In the final stretch of Panchayat Season 4, streaming on Prime Video from June 24, Raghubir Yadav’s Brij Bhushan Dubey, better known as Pradhan ji, sums it up well: "Politics isn’t a child’s game where everything goes smoothly."
That line reflects the season itself, where the once-endearing charm of the show begins to dim as the village politics of Phulera grow murkier.
Glimpses of Old Humour Amidst Political Drama
While the third season's heavier tone divided fans, Panchayat tries to balance things in Season 4, bringing back a few slices of its signature humour. Sachiv Abhishek (Jitendra Kumar) receives a casual "Hi" from Pradhan ji in their men’s group chat—a familiar signal to gather for drinks, rants, and lighthearted banter. The addition of Ram Gopal Bajaj as Pradhan ji’s father-in-law adds to the laughs, especially when Pradhan ji casually drops his famous "Aye sasur!" catchphrase in his real father-in-law's presence.
Faisal Malik, portraying Prahlad-cha, continues to deliver a nuanced performance, his occasional chuckles offering brief relief from the grief of losing his soldier son in Season 2.
Lauki vs. Pressure Cooker and Muddy Politics
The symbolic battle between Manju Devi’s lauki (bottle gourd) and Kranti Devi’s pressure cooker intensifies, reflecting the dirty, personal nature of village politics. Kranti Devi (Sunita Rajwar) even stoops to spreading false rumours about Khushboo (Tripti Sahu), wife of Vikas (Chandan Roy), leading to emotional fallout and damage control.
Meanwhile, toilet humour returns as both camps weaponise Swachh Bharat themes in their election campaigns.
Kuberaa: Dhanush’s Political Thriller Marches On With Its Elegant Box Office Journey
Food as a Political Weapon
Food plays a recurring role, from sly nods to Welcome's "aaloo le lo" dialogue to samosas and sweets becoming tools for political gain. Manju Devi smartly uses free samosas to sway voters, while laddoo orders—based on ghee quality—serve as a quirky indicator of election confidence.
Secondary characters like Binod and Madhav (Ashok Pathak and Buloo Kumar) also get more screen time beyond comic relief, adding depth to the opposition camp. Even Manju Devi tries to woo Binod to her side with delicious food.
Rinky (Sanvikaa) continues to wrestle with family pride and ego, suggesting that while ambition may skip a generation, family pride runs deep.
Romance, Exams, and Future Crossroads
After much teasing, Abhishek and Rinky's relationship finally blossoms, though Abhishek’s uncertain CAT exam results loom over their future. His desire to escape Phulera remains intact, though Rinky’s pointed reaction hints at the personal sacrifices such ambitions demand.
Verdict: Should You Watch?
For long-time Panchayat fans, the ensemble cast and familiar village setting make Season 4 worth sticking with, despite the heavier political overtones and slightly diminished charm. Casual viewers drawn in by its trending status may find the new season a mixed bag.
Mamitha on whether Jana Nayagan is Vijay’s last film as he enters politics
As Abhishek’s friend advises him in the first episode, "Don’t stress, everything will be fine"—perhaps the show's creators are offering the same reassurance as they lay the groundwork for Season 5 and the next chapter of Phulera’s increasingly complex politics.
Source: NDTV