The beloved TVF series Panchayat returns with its fourth season—good news for loyal fans eager to revisit Phulera. But if you’ve stuck around for the emotional warmth and simplicity that defined the show’s earlier charm, this season might leave you wanting more.
Let’s be honest: Panchayat stopped being a comedy after Season 2. While the second season ended on a more serious note, the third dove headfirst into village politics, with a violent turn involving the Bhushan gang and a shootout that left Pradhan injured. Season 4 picks up from there, with election fever gripping Phulera.
This time, it’s Team Manju Devi vs Team Kranti Devi for the Pradhan’s seat, and election drama dominates the season. Yet, despite the high political stakes, the emotional depth and relatability that once made Panchayat special are noticeably missing. As a longtime fan, this season felt underwhelming.
The opening episode sets a grim tone. Abhishek is in a foul mood, anxious about being booked under IPC Section 323 and how it might ruin his future. His cousin is abruptly sent away, and the vibe feels off from the very beginning.
That said, the show isn’t a complete miss. One of its few saving graces is Neena Gupta’s Manju Devi. Her character has grown remarkably—from a passive figurehead to a woman asserting her authority, challenging her husband, and making confident decisions. It’s a satisfying arc that stands out amid the narrative clutter.
By contrast, Raghubir Yadav’s Pradhan comes across as one-dimensional this time—more desperate than nuanced. His character, never portrayed as ideal, now feels hollow and predictable, consumed by the urge to win at any cost.
The most disappointing arc is Abhishek’s. Emotionally closed-off and indifferent in his personal life, he comes across as the kind of boyfriend no one deserves. Rinky (Saanvika) deserves better. Professionally, too, he’s dropped the ball—far from being the neutral civil servant we once saw, his involvement in the election mess lacks conviction, and his job performance feels perfunctory.
Several scenes feel forced or unnecessary. Why did all four—Abhishek, Vikas, Prahlad, and Pradhan—go to retrieve an electrician from enemy territory without any plan? The result: predictable chaos that adds little to the story. Most comic punches don’t land, and the charm feels manufactured.
Episode 5 introduces Manju Devi’s father (Ram Gopal Bajaj), who oddly shares more screen time with Abhishek than with his daughter. The purpose of his inclusion is unclear.
There’s also a surreal scene where Bhushan (Banrakas) cooks lauki in the middle of the village using a pressure cooker—meant as a campaign stunt, perhaps, but poorly executed. The resulting cooker blast and Abhishek’s intervention add nothing meaningful to the story.
A particularly jarring moment comes with Pradhan’s sudden, violent outburst—yelling and throwing things around without being intoxicated or provoked. It feels random and totally out of sync with the show’s tone.
Still, Panchayat finds brief moments of brilliance. Faisal Malik’s Prahlad remains a quiet emotional anchor. A grieving father surrounded by chaos, Malik’s subtle performance continues to stir genuine empathy.
Another highlight is Binod (Ashok Pathak), who shines this season. Whether he’s tearing up during the election results, dining with the Pradhan, or finally speaking up for himself, he adds layers of emotion and humor to otherwise flat scenes. Alongside Bulloo Kumar (Madhav), he brings much-needed energy.
In the end, Panchayat Season 4 tries to coast on the goodwill of its earlier seasons. But with half-baked subplots and lackluster character development, it feels more like a transitional season than a fresh, engaging chapter. Watch it for Manju Devi and Binod—but don’t expect the old Phulera magic to return in full force.
