threat or cleverness left in his game.
Overall, the emotional layers that once defined these characters are either missing or diluted.
Humor: Lacking the Punch of Earlier Seasons
From Season 1, Panchayat built its identity on quiet, intelligent humor—a kind of satire that made you laugh and think at the same time. Unfortunately, Season 4 misses that mark.
Jokes feel forced or repetitive. Scenes that once felt organic now seem designed just to remind us of old moments. Even Jeetu Bhaiya’s sarcasm—usually sharp and timely—feels tired.
The political humor, too, loses bite. What could have been a timely commentary on rural elections turns into light banter with little insight.
Direction & Visuals: Beautiful, As Always
One thing that continues to shine is the cinematography and production quality. The dusty roads of Phulera, the local chai stalls, and the slow, lived-in vibe of rural India are captured beautifully. The background score continues to evoke warmth and nostalgia.
But unfortunately, pretty visuals can’t make up for a hollow plot.
Audience Reactions: Mixed Bag on Social Media
Viewers have taken to social media with mixed reactions.
- Some say the season still holds a special place in their hearts.
- Others call it the weakest season yet.
- A viral post on X (formerly Twitter) said:
“Panchayat Season 4 is like lukewarm chai — familiar but not satisfying.”
There’s still love for the characters, but even the fans are hoping for a stronger comeback in a potential Season 5.
Final Verdict: Panchayat Season 4 — A Bit Too Safe
Panchayat Season 4 isn’t bad—it’s just forgettable. It plays too safe, repeats old jokes, and introduces new tensions without fully exploring them.
What made Panchayat great was its ability to balance emotional depth, relatable characters, and sharp social commentary. Sadly, Season 4 delivers only glimpses of that old magic.
If you’re a fan, it’s still worth a watch. But don’t expect the same impact as the earlier seasons.
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