Panchayat Season 4 Disappointment

Panchayat Season 4 Disappointment

When Panchayat first premiered, it struck a unique chord with audiences — a rare gem in Indian web content that found humour, poignancy, and humanity in the everyday life of a sleepy village called Phulera. But in Season 4, that very soul seems to have gone missing amid larger ambitions and forced dramatics.

Panchayat Season 4 Disappointment

This season picks up from the chaotic cliffhanger of Season 3 — the announcement of Panchayat elections and the rising tensions between the two female contenders: Manju Devi (Neena Gupta), who symbolically uses the lauki as her poll symbol, and Kranti Devi (Sunita Rajwar), who chooses the pressure cooker. At first, it all seems like a continuation of the rural charm the show is known for — quirky symbols, humble rivalries, and eccentric villagers. But soon, it becomes clear: the plot is overcooked and underwhelming.

The strength of Panchayat always lay in its quiet moments — its ability to show the beauty of nothingness. In contrast, Season 4 tries too hard to raise the stakes. The episodes feel rushed and surprisingly short, almost as if the creators wanted to squeeze political drama into a sitcom format. What once flowed like a gentle river now feels like a scripted current trying to reach the sea too soon.

While Jitendra Kumar as Sachiv Ji is still relatable and rooted, his character is no longer at the emotional center. The shift towards ensemble politics and power play has taken away the subtlety and depth that fans once admired. Raghubir Yadav and Neena Gupta are competent as always, but their scenes lack the emotional gravity of earlier seasons. The newly introduced characters and extended screentime don't always add value — they often dilute the impact.

Moreover, the editing of this season feels oddly choppy. Episodes feel truncated, sometimes ending abruptly without a satisfying arc. One can’t help but miss the long, leisurely sequences that let you soak in Phulera’s charm.

In conclusion, while Panchayat Season 4 retains some of its signature humour and performances, it misses the quiet brilliance that once made it a standout. The heart of Phulera is still beating, but it no longer feels as warm or inviting. The show’s soul — its simplicity — seems to have been sacrificed at the altar of expansion.

Rating: 2.5/5Verdict: A disappointing season that feels more like a diluted political satire than the slice-of-life drama we fell in love with.