Panchayat Season 4 review: After a long wait, Panchayat fans were finally treated to Season 4 on Prime Video. But while the anticipation was high, the actual experience left a mixed aftertaste. The latest chapter picks up from where Season 3 ended—with tensions boiling over in Phulera—but this time, the storytelling feels scattered, and the heart that once anchored the show seems to have faded.
A Shift from Simplicity to Struggle
In its early seasons, Panchayat thrived on its simplicity—its ability to find humor and emotion in everyday village life. By Season 2, the tone had started to darken, and Season 3 went full throttle into rural politics. Season 4 continues that trajectory with an intense focus on the upcoming local elections, pitting Manju Devi’s camp against the fiery Kranti Devi. But instead of offering gripping drama or satirical depth, the show feels weighed down by its own subplots.
Abhishek’s Arc: A Fading Protagonist
Jitendra Kumar’s Abhishek Tripathi, once the soul of the story, now feels emotionally distant and disengaged. His storyline in Season 4 paints him as someone who’s mentally checked out—both from his professional responsibilities and his personal relationships. His interactions with Rinky lack spark, and his role in the village administration has become increasingly blurry. For a character originally introduced as an outsider adapting to village life, it’s disappointing to see such little growth or clarity.
Strong Performances Save the Day
Despite narrative missteps, certain performances still shine. Neena Gupta’s Manju Devi, in particular, is a revelation. Her evolution from a ceremonial leader to someone with real political conviction is one of the season’s best arcs. She now challenges her husband, makes her own decisions, and commands respect—something fans had long hoped to see.
Another standout is Binod, played brilliantly by Ashok Pathak. His scenes, though few, are impactful—whether he’s overwhelmed by the election results or asserting his presence in subtle ways. Bulloo Kumar as Madhav also adds energy where the script otherwise falters.
Comedy That Misses the Mark
One of Panchayat’s trademarks has been its understated humor. But this time around, many of the comedic bits fall flat or feel forced. Scenes like the group venturing out to fetch an electrician (only to face obvious trouble) or Bhushan cooking lauki in the middle of the street feel oddly placed, lacking context or purpose. These moments add noise but not substance.
Lost in Translation: From Rural Heart to Political Circus
The emotional undertones that once defined the series are hard to find in Season 4. Prahlad (Faisal Malik), still grieving the loss of his son, provides rare moments of poignancy, but even his storyline feels underexplored amidst the election drama. Pradhan’s out-of-character outburst, lacking build-up or consequence, is another example of how the writing sometimes loses touch with its characters’ core.
Panchayat Season 4 review also reveals a noticeable shift in tone—from the lighthearted charm of earlier seasons to a heavier, more politically driven narrative. While the stakes are higher with village elections taking center stage, the emotional connection that made the show resonate so deeply feels diluted. Longtime fans might find themselves missing the warmth and relatability that once made Panchayat a standout in the web series landscape.
Final Verdict
Panchayat Season 4 tries to build on the tension and stakes of earlier seasons, but in doing so, it loses sight of what made the show special—its grounded characters, simple humor, and emotional honesty. While there are moments of brilliance and standout performances from a few actors, the overall narrative feels like it’s treading water rather than moving forward.
It’s not a bad season—but it’s not the Panchayat we fell in love with either.
Streaming now on Prime Video.
Let us know your thoughts—did Season 4 work for you, or are you missing the old charm too?
