In the new season of Panchayat, the ubiquitous ‘lauki’ (bottle gourd) becomes the poll symbol for Manju Devi (Neena Gupta) while her opponent Kranti Devi (Sunita Rajwar) opts for the ‘pressure cooker’. Even though it seems like this electoral battle reflects the charming quirks of rural life, so delightfully captured in the earlier seasons, it’s eventually revealed that the plot is overcooked.
The previous season ended with clashes and chaos even as the dates for the upcoming panchayat elections were announced. The outbreak of violence in the run-up to panchayat elections is not an uncommon occurrence in India. So, as expected the turf war between the frontrunners for the post of ‘pradhan’ — Manju Devi and Kranti Devi — heats up in this season. As their supporters and allies engage in a series of one-upmanship, the idyllic life in Phulera and its charming ways seem to be a thing of the past.
The series started as a heartwarming drama when MBA-aspirant Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar) aka Sachivji takes up the job of Phulera panchayat’s secretary. Though Manju Devi is the elected head of the panchayat (village council), it is the husband Pradhanji (Raghubir Yadav) who calls the shots there. Rich in details and humour, the series was a refreshing portrayal of rural life, their simplicity and conflicts. Since then the series has grown in ambition — the episodes are longer, the conflicts are bigger and there are more characters.
Watch interview of Panchayat cast:
Yet, the tracks of its main characters such as Pradhanji, Sachivji, Vikas (Chandan Roy) and Prahlad (Faisal Malik) are underdeveloped compared to earlier seasons. The women characters somehow end up playing second fiddle to the men just when you thought Manju Devi is almost ready to claim her position as the real ‘pradhan’ and Rinki has aspirations of building her own identity. Even Kranti Devi seems a paler version of her now-popular badass self.
Even though an intense electoral showdown unfolds in Phulera, somehow it does not have the same dramatic impact as some of the earlier incidents, such as the exchange of slippers and the drama that ensued, or, when Rinki was harassed by a rejected suitor. Also missing are the romantic moments between Rinku and Sachivji. Some scenes featuring the two, in the latter half of the fourth season, come across as afterthoughts or merely there to serve the story’s progress.
It was evident in the previous season that Panchayat was keen on expanding its canvas and escalating the drama. The changes in the tone and feel of the series are more pronounced in the new season. Such changes are welcome as long as it does not make the narrative tedious. However, the dramatic moments don’t translate into a riveting experience.
Panchayat started out as a charming series, rooted in rural Indian life. What captured the viewers attention are its lovable characters, nuanced writing and gentle humour. It was a break from shows that rely on violence and shock values to hook audiences. Its story and sequences had a lived-in authenticity that made the series relatable even to the urban viewers. However, the world of Phulera, as we knew it, has been disrupted—and not in a good way.
Panchayat Season 4 creators: Deepak Kumar Mishra and Chandan Kumar Panchayat Season 4 cast: Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, and Pankaj Jha Panchayat Season 4 rating: 2.5 stars
Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism.
Expertise & Accolades
In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023.
Global Industry Leadership
Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies:
Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes.
National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema.
Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends.
Focus & Vision
Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More
