By DIGIBox TV Box | 24 June 2025 | 0 Comments

“Panchayat” Season 4: A Return to Rural Politics, Emotions, and Realism

The beloved Indian comedy-drama Panchayat returns with its fourth season, once again transporting audiences to the heart of rural Uttar Pradesh with all its warmth, politics, and subtle humor. Created by The Viral Fever (TVF) and streaming on Amazon Prime Video, the series continues to strike a delicate balance between light-hearted moments and deep emotional themes, all wrapped in the idyllic yet complex village of Phulera.

What Makes Panchayat Special

At its core, Panchayat is the story of Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar), a disillusioned urban engineering graduate who reluctantly takes up a government post as the secretary of a Gram Panchayat. As each season unfolds, we see Abhishek transition from an outsider desperate to escape to someone becoming emotionally entwined in the lives and struggles of the village.

Season 4 builds on this narrative arc, exploring deeper political rivalries, evolving relationships, and personal dilemmas, all set against the backdrop of grassroots governance.

Season 4: What's New?

This season focuses heavily on the Panchayat elections, a theme hinted at in Season 3 but explored in full force here. The show shifts gears from individual stories to village-wide dynamics, with heightened political stakes. Manju Devi (Neena Gupta) continues to serve as the village Pradhan, while her husband, Brij Bhushan Dubey (Raghubir Yadav), remains the real power broker behind the scenes.

The entry of MLA Chandrakishore “Chandu” Singh (played by Pankaj Jha) and his manipulative politics adds a new layer of tension. His interactions with Abhishek and the villagers highlight the clash between idealism and realpolitik. At the same time, the villagers face external pressure and internal division, making the elections a real test of loyalty, leadership, and integrity.

Emotional Core Remains Intact

Despite the political plotlines, Panchayat doesn't lose its emotional core. The bond between Prahlad (Faisal Malik) and his late son Rahul continues to haunt the narrative. Abhishek's slow-burning romance with Rinki (Sanvikaa) finally sees development, though in typical Panchayat style, it's handled with minimalism and restraint.

Side characters, such as Vikas (Chandan Roy), Bhushan (Durgesh Kumar), and Kranti Devi (Sunita Rajwar), bring comic relief while also providing insight into the village's layered social dynamics.

Performances and Direction

Jitendra Kumar continues to shine as the understated yet principled Abhishek. His character's inner turmoil — caught between a desire to pass the CAT exam and his increasing attachment to Phulera — is palpable. Raghubir Yadav and Neena Gupta once again bring gravitas and heart, while Pankaj Jha's portrayal of the scheming MLA adds menace to the usually tranquil series.

Director Deepak Kumar Mishra stays true to the show's minimalistic storytelling. Wide shots of dusty roads, idle cows, and the quiet life of Mahodiya village (the actual filming location) continue to serve as both scenery and symbolism.

Why It Resonates

In an era where high-budget thrillers and action dramas dominate OTT platforms, Panchayat stands out by being grounded. Its success lies in its authenticity — the use of real locations, the use of local dialects, and its focus on issues like bureaucracy, caste dynamics, and rural development.

This is a show where the biggest conflicts can stem from missing paperwork, a stolen tubewell, or a delayed electricity bill — yet they are presented with such depth that they feel monumental.

Final Thoughts

Season 4 of Panchayat reinforces why the series remains a critical darling and a fan favorite. It combines dry humor, poignant drama, and a slice-of-life narrative that brings India's hinterlands into sharp focus. With crisp writing by Chandan Kumar and Anurag Saikia's soothing background score, Panchayat continues to evolve while staying loyal to its roots.

Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, Panchayat Season 4 is worth watching — a rare gem in modern Indian television.