28/06/2025
Panchayat Season 4 Review: Familiar Charm with a Faded Spark
Rating: 3.5/5
Panchayat Season 4, streaming on Amazon Prime Video since June 24, 2025, brings us back to the rustic village of Phulera, where Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar), the reluctant Panchayat secretary, navigates the chaos of village politics and personal dilemmas. While the series retains its heartwarming essence and beloved characters, it struggles to match the brilliance of its predecessors, particularly the near-flawless Season 2. Despite a noticeable dip in humor and narrative freshness, Season 4 keeps its audience engaged with its relatable cast and glimpses of rural life, making it a comforting, if not exceptional, addition to the series.
# # # Plot and Themes
This season centers on Phulera’s heated Panchayat elections, pitting incumbent Manju Devi (Neena Gupta) against challenger Kranti Devi (Sunita Rajwar). The rivalry stirs up village loyalties, petty schemes, and a legal tussle with the vengeful MLA Chandrakishore Singh (Pankaj Jha). Abhishek, still torn between his CAT exam prep and his growing bond with Rinki (Sanvikaa), finds himself mediating the chaos while grappling with his own ambitions. The narrative explores rural politics, loyalty, and personal growth but leans heavily into election drama, sidelining the lighthearted, slice-of-life charm that defined earlier seasons. The season ends on a cliffhanger, setting up Season 5 but leaving some arcs unresolved.
# # # Comparison to Previous Seasons
Seasons 1 and 2 were masterclasses in blending humor, heart, and rural authenticity, with anthology-like episodes that felt fresh and self-contained. Season 3 introduced a darker tone with violence, and Season 4 continues this shift, focusing on serialized political intrigue. This change dilutes the quirky humor and emotional depth that made the show iconic. Fans on X have noted that the season feels “more emotional, less funny,” with repetitive subplots like the power outage or Manju Devi’s father’s visit fizzling out. Season 2’s poignant arcs, like Prahlad’s grief, set a high bar that Season 4 doesn’t quite reach. The writing often feels like a bridge to the next season rather than a standalone story, lacking the spark of earlier episodes.
# # # Performances and Highlights
The cast remains the show’s backbone. Jitendra Kumar shines as Abhishek, balancing frustration and vulnerability with ease. Neena Gupta and Raghubir Yadav, as Manju Devi and Pradhan Ji, deliver heartfelt performances, with Yadav’s emotional finale stealing the show. Supporting players like Binod (Ashok Pathak) and Madhav (Buloo Kumar) get more screen time, adding depth to the opposition camp. Faisal Malik’s Prahlad and Chandan Roy’s Vikas bring warmth, though their roles feel underused. The Abhishek-Rinki romance, while sweet, lacks depth, leaving fans wanting more. The cinematography captures Phulera’s dusty lanes and golden fields beautifully, and Anurag Saikia’s score complements the vibe, though the songs aren’t as memorable as before. Standout moments include the humorous cleanliness competition and Abhishek’s CAT result celebration, which add heart to the season.
# # # Why It Still Works
Despite its flaws, *Panchayat* Season 4 retains the charm that makes it a fan favorite. The relatable characters, witty dialogues, and Phulera’s unpolished allure keep viewers hooked. X posts praise the season as a “storytelling gem” for blending lighthearted misadventures with emotional depth. Moments like the quirky election slogans (lauki vs. pressure cooker) or the ensemble’s chemistry evoke the show’s universal appeal. It’s a comforting escape into rural India, even if the narrative feels stretched.
# # # Drawbacks
The heavy focus on election drama overshadows the simplicity that defined *Panchayat*. The humor is subdued, with fewer laugh-out-loud moments, and some episodes drag with repetitive conflicts. The Abhishek-Rinki arc feels underdeveloped, and the finale, rated 8.4 on IMDb, is the lowest-scoring among the series’ finales, with fans on X calling it “disappointing” for its lack of closure. The season feels like a setup for Season 5 rather than a complete story.
# # # Verdict
*Panchayat* Season 4 is a watchable, heartfelt return to Phulera, carried by its stellar cast and rural charm, but it falls short of the brilliance of Seasons 1 and 2. The shift to political drama and reduced humor makes it less fresh, yet it keeps audiences happy with its warmth and familiarity. Here’s hoping Season 5 recaptures the magic.
*Recommendation*: Binge for the cast and Phulera’s rustic vibe, but temper expectations if you’re seeking the comedic highs of earlier seasons.
