Director: Deepak Kumar Mishra, Akshat Vijaywargiya
Rating: ***
Panchayat has always been more than just a light-hearted rural sitcom—it’s a smartly written social satire that mirrors the grassroots politics of India with humour and poignancy. With the release of Panchayat Season 4 on Prime Video, the series takes a darker, more politically charged turn, yet still preserves the heart and humor that made it beloved.
This review offers a comprehensive, spoiler-light analysis of Season 4, discussing its evolving narrative, character arcs, political themes, and what lies ahead in Phulera.
A Shift in Tone: From Comedy to Political Commentary
As the series progresses, Panchayat Season 4 takes a clear step away from its earlier carefree tone, leaning more into the murky waters of village-level politics. The show's central message is foreshadowed early on when Raghubir Yadav’s Brij Bhushan Dubey—still known as Pradhan ji, despite his wife being the actual elected leader—says, “Politics is not a game of dolls where everything is smooth and sweet.”
This shift isn’t abrupt but rather a natural evolution of the narrative, reflecting the increasing stakes and tensions in Phulera’s local elections.
Character Evolution: Familiar Faces, Deeper Shades
Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar)
Still struggling to balance his aspirations with the obligations of rural administration, Abhishek’s emotional arc in this season becomes more layered. His inner turmoil over the CAT exam and relationship with Rinky adds complexity, moving his character beyond comic relief and into emotional depth.
Manju Devi & Brij Bhushan (Neena Gupta & Raghubir Yadav)
Manju Devi’s political instinct begins to shine, and her subtle manipulations and quick thinking give her more agency this time. Brij Bhushan remains the face of power, but it’s increasingly clear that real decisions are now a shared effort.
Prahlad (Faisal Malik)
A standout in Season 4, Prahlad continues to process the grief of losing his son in the army. His frequent chuckles, though few and far between, offer much-needed comic relief and mask an undercurrent of tragedy. His performance is understated yet deeply moving.
The Rise of the Opposition: Kranti Devi and Banrakas
The show's political rivalry intensifies as Kranti Devi and her ally Bhushan (Banrakas) step up their game. With symbols like the bottle gourd and pressure cooker representing electoral identities, the metaphorical and literal battles are both amusing and impactful.
Kranti Devi’s personal attack on a pregnant Khushboo highlights the low tactics often seen in real-life politics. The writers cleverly expose these unethical moves without losing the show's trademark humour.
Strategic Satire: From Swachh Bharat to Samosas
Humour finds a new shape through political strategies disguised as welfare, such as the toilet construction race under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Manju Devi’s idea to distribute free samosas at the local chai stall isn’t just a crowd-pleaser—it’s a clever campaign tactic that underlines how food, familiarity, and optics win votes in rural India.
There’s also a cheeky nod to real-life politics with the laddoo symbolism. The number of sweets ordered and the quality of ghee used reflect each party’s confidence—a fun yet insightful take on how visual cues influence public perception.
Secondary Characters Step into the Spotlight
Binod and Madhav, members of the opposition, finally get more screen time. Their characters go beyond comic caricatures, showing complexity and ambition. Manju Devi’s attempt to woo Binod with food highlights her growing political shrewdness, and Binod’s internal conflict adds an interesting layer.
Rinky and Abhishek: Romance Under Pressure
After several seasons of subtle flirtation, romantic tension finally bubbles to the surface. Yet, even in these tender moments, politics looms large. When Abhishek expresses his willingness to resign if Manju Devi loses, Rinky’s reaction is telling. The show uses these moments not just for romance but to underline how ambition and duty clash in a world where every personal choice has public consequences.
Dialogues and Cultural References: A Punch Above the Rest
The show’s charm lies heavily in its dialogue delivery and cultural callbacks. Whether it’s “Aye sasur!” blurted in front of the actual father-in-law, or the vendor yelling “aaloo le lo” evoking memories of Nana Patekar in Welcome, Panchayat’s writing remains crisp and culturally rooted.
Themes That Hit Home
Grief and Loss:
Prahlad’s journey continues to be a quiet but powerful representation of personal sorrow.
Grassroots Governance:
The realistic portrayal of local elections, voter appeasement, and bureaucracy feels authentic and relevant.
Youth vs. System:
Abhishek’s dilemma represents India’s larger conflict—the tension between urban ambition and rural responsibility.
Season Finale & What’s Next
As Season 4 ends, it sets the stage for Panchayat Season 5. The electoral battle lines are drawn, personal conflicts intensify, and every character is now more politically aware and emotionally invested than ever before. It’s clear that Phulera’s story is far from over.
Final Verdict: A Season Worth Your Time
While not as light-hearted as the first two seasons, Panchayat Season 4 successfully balances humour with hard-hitting truths. The writing is sharper, the characters more nuanced, and the direction tighter. If you're a long-time fan, this season will feel like a natural evolution. If you're a newcomer drawn in by the hype, you’ll discover a show that is much more than just memes and mood.
