Honest Panchayat Season 4 Review – Rural Drama Takes A Political Turn

The much-anticipated Season 4 of Amazon Prime Video’s beloved rural drama “Panchayat Season 4” has finally arrived—and it marks a notable shift in tone and focus. Known for its heartwarming portrayal of Phulera village and its quirky, lovable characters, the show now steers into murkier political territory. While the performances remain stellar and the writing sharp, the rustic charm that once defined the series feels somewhat diluted.

A Quick Recap for New Viewers

For those who may not have followed the series from the beginning, “Panchayat” chronicles the life of Abhishek Tripathi, a young engineering graduate who reluctantly takes a job as a secretary in the village of Phulera. The earlier seasons captured his humorous misadventures as he adjusted to rural life, offering a refreshingly unfiltered look at the Indian hinterland. With Season 4, however, the lighthearted tone takes a backseat as deeper issues take center stage.

The Changing Face of Phulera

Season 4 begins where the last season left off, with tensions rising between Manju Devi and the ambitious Kranti Devi. What was once a light-hearted battle of wits has evolved into a more intense political rivalry that casts a shadow over the entire narrative. Phulera, once a charming hamlet with its endearing eccentricities, now feels like a ticking time bomb. The stakes are higher, the games dirtier, and innocence feels like a casualty in the unfolding drama.

Performances That Still Shine Bright

Jitendra Kumar as Abhishek Tripathi continues to anchor the show with his understated brilliance. His frustrations, moral dilemmas, and internal conflicts add layers to a character we’ve grown to care about. Neena Gupta as Manju Devi delivers a complex performance, evolving from a hesitant leader into a formidable figure. Raghubir Yadav provides the moral compass of the story, bringing balance and wit. Meanwhile, Chandan Roy (Vikas) and Faisal Malik (Prahlad) offer comic relief and emotional depth, though their screen time seems trimmed compared to earlier seasons.

Politics at the Core: A Double-Edged Sword

If previous seasons used politics as background flavor, Season 4 brings it front and center. Phulera’s panchayat is no longer just a backdrop; it’s a battlefield. The show explores corruption, manipulation, and the cost of ambition. The narrative, however, treads a fine line—at times diving too deep into political jargon that might alienate casual viewers looking for the show’s usual levity. Nonetheless, it reflects the realpolitik of rural India and asks hard questions about governance, leadership, and responsibility.

Patriarchy, Empowerment, and Gentle Masculinity

A subtle but significant theme this season is the tension between patriarchy and what Indian Express describes as “gentle masculinity.” Characters like Abhishek and Vikas represent a more empathetic and respectful brand of manhood, which contrasts sharply with the manipulative tactics employed by others in power. Women like Manju Devi and Kranti Devi also assert themselves with newfound authority, leading to gendered power struggles that are both compelling and thought-provoking.

Emotional Notes and Missed Beats

There are emotional moments—glimpses of friendship, loyalty, and personal growth—that remind us why we fell in love with “Panchayat” in the first place. These moments, however, are more sporadic than before. The soul-stirring simplicity and humor that characterized earlier seasons seems harder to find. Perhaps it’s intentional—reflecting how real life, even in the most bucolic settings, gets complicated with time. But fans looking for cozy, feel-good content might miss the softer touch.

Cinematography and Sound Design: Still Stellar

Despite the thematic shift, the show’s production quality remains top-notch. From wide-angle shots of dusty roads to intimate scenes inside the Panchayat office, the cinematography continues to capture the essence of rural India beautifully. The background score, too, is subtle yet effective, often setting the mood without overpowering the narrative.

Viewer Reactions: A Mixed Bag

Reactions from fans and critics have been mixed. While many appreciate the show’s willingness to evolve and tackle serious themes, others feel nostalgic for the earlier simplicity. Social media is abuzz with debates: some call it a brave new direction; others deem it a departure from what made “Panchayat” special in the first place.

Final Verdict: Worth Watching, With Managed Expectations

Season 4 of “Panchayat” is a bold narrative pivot. It challenges viewers to think and empathize, trading in some of its former sweetness for substance. Whether this trade-off pays off depends on what you value more: the feel-good charm or deeper social commentary. Either way, “Panchayat” remains relevant, thought-provoking, and worth watching.

Rating: 3.5/5

FAQs

Where can I watch Panchayat Season 4?
It is available on Amazon Prime Video.
How many episodes are there in Season 4?
The season consists of 8 episodes.
Is it necessary to watch previous seasons to understand Season 4?
While it helps, the season offers enough context for new viewers.
Has the tone of the show changed in Season 4?
Yes, the show has adopted a more political and serious tone.
Who is the antagonist in Season 4?
Kranti Devi emerges as a political rival to Manju Devi.
Does Season 4 address social issues?
Yes, it explores patriarchy, corruption, and ethical dilemmas.
What are the standout performances this season?
Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, and Raghubir Yadav shine the most.
Is there humor in Season 4?
Yes, but it is more subdued compared to earlier seasons.
Will there be a Season 5?
It has not been officially confirmed yet.
What lessons does the season offer?
It highlights the complexity of rural governance and moral choices.