Panchayat Season 4: The popular TVF web series Panchayat is back with its fourth season, streaming now on Amazon Prime Video. Over the years, this series gained a massive fan following for its simple storytelling, rural charm, and relatable characters. But has Season 4 lived up to expectations? Unfortunately, the answer is no.
While the new season continues the storyline from Season 3, focusing on village elections, it lacks the emotional depth and strong writing that made the previous seasons memorable. Let’s dive into the highs and lows of Panchayat Season 4 in detail.
Quick Summary of Panchayat Season 4
Here’s a brief overview of the important aspects of this season:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Panchayat Season 4 |
| Platform | Amazon Prime Video |
| Creator | The Viral Fever (TVF) |
| Focus Theme | Village Elections and Politics |
| Highlight Characters | Manju Devi, Binod |
| Major Issue | Weak storytelling and scattered subplots |
Introduction of Panchayat Season 4
Fans were eagerly waiting to return to Phulera, the fictional village where Panchayat is set. After the intense Season 3 finale that ended with a shoot-out and Pradhan getting injured, expectations were sky-high for Season 4. However, instead of an emotionally driven narrative, viewers were given a season largely dominated by village politics, underwhelming character arcs, and filler-like storytelling.
The Shift in Tone: What Changed Since Season 2?
Let’s be honest – Panchayat started as a light-hearted comedy about a young engineer reluctantly working in a village as a “Sachiv” (secretary). The first season charmed viewers with its authenticity, humor, and warmth. By Season 2, the tone became heavier, ending on an emotional note. Season 3 leaned into political drama and rivalry, especially the Bhushan gang’s conflict.
Season 4 continues with that serious tone, but now, it feels like it has forgotten what made the show special in the first place – simplicity, emotional resonance, and meaningful relationships.
Plot Overview: Elections Take Center Stage
This time, the central plot revolves around the upcoming village elections. Manju Devi’s camp faces off against Kranti Devi’s team, and the entire season is centered on this power struggle.
The political theme had potential, but the execution falls flat. The drama lacks intensity and emotional connection, making it hard for viewers to stay invested. Unlike previous seasons, there is very little character bonding or personal growth that hits home.
Character Arcs of Panchayat Season 4: Some Shine, Some Fade
Manju Devi – A Strong Evolution
If there’s one character who stands out this season, it’s Neena Gupta’s Manju Devi. From being a passive figurehead in the early seasons, she’s now a confident and commanding leader. She calls out her husband when needed, makes important decisions, and shows genuine leadership skills. Her growth is inspiring and one of the few bright spots this season.
Pradhan Ji – From Layered to Loud
Raghubir Yadav’s character, Brij Bhushan Dubey (the Pradhan), used to be a complex, sometimes humorous character. But in Season 4, he’s mostly shown as desperate to win, yelling at people, and throwing tantrums without much reasoning. One of the lowest moments is his random outburst where he throws things around—without any build-up or explanation. It feels off-tone and unnecessary.
Abhishek (Sachiv Ji) – A Major Letdown
Abhishek, played by Jitendra Kumar, is the biggest disappointment this season. He starts off in a bad mood, anxious about being booked under IPC Section 323. His emotional detachment is more visible than ever. Whether it’s with his job, his relationship with Rinky, or the villagers—he just seems uninterested.
In one scene, Rinky reaches out emotionally, and he barely responds. This makes him look more like a disengaged boyfriend than a thoughtful character. He no longer represents the relatable “outsider” trying to adjust in rural life, but instead a person simply drifting through the story.
Unnecessary Scenes and Forced Drama
Several scenes in this season feel forced or illogical:
- The Electrician Trip: Why did all four (Abhishek, Vikas, Prahlad, Pradhan) go to a hostile area to bring an electrician? It seemed more like a setup for conflict than good storytelling.
- Pressure Cooker Chaos: Bhushan’s strange campaign stunt—cooking lauki in the middle of the village with a pressure cooker—feels cartoonish. The blast that follows just adds noise to the plot rather than advancing it.
- Manju Devi’s Father: Episode 5 introduces her father (Ram Gopal Bajaj), but his interactions are mostly with Sachiv Ji instead of his own daughter. The lack of emotional weight here is a missed opportunity.
These scenes might offer some comic relief, but they lack the punch that Panchayat is known for.
Highlights of Panchayat Season 4: A Few Saving Graces
Binod and Madhav
Two characters who inject life into the dull plot are Binod (Ashok Pathak) and Madhav (Bulloo Kumar). Binod, in particular, gets some well-written moments—whether it’s his emotional reaction to the election result or his sweet dinner scene at Pradhan’s house. His journey feels grounded and real.
Manju Devi’s Leadership
Again, Manju Devi deserves a separate mention. Her transformation from a silent Pradhan to a real leader is believable and inspiring. She brings maturity and balance to the otherwise chaotic narrative.
Dialogues and Humor of Panchayat Season 4
One of Panchayat‘s biggest strengths was its humor, rooted in everyday rural life. Sadly, Season 4 delivers very few memorable lines or humorous exchanges. The chemistry between the core group – Abhishek, Prahlad, Vikas, and Pradhan – is barely explored this time. Their usual banter, which brought warmth to past seasons, is largely missing.
Direction and Pacing: A Mixed Bag
While the production quality remains high and the rural setting is still visually pleasing, the direction doesn’t flow well. Some episodes feel stretched, while others end abruptly. The election theme dominates every episode, leaving little room for character development or emotional depth.
Verdict of Panchayat Season 4: A Filler Season That Misses the Mark
Season 4 of Panchayat tries to build on the political drama from the previous season but ends up feeling more like a transition than a full-fledged story. The spark that made this series unique is lost in too many subplots and underwhelming character arcs.
Fans who loved the earlier seasons for their simplicity, honesty, and charm may find this one underwhelming. If there’s a Season 5, the makers will need to bring back the emotional storytelling and meaningful character journeys that defined the heart of Panchayat.
Panchayat Season 4 Final Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Pros:
- Manju Devi’s character arc
- Binod’s performance
- Few emotional moments that work
Cons:
- Weak central storyline
- Abhishek’s poor character development
- Forced scenes and missing humor
- Lack of emotional connection
Conclusion on Panchayat Season 4
Panchayat Season 4 may still be worth watching for die-hard fans who want to stay connected to the characters and the world of Phulera. But if you were expecting a meaningful, emotionally rich season like the earlier ones, you might be disappointed. Let’s hope the makers learn from this misstep and bring back the soul of the show in the next season.