When Panchayat Season 4 dropped on Prime Video, expectations were sky high. After three widely acclaimed seasons, viewers hoped the show would continue its rare blend of satire, emotion, and simplicity. But as the new episodes unfolded, it became clear that this season had taken a different path. Instead of quiet observations and heartwarming village moments, Season 4 dived deep into electoral politics, power plays, and emotional detachment, leaving behind much of what made the show so beloved in the first place.
Jitendra Kumar returned as Abhishek Tripathi, the young sachiv whose journey from reluctant outsider to emotionally invested resident was the heart of the earlier seasons. But in this installment, his storyline felt paused. The CAT exam became his main arc, and much of his personal evolution was set aside. What remained were moments of distance, some stray emotional beats, and a looming question will he leave Phulera for good?
Meanwhile, Neena Gupta’s Manju Devi stepped into a bigger role, becoming a central figure in the ongoing election battle. Her scenes with Raghubir Yadav’s Pradhan Ji brought occasional sparks, but even their relationship was flattened by the overwhelming focus on political scheming. The once lighthearted tone was replaced by tension and commentary, and while these themes are timely and relevant, many viewers missed the slice of life appeal that made Panchayat unique.
Social media reactions have been sharply divided. Fans praised performances and occasional flashes of brilliance, like Prahlad’s quiet grief, Bhushan’s comic eccentricity, and the chemistry between Khushboo and Vikas. But overall, there was a sense that the charm had dimmed. The warmth of Phulera’s community its chai stalls, its awkward friendships, and its silent glances took a backseat to campaign symbols, gossip fueled strategies, and confrontational dialogues.
Yet the season’s final episode has opened the door for a powerful redemption arc. If Abhishek does leave, how will that affect his bond with Rinki? Will Manju Devi reclaim her power or step back completely? Is Prahlad ready for a political leap? These are not just cliffhangers; they are emotional time bombs waiting to reshape the core of the series. Season 5 could either double down on political drama or pull back to find its lost heart.
There is still a great deal of affection for this show. Panchayat’s brilliance was never in its grand arcs but in its attention to small moments a well timed look, a shared meal, a whispered joke under a neem tree. If the creators can bring that feeling back, while also pushing the story forward, Season 5 may not only salvage what Season 4 scattered, but also take the show to new heights.
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