‘Panchayat’ Season 4 Review: Political Shift Dulls the Charm of Phulera

The much-loved rural dramedy Panchayat returns with Season 4, picking up just a few weeks after the events of its predecessor. This time, the narrative leans heavily into the charged atmosphere of local elections, pitting Manju Devi (Neena Gupta) and Pradhan ji (Raghuvir Yadav) against the scheming duo of Kranti Devi and Bhushan, played by Sunita Rajwar and Durgesh Kumar. With loyalties firmly established, Abhishek (Jitendra Kumar) throws neutrality to the wind, openly campaigning for Manju’s party.

"The elections are upon us, and Manju Devi and Pradhan ji face their toughest challenge in the form of Kranti Devi and Bhushan." The storyline unfolds in a more politically-driven direction, with much of the focus on campaign strategies, local tensions, and a fight for power that feels less grounded in the everyday simplicity that initially endeared the show to audiences.

"The spectre of elections looms large on Panchayat season 4 and is easily its undoing as well." Where the earlier seasons charmed with their anthology-style storytelling—where each episode offered a standalone narrative that fed into a broader theme—this new chapter pivots almost entirely toward election drama. While Season 3 had already begun this drift, it still retained a strong hold through crisp writing and moments of brilliance. Season 4, however, appears to lose that delicate balance.

"What Panchayat season 4 lacks" is not so much plot as perspective. The rural innocence and simplicity, which formed the soul of the show, seem diluted by political plotting and dramatic one-upmanship. “It was important for the makers to keep the focus on the elections. But one feels that it sucks the joy and innocence out of Panchayat, which had been its USP all along.”

Another key concern is how the show handles its characters—particularly Pradhan ji. “The biggest disservice the show does is to Pradhan ji himself.” Once portrayed as a sharp but kind-hearted leader, his character now appears reduced to a caricature of a politician, relying on gimmicks and hollow promises. “If the intent was to show how flawed he is, it did not translate.” Instead, the storytelling unintentionally positions him as inefficient, with scenes showing civic neglect and voter dissatisfaction but failing to tie them into a larger character arc.

"Panchayat had a chance to act non-partisan here, too. If only it had presented Bhushan with an ounce of humanity." Unfortunately, the portrayal of Bhushan and Kranti Devi borders on the cartoonish, complete with a melodramatic background score, undermining what could have been a layered rivalry.

However, amidst the unevenness, Season 4 finds moments of redemption. "But then, the show does redeem itself with the arc it gives to Vinod (Ashok Pathak)." Much like Prahlad's poignant storyline in Season 2, Vinod’s journey stands out as the emotional heartbeat of the new season. Pathak’s subtle, heartfelt performance brings an unexpected depth, offering a much-needed emotional anchor.

The supporting cast continues to shine, with standouts including Ashok Pathak, Durgesh Kumar, Chandan Roy, and Sunita Rajwar. Raghuvir Yadav, despite his character’s diluted presence, delivers one of the series' most memorable moments in the finale. “Neena Gupta and Jitendra Kumar are capable as always, but somehow get subdued with everything happening around them.”

“Panchayat season 4 is not bad. It is just a letdown by the show's lofty standards.” While Phulera remains a lively canvas with quirky, relatable characters—and the addition of figures like the electrician and Manju Devi’s father add to its flavour—the show feels less sparkly this time. “The chuckles are fewer, the narrative a little jaded, and the sheen somewhat less bright than it had been.”