‘Panchayat’ Stumbles in Underwhelming Fourth Season
The beloved TVF series ‘Panchayat’ has returned, bringing viewers back to the familiar lanes of Phulera. But for the many fans who fell in love with the show's initial blend of emotional warmth and gentle simplicity, the fourth season may feel like a significant departure, trading its signature charm for a narrative that is both politically charged and emotionally distant.
The season picks up immediately after the dramatic climax of the third, diving headfirst into the heated politics of the village election. The central conflict between Team Manju Devi and Team Kranti Devi for the position of Pradhan dominates the storyline across most of the episodes. While this premise offers potential for drama, the execution lacks the relatability and emotional depth that were hallmarks of the show's earlier success. The narrative feels scattered, and the once-cohesive world of Phulera now seems fractured by half-baked subplots and unconvincing character developments.
The most jarring shift is evident in the arc of the protagonist, Abhishek. His character appears emotionally detached and half-hearted, particularly in his personal relationships, and his professional duties as Sachiv also feel neglected. He no longer serves as an impartial observer, having been pulled deep into the village's political machinations. Similarly, Pradhan’s character seems to have lost his layered complexity, now driven by a one-dimensional desperation to win the election at any cost.
This season is further weighed down by a series of scenes that feel illogical or unnecessary, disrupting the narrative flow. Moments like a bizarre incident involving a pressure cooker in the middle of the village, or a random, forced outburst from Pradhan, add to a sense of chaos without contributing meaningfully to the plot. Many of the comedic punches fail to land, leaving a void where the show's subtle humor once resided.
Despite these significant flaws, the season is not without its merits. The standout performance comes from Neena Gupta, whose character, Manju Devi, undergoes a compelling transformation. Her journey from a nominal Pradhan to a confident leader who makes her own decisions is one of the few genuinely satisfying arcs. Furthermore, Faisal Malik continues to deliver a moving performance as Prahlad, a man grieving his son while caught in the surrounding political circus. Ashok Pathak, as Binod, also shines, elevating his character with a nuanced performance that brings a spark to otherwise lackluster scenes.
Ultimately, ‘Panchayat Season 4’ feels less like a new chapter and more like a transitional filler. It attempts to coast on the goodwill earned by its predecessors but stumbles under the weight of a disjointed plot and underdeveloped characters. While a few powerful performances provide moments of brilliance, the season largely fails to recapture the magic that once made it essential viewing.
