Cast: Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, Neena Gupta, Chandan Roy, Faisal Malik, Sanvikaa, Pankaj Jha

Director: Deepak Kumar Mishra

Rating: ***1/2

Since the end of Panchayat Season 2, fans have eagerly awaited the return of their beloved Sachiv Ji. After a two-year hiatus, Panchayat Season 3 finally arrives, delivering a mix of surprise, amusement, brilliance, and occasional missteps. This season, Panchayat delves deeper into rural Indian politics and bureaucracy, driven by an outstanding cast including Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, and Raghubir Yadav.

A Roller Coaster of Emotions

Crafted by writer Chandan Kumar and directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra, Panchayat 3 is a wave of emotions. It makes viewers laugh, cry, and feel nostalgic, drawing them into the simple yet adventurous life of Phulera.

The season opens with Sachiv Ji's transfer, setting the scene in the first few minutes before returning to Phulera. Themes of grief, community support, and unity are explored, with plenty of twists to keep the audience engaged.

Politics and Corruption in Rural India

Aligning with the political climate of the Lok Sabha elections, the show dives into village politics and grassroots corruption while maintaining its straightforward storytelling style. The political intrigue adds a new dimension to the beloved series.

Music that Resonates

Anurag Saikia's music enhances the storyline, with the title track transitioning from instrumental to rock and the background score aligning with the plot's emotional depth. The sounds make Phulera's life more vibrant, from the whistle signaling Sachiv Ji and Rinki's moments to the emotional tunes accompanying Amma's assistance to Prahlad.

A Fresh Narrative Approach

Director Deepak Kumar Mishra's innovative approach places supporting characters at the forefront, driving the story while the lead cast supports from the sidelines. This method has worked in favor of the narrative, turning every character into a hero in their unique way.

Standout Performances

Durgesh Kumar as Bhushan Sharma delivers a compelling performance, posing a significant threat to the lead characters and emerging as a standout role this season. His character arc showcases his true potential, unlike previous seasons.

The principle that "no role is small" holds true, with even minor characters like Sunita Rajwar as Kranti Devi, Pankaj Jha as MLA Chandrakishore Singh, Ashok Pathak as Vinod, and Bulloo Kumar as Madhav shining. Newcomer Bam Bahadur also strengthens the story.

Nostalgia and New Beginnings

The return of Ganesh (played by Aasif Sheikh) brings a nostalgic and pivotal element to the plot, adding to the emotional richness of the series.

Lead Cast: Dependable as Ever

The lead cast, including Jitendra Kumar as Abhishek Tripathi, Raghubir Yadav as Brij Bhushan Dubey, Neena Gupta as Manju Devi, Chandan Roy as Vikas, and Sanvikaa as Rinki, continues to charm. However, their characters are somewhat underutilized, reflecting their journeys in this season.

Jitendra Kumar's Abhishek shows significant growth, transitioning from a naive city boy to someone who feels at home in Phulera, balancing career aspirations and village politics. Raghubir Yadav excels as Pradhan ji, his subtle performances revealing deep emotional undercurrents.

Neena Gupta's Manju Devi hints at taking more political charge, a storyline that remains underdeveloped but promises potential for future seasons. Sanvikaa's Rinki takes the lead in the romantic subplot, adding freshness to the story. Durgesh Kumar and Pankaj Jha deliver impeccable performances, with Sunita Rajwar and Ashok Pathak adding depth to their characters.

Emotional Arcs and Realism

Faisal Malik's portrayal of Prahlad, dealing with his son's death, is handled with sensitivity. His character's journey from despair to finding joy again is both compelling and heartwarming, showcasing Malik's effortless acting.

Writing and Pacing Issues

Despite its strengths, Panchayat 3's writing sometimes falters, showing signs of fatigue. Some plot points, such as a character joining a government strike or the introduction of the MLA's daughter, feel underdeveloped, leaving loose ends.

The season also struggles with pacing, appearing stretched and occasionally disjointed as it tackles numerous rural issues and emotional themes simultaneously.

A Mixed Conclusion

While the stakes were high for this season, the conclusion feels somewhat forgettable. A high point just before the climax could have served as a dramatic cliffhanger for the next season but instead leaves a sense of missed opportunity.

Final Thoughts

Despite its slower moments, Panchayat Season 3 is rich in entertainment, emotion, and intrigue. The series continues to captivate with its unique blend of humor and heart, making it a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike.