Panchayat Season 4 Review: A Dull Political Detour That Lacks the Heart of Earlier Seasons

Panchayat Season 4 has finally landed on Prime Video, bringing back the familiar faces of Phulera—led by Jitendra Kumar’s Sachiv Ji and Neena Gupta’s Manju Devi. After the gripping events of Season 3, fans were eager to see how the story would evolve. Unfortunately, the latest installment leans heavily on its star-studded ensemble, failing to deliver the emotional depth and balanced storytelling that defined the series.

Panchayat Season 4 Review: Plot, Elections, Egos, and Exhaustion

Season 4 revolves around the village panchayat elections, pitting Manju Devi (Neena Gupta) against Kranti Devi (Sunita Rajwar). However, the real action unfolds through their husbands—Pradhan Ji (Raghubir Yadav) and Banrakas (Durgesh Kumar)—who drive the narrative with tricks and taunts in an overlong electoral circus.

While the show attempts to present a vibrant portrayal of rural politics, the election arc dominates the season to the point of fatigue. Subplots are neglected, tensions feel forced, and the political commentary—though realistic—lacks the spark and wit of previous seasons.

Characters: Regressions Instead of Growth

What’s most disappointing is the stagnation of core characters. Abhishek and Rinky’s romantic arc remains mostly dormant despite a few tender moments, including a walk-turned-quarrel over Abhishek’s career plans. Their chemistry, once blooming, now feels like an afterthought.

The cliffhanger from Season 3—who shot Pradhan Ji?—receives no attention. Likewise, the long-awaited clash between Pradhan Ji and the powerful Vidhayak is brushed aside, leaving narrative gaps.

The show’s most beloved bonds—between Sachiv Ji, Vikas, Prahlad, and Pradhan Ji—are barely explored. Their once warm camaraderie feels fragmented, with fewer scenes and emotional payoffs.

Missed Opportunities

Despite a strong female lineup, the women in Season 4 are underutilized. Manju Devi, who once seemed poised to assume her role as the real Pradhan, is once again overshadowed by her husband. Kranti Devi’s character also loses its earlier punch, and Rinky’s aspirations are sidelined.

Even promising dynamics, like that between Neena Gupta and Sunita Rajwar, are ignored. Sunita’s Kranti Devi, full of fiery potential, gets reduced to shrill theatrics instead of a meaningful foil to Manju Devi.

Comic Relief and Cultural Nods

Not all is lost—traces of classic Panchayat humour do shine through. A WhatsApp “Hi” in the men’s group becomes a comical cue to drink and vent. Ram Gopal Bajaj, as Pradhan Ji’s father-in-law, adds a surprise twist when Pradhan Ji blurts his trademark “Aye Sasur!” right to his actual sasur.

Food becomes a clever metaphor. The samosa strategy at Bhutkun’s tea stall, lauki vs. pressure cooker election symbols, and laddoos laced with desi ghee vs. vanaspati all provide subtle social commentary and political satire.

Technical Aspects and Writing

While the production quality remains high, the writing doesn’t rise to the occasion. Episodes feel padded, the pacing is sluggish, and the dramatic beats rarely land. Unlike earlier seasons where simplicity was strength, Season 4 confuses escalation with progress.

The series once offered gentle masculinity, lived-in humour, and layered conflicts without melodrama. Now, it veers toward monotony.

Conclusion: Is It Worth Watching?

If you’re a die-hard Panchayat fan, you’ll watch Season 4 for the ensemble's performances and the hope of better things to come. The final episode hints at another season, so all may not be lost. But for casual viewers, this season might feel like a slow, overstretched deviation from the magic that once made Panchayat so special.

Panchayat Season 4 is a mixed bag—rich in potential but poor in execution. Its reliance on the cast’s credibility can’t compensate for a plot that overstays its welcome and characters who’ve stopped evolving.

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Panchayat Season 4 OTT Release: All You Need to Know About Jitendra Kumar & Neena Gupta's Rural Political Drama