Panchayat S4 Review: Despite the initial hiccups, Panchayat Season 4 picks up from where it left off – returns to its strength and reclaims its charm
The fourth instalment of Panchayat opens with lingering threads from Season 3. While the narrative picks up directly, the initial episodes feel somewhat disjointed. Emotional beats around an FIR and village politics don’t immediately land, making the beginning a bit uneven. Thankfully, as the plot develops, the show returns to its strengths, focusing on the village’s small dramas and quirks.
Lighter Moments Shine Through
Once the season settles in, it leans into lighthearted storytelling. From a cleanliness face-off to food-fuelled rivalries, the humour is rooted in real, relatable moments. These slices of rural life bring back the charm that defined Panchayat in its early days. Even political manoeuvring, like a dinner aimed at influencing loyalties is handled with subtle wit.
Character Dynamics Shift Focus
This time, secondary characters take centre stage. Larger political players are pushed to the background, making room for the likes of Binod, Vikas, and Madhav. Their stories and banter give the season its emotional heartbeat. The more menacing tones of Season 3 are dialled down, with a return to warmth and camaraderie among villagers.
Abhishek’s Arc Lacks Depth
One of the season’s missed opportunities is the personal journey of Abhishek. His dilemma, choosing between leaving Phulera for a better future or staying for love, remains underdeveloped. While his growth is evident, a deeper emotional thread would have offered more resonance towards the end.
Visuals, Music & Performances Elevate the Season
The show remains visually rooted, capturing village landscapes with sincerity. The music adds a soothing backdrop, maintaining a grounded tone. Performances are consistently strong, with Faisal Malik standing out as he continues to convey quiet grief with authenticity.
The Takeaway
The fourth season of Panchayat reaffirms the show’s original essence, a grounded, heartfelt narrative that thrives on quiet humour, relatable conflicts, and slice-of-life simplicity. While Season 3 slightly tilted towards heavier themes, Season 4 gently steers back to its core, offering political satire that never loses its warmth or wit. The show continues to evolve with its characters, delivering laughs and insights in equal measure. If you’re expecting the breezy magic of the first two seasons, you may still feel a slight tonal shift, but the heart of Phulera remains intact, sincere, charming, and always watchable.
Panchayat Season 4 is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
