logo
Can Panchayat Season 4 Rise Above Its Average Season 3?

Can Panchayat Season 4 Rise Above Its Average Season 3?

NDTV23-06-2025
A reluctant Sachivji AKA Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar) was looking for an opportunity to escape Phulera (a fictional village in Uttar Pradesh). One of his friends [A corporate employee] suggested him to do something so that he falls in love with the village. He had been told many times by the villagers to have a bird's-eye view of Phulera, from the roof of a water reservoir, near the panchayat office. An MBA aspirant, who landed up with a government job in a remote village, never felt like listening to them.
In the finale episode of season one, Sachivji went to the rooftop of the paani ki tanki and tried to explore the beauty of the village.
"Same hi toh dikhta hai, alag kya hai?" was his first reaction.
The reactions suddenly changed when a female voice was heard around him.
He met Rinki [Pradhanji's daughter, played by Sanvikaa] for the first time.
And these words echoed in the background, " Aap ek bar tanki ki chhat se dekh lo Phulera, pyar toh ho hi jayega (If you watch Phulera from the rooftop of the tank, you'll surely fall in love)."
Back in April 2020, the world just woke up to the COVID-19 pandemic. People had no clue how to deal with loss, death and uncertainty that shrouded their everyday lives. Around that time, Panchayat season one [the Amazon Prime Original series], directly made its way to the viewers' hearts like a lease of new love.
Through the eyes of Sachivji, the OTT viewers were transported to a village of the Hindi hinterland, which appeared to be TVF's [The Viral Factory, the production company] new figment of imagination.
No complaints though.
Phulera and its likeable characters [inspired from folklore or Aesop's Fables] proved their longevity over the five years in an OTT market, dominated by rampant crime and whodunnit shows.
Ahead of its season four release on June 24, 2025, let's look back and decode why season three received mixed reactions, what worked for the first two seasons and why season three didn't end on a "look-forward-to" note.
Elevating Endings (Missing In Season Three)
Panchayat season one and two became fan favourite due to its lofty endings. The last 10-20 minutes of the finale episodes (both in season one and two) had uplifted the series to a certain level, where nationalistic fervour and storytelling combined had a cathartic effect on the minds of the viewers.
In season one, Manju Devi (played by Neena Gupta) who's the actual Pradhan of the village Phulera, hoisted the National Flag in front of the District Magistrate, who happens to be a woman, and the village. She also sang the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana after rehearsing it for two days with Sachivji. When Manju Devi was fumbling with the words of the National Anthem, her husband AKA Pradhan-Pati (Brij Bhushan Dubey, played by Raghubir Yadav) gave her cues, so that she didn't feel nervous.
Or talk about that scene, when Manju Devi wanted to rehearse the lines by sitting on a chair. Sachivji, with a firm voice, said, "We can't sit as you have to sing the song standing alone. Let's practise that way only."
These were the moments that stayed with the viewers long after the season ended.
Season two treaded the path a step further. This time, the makers, wanted the audience to shed a few drop of tears after smiling all through. Upa-Pradhan Prahlad (played by Faisal Malik) lost his only son Rahul; he is killed in action on the border and the whole Phulera wept with him when he was cremated with full state honours.
"My parents died long ago. My wife died. Now my only son died. I have become so lonely," an inconsolable Prahladcha told Pradhanji.
Even if you haven't seen loss in your immediate circle, the sheer magnitude of loss would strike a chord with you. And it did. Quite impactfully.
Deviating from the last two seasons, the finale of season three descended into chaos, violence and an abrupt hooliganism which the Panchayat audiences were not ready for.
Pradhanji was shot at in broad daylight. All eyes were on MLA Chandrakishore Singh who came with arms and guns to attack the village Phulera earlier.
The season ended on a note that elections were nearing and both parties would resort to violence (which is a sole quality that disntinguishes Panchayat from other shows).
If a show, which earlier solved disputes with a lauki (bottle gourd), sometimes with a moving chair, didn't find any other discourse than violence as the go-to solution, it would certainly distance its loyal fanbase. And, it did (badly).
Season 3 Lacked Insightful Characters, Solid Life Lessons
In season two, two guest characters made lasting impressions with their powerful dialogues - full of insight and precision.
When Abhishek asked a dancer (season two, episode 1) why she didn't quit dancing as a profession as she was injured in a duel, her reply was, "Do you like the job you do?" Abhishek replied with a simple "No".
" Saab, sabhi kahi na kahi toh nach hi rahe hain (Everyone is dancing to someone's tunes one way or the other)," the village girl summed up.
It made Sachivji pause for a moment.
Remember the drunk driver who predicted Sachivji would become a drunkard too later in his life?
" Saab, jab 20,000 main sansar chalana hoga na, tab nashe main rehena hi acha lagta hain... (If you have to run the household of four with 20,000 rupess, you wanted to be a drunkard)," the driver said.
Though season three had one dadi character, who hatched a plan with his son to get a new house under the scheme of Pradhanmantri Avaas Yojna, she became an episode in herself, tickling the funny bone more than parting a lesson.
Can Panchayat Afford To Have Violence?
Panchayat is no Mirzapur (The Amazon Prime series infamous for its very graphic violence). At least, the makers envisoned a Uttar Pradesh town devoid of violence and made the audience believe in its reality.
Of course, there's a banraakas (the terrific Bhushan played by Durgesh Kumar), his wife Kranti devi (Sunita Rajwar) a pradhan aspirant, and their hangers-on Madhav and Binod, the political tussle between paschim (west) and purab (east) Phulera - but all these elements didn't tarnish the naive image of Phulera.
In season three, the MLA character was developed with gruesome details - he was accused of mudering a pet dog (rumoured to have eaten its meat as well) and a pigeon died in his hands. The intention was violent; so was the tonality of the storytelling. And, perhaps, it was the root of a sense of detachment that the viewers felt after watching the third instalment.
The Timing Of The Release Of Panchayat Season 4
From 2020 to 2025, the world has walked into a timezone divided by the pandemic. A piece of art, which appealed to the masses during the pandemic five years ago, may not lead to a similar response today.
A year, which has already seen catastrophes such as the Pahalgam terror attack and the Air India plane crash, is desperately hoping to breathe in some fresh air, once offered by Phulera and the characters in Panchayat.
If season four gets entangled in electoral politics - propelled by bandook - Phulera will not feel like Phulera.
A land, devoid of violence in its ugliest form, will go back to becoming just a figment of imagination.
The makers imagined Phulera, the audience made it a reality. They are not ready to say good bye; so early, so abruptly.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Hari Hara Veera Mallu box office collection day 1: Pawan Kalyan's movie sets records, earns in double digits
Hari Hara Veera Mallu box office collection day 1: Pawan Kalyan's movie sets records, earns in double digits

India.com

timean hour ago

  • India.com

Hari Hara Veera Mallu box office collection day 1: Pawan Kalyan's movie sets records, earns in double digits

After a lot of anticipation and wait, Krish and Jyothi Krisna's Pawan Kalyan-starrer Hari Hara Veera Mallu has finally hit the big screens today (July 24). The movie, which was supposed to release on June 12, came a month later. However, the phrase 'better late than never' fits perfectly for this film. According to the early predictions of industry tracker Sacnilk, Hari Hara Veera Mallu's day 1 box office collection stands at Rs 44.20 crore net in India. Hari Hara Veera Mallu Box Office Collection According to trade reports, HHVM earned Rs 12.7 crore net in India from its premiere and Rs 31.5 crore on its opening day. This marks one of Pawan's biggest openings in recent times. For comparison, Bro collected Rs 30.5 crore net on day one, Bheemla Nayak earned Rs 37.15 crore, while Vakeel Saab had raked in Rs 40.10 crore net on its opening day. Hari Hara Veera Mallu Gives Tough Competition to Saiyaara Released on July 18, Mohit Suri's Saiyaara is making waves at the box office and on social media. This is one of those rare films where debutants created history by earning Rs 20 crore on its opening day. However, with Hari Hara Veera Mallu hitting the big screens, the movie is breaking records and is giving tough competition to Mohit Suri's directorial. About Hari Hara Veera Mallu You will be amazed to know that Hari Hara Veera Mallu took 5 years in production due to COVID-19 and Pawan Kalyan's political commitments. Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 is set in the 16th century and is inspired by a minor incident from the Mughal era, weaving together elements of fact and fiction. Pawan Kalyan plays a Robin Hood-like character, while Bobby Deol steps into the role of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Apart from Pawan Kalyan and Bobby Deol, the movie also features Nidhi Agarwal, Sathyaraj, Thalaivasal Vijay, Raghu Babu, Subbaraju, and Sunil.

Vineet Kumar Singh's 'Rangeen' web-series review: A fun idea that soon fizzles out
Vineet Kumar Singh's 'Rangeen' web-series review: A fun idea that soon fizzles out

First Post

timean hour ago

  • First Post

Vineet Kumar Singh's 'Rangeen' web-series review: A fun idea that soon fizzles out

The conflicts of the central characters turn so repetitive after a point that it feels like you're watching the show on loop, coming all the way back to episode one read more Cast: Vineet Kumar Singh, Rajshri Deshpande, Taaruk Raina, Sheeba Chaddha Director: Kopal Naithani, Pranjal Dua Language: Hindi A colourless, charmless journalist is a married man. You cannot only say that because of the way he looks and sounds, but also his choice of words and working style. When social media (and Saiyaara) has taken over the globe, he's clinging on to newspapers. He serves his readers a week-old news when they want a second-old trending story. His office is as impoverished as his loveless marriage. The wife is played by Rajshri Deshpande and this man is Vineet Kumar Singh. These are two adorning actors who appear perennially bruised due to the narratives they are mostly thrown into. Singh is chewing up the scenery this year with Superboys of Malegaon, Chhaava, Jaat, and now Rangeen. Yes, this is the name of the show. It's both intriguing and ironic! STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At first, the unhurried pace of the story and its humour remind of Irrfan Khan and Kirti Kulhari's Black Mail. A sense of ennui has crept in that leads to adultery that leads to retribution. When the reveal happens, the background music rises to a crescendo that reminds us of the score of those 60s and 70s' detective movies. You have the culprit. All you need now is a chilling confrontation. But the makers of this show choose a tragi-comedic approach. Rangeen is a yet another addition to the list of movies and series about love (and lust) outside marriage. There's a farcical touch to a couple's life whose marital relationship hits rock bottom. This is their Trial By Fire. It's also becoming convenient for women to blame men for their raunchy rendezvouses in these situations. Rangeen could be described as Desi Boyz and Laga Chunari Mein Daag on steroids where every character goes bonkers albeit in different tones. Taaruk Raina and Vineet Kumar Singh (don't) get along like house on fire. The wrangling is both entertaining and exhausting, and you can see even the actors run out of breaths after their incessant quips. But the problem here is the pace. And the format itself. Running for over 40 minutes and nine episodes, the series, despite its attempt and audacity to tell an idiosyncratic story, overstays its welcome. You know the makers have a lot of time when it takes full three episodes for Adarsh aka AJ (Singh) to get to bed. And when he does, it all ends in an embarrassingly awkward moment both intentionally and unintentionally. It's like a magician who woos his audience with his prowess but quickly runs out of ideas and tricks. But because he's been paid, he has to do the job. The scene that feels sweet, silly, shocking is the one where AJ, with all his anger and arrogance, tells his wife he had sex with a 24-year old and how she said he was very good. You can see the body language of his wife shaking but she asks how his work is going and the gas cylinder at home isn't working. Rangeen should have been a story about these two and how they reignite the extinguished flame of their decaying marriage. But it digresses more often than it should have. It focuses on Raina's character even when it feels gratuitous. In fact, Deshpande goes missing for a few good moments and her scenes with her family don't add anything to the story. The conflicts of the central characters turn so repetitive after a point that it feels like you're watching the show on loop, coming all the way back to episode one. It showed promise and potential, but stopped short of being unhinged and unpredictable. All it needed was to be little more Rangeen! STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rating: 2.5 (out of 5 stars) Rangeen is now streaming on Prime Video

Saiyaara director Mohit Suri thanks Sandeep Reddy Vanga for ‘being the first one to openly support' his film
Saiyaara director Mohit Suri thanks Sandeep Reddy Vanga for ‘being the first one to openly support' his film

Indian Express

timean hour ago

  • Indian Express

Saiyaara director Mohit Suri thanks Sandeep Reddy Vanga for ‘being the first one to openly support' his film

Mohit Suri may have directed one of the most successful romantic films in recent memory with Saiyaara, but he's a self-proclaimed fan of another filmmaker. Suri recently expressed his admiration of Sandeep Reddy Vanga, best known for helming Arjun Reddy (2017), its Hindi remake Kabir Singh (2019), and most recently, Ranbir Kapoor-starrer 2023 blockbuster Animal. Suri took to social media on Thursday and shared a note of gratitude for Vanga. 'Sandeep, @imvangasandeep thank you for being the first one to openly support and express your generous belief in Saiyaara. It meant the world coming from a filmmaker whose craft I deeply admire. I've always respected the raw emotion, fearlessness and intensity you bring to your stories. It reminds me why we do what we do to move people, to connect. Grateful to walk this path alongside storytellers like you. Here's to more powerful cinema and always a fan,' wrote the filmmaker. On July 9, Sandeep Reddy Vanga had shared the Saiyaara trailer on social media along with the caption, 'Witnessing a hindi heartland love story completely emphasizing on romance and drama. Waiting to watch it on the first day. Wishing the debutants all the very best :-) It's purely Mohith suri's Magic.' Mohit Suri had replied in the comments section of the post, writing 'Thank you so much sir ! Means a lot #saiyaara.' Saiyaara is an intense love story of a young couple, played by Ahaan Panday, who makes his acting debut, and Aneet Padda, known for featuring in web series Big Girls Don't Cry and the Kajol-starrer Salaam Venky. The movie is backed by Aditya Chopra's Yash Raj Films. The romance also stars Geeta Agarwal, Rajesh Kumar, Varun Badola and Shaad Randhawa in key roles. The film has breached Rs 150 crore mark at the domestic box office within six days of release. It earned Rs 22 crore on Wednesday, which took its box office score to Rs 155.75 crore. Saiyaara's impressive opening weekend run of Rs 84 crore at the box office has beat lifetime collection of other debuts of star kids like Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan's Student of the Year (2012) and Jahnvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khattar's Dhadak (2018), which earned Rs 70 crore and Rs 73 crore, respectively. Also Read — Saiyaara scripts history with biggest opening weekend for a romantic film in India; check out 10 milestones Ahaan Panday–Aneet Padda movie achieved It is also Mohit Suri's highest opening film — Ek Villain earned Rs 16 crore on day one, Aashiqui 2 made over Rs 6 crore, and Murder 2 earned almost Rs 7 crore on the first day of their release. The film is the first and only romance movie to gross over Rs 100 crore in its opening weekend. Yash Raj Films have requested exhibitors to not hike ticket prices in order to keep them accessible for the youth supporting the film.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store