The village of Phulera, once a hub of rustic charm and rural politics, has lost its essence in the fourth season of Panchayat. The show, which was known for its nuanced portrayal of village life, has devolved into a predictable and formulaic narrative. The story revolves around the upcoming elections, with Manju Devi and Kranti Devi pitted against each other. However, the real battle is between their husbands, who engage in various tactics to outmaneuver each other.
The show’s strongest suit has always been its ensemble cast, but this season, they seem to be going through the motions. Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghuvir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, and Sunita Rajwar are all talented actors, but they can’t elevate the dull script. The only exceptions are Raghuvir Yadav and Neena Gupta, who deliver standout performances despite the lackluster writing.
One of the most significant problems with this season is the absence of the core group’s camaraderie. The bond between Sachivji, Vikas, Prahlad Cha, and Pradhanji was the heart of the show, but it’s missing this time around. The characters feel like they’re just going through the motions, without any real emotional connection.
The show’s creators seem to have taken the audience’s loyalty for granted, and it feels like they’re just churning out content to milk the franchise. The tempo is slow, and the narrative is predictable. Even the usually reliable supporting cast can’t inject life into the dull storylines.
Overall, the fourth season of Panchayat is a disappointment. It’s a shame, given the show’s potential and the talent involved. If you’re a fan of the series, you might still find some moments to appreciate, but for the most part, it’s a lackluster effort. With the OTT platform already greenlighting a fifth season, it’s clear that the creators are more interested in cashing in on the brand than in delivering quality content.