"Panchayat," the beloved web series that captures the essence of rural Indian life, is back with its fourth season, streaming on Amazon Prime Video from June 24, 2025. While the new season promises the same charm and humor that made the show a hit, some critics suggest that it may be time for the series to move on before it loses its magic.
Season 4 dives headfirst into the political arena of Phulera, with the village gearing up for Panchayat elections. The central conflict revolves around Manju Devi, played by the talented Neena Gupta, and Kranti Devi, portrayed by Sunita Rajwar, as they battle it out for the position of Pradhan. This face-off between two strong-willed women injects a fresh dose of energy into the storyline, filled with political drama, catchy campaign jingles, and unexpected twists. The trailer showcases the raw and realistic portrayal of village life, which has always been a USP of the show. The dialogues, music, and impromptu situations all contribute to the authentic beauty that viewers have come to expect.
Neena Gupta's performance is a standout, with many reviewers highlighting her ability to bring depth and nuance to her character. Her portrayal of Manju Devi adds a layer of complexity to the political landscape of Phulera, making this season more engaging than the last. However, the focus on political maneuvering and power play also brings to light some of the heavier themes present in this season, such as abuse of power, corruption, ambition, and moral compromise. While the series maintains its rootedness in rural simplicity, it also attempts to address these issues, making it a more mature and thought-provoking watch.
Jitendra Kumar returns as Abhishek Tripathi, the reluctant engineering graduate turned Panchayat secretary. His endearing chemistry with Rinky, played by Sanvikaa, is also further explored this season. The personal dilemmas faced by Abhishek as he navigates the complexities of village life continue to resonate with viewers. Raghubir Yadav, as always, delivers a memorable performance as Brij Bhushan Pandey, adding his signature wit and humor to the mix.
Despite the strengths of the new season, some critics argue that "Panchayat" may be nearing its natural conclusion. The creators have previously mentioned that they envision the series spanning five seasons, making this fourth season the penultimate chapter. This raises the stakes, as viewers anticipate a significant turning point that will set the stage for the final season. There is a sense that the show needs to evolve and explore new horizons to avoid becoming repetitive. While "Panchayat 4" is undoubtedly a well-made and decent watch on its own, it carries the burden of its predecessors, especially the first two seasons, which set a high bar for storytelling and character development.
