Latest news with #AbhishekTripathi
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Panchayat 4 To Squid Game 3: OTT Releases You Must Not Miss This Week
Last Updated: Whether you're craving light-hearted rural life or intense global thrillers, this week's OTT slate has got you covered. Buckle up for a weekend binge-fest! As June wraps up, OTT platforms are serving a power-packed lineup of fresh content to keep your weekend plans sorted. From the nostalgic charm of beloved franchises to some brand new series, the week brings a diverse range of content which is sure to entertain fans. Whether you're craving light-hearted rural life or intense global thrillers, this week's OTT slate has you covered. Check out the complete list of movies or series that you can stream on OTT platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Zee5 and JioHotstar this week. Panchayat S4 (Prime Video) The much-loved rural comedy-drama returns with Jitendra Kumar reprising his role as Abhishek Tripathi, the secretary of Phulera village. This season promises more laughs, heartfelt moments, and political tension as Panchayat elections stir rivalry between Manju Devi and Kranti Devi. Produced by TVF, Deepak Kumar Mishra and Akshat Vijaywargiya's direction has begun streaming on Prime Video. Squid Game Season 3 (Netflix) The global Korean sensation reaches its gripping conclusion. Season 3 dives deep into Gi-hun and other players' final fight for survival. It also reveals how Hwang In-ho became the Front Man and explores the fate of everyone inside the game. Created by Hwang Dong-Hyuk, the show stars Lee Jung-Jae in a lead role and is set to deliver the most intense games yet. In India, you can watch the popular Korean thriller at 12:31 PM on June 27 on Netflix. Mistry (Jio Hotstar) Adapted from the American hit series Monk, Mistry blends suspense and comedy with clever mysteries and a unique protagonist. Ram Kapoor stars as Armaan Mistry, a brilliant yet quirky detective battling OCD. The series also stars Mona Singh and is set to stream on JioHotstar from June 27. It is directed by Rishab Seth and produced by Banijay Asia in collaboration with Universal International Studios. Raid 2 (Netflix) Following its successful theatrical run, Raid 2 lands on Netflix. The film, starring Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh, continues the legacy of high-stakes tax raids with gripping action and real-world drama. Helmed by Raj Kumar Gupta, Raid 2 is the sequel to the 2018 film Raid. Ironheart (Jio Hotstar) Dominique Thorne returns as Riri Williams, a genius inventor crafting her own suit of armour, rivalling Tony Stark's Iron Man. As she navigates her newfound powers and battles various challenges and villains, Ironheart expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe in new directions. This Marvel series also stars Anthony Ramos, Lyric Ross and Alden Ehrenreich. The Bear Season 4 (Jio Hotstar) Carmy and his crew are back in the kitchen, fighting to save their struggling restaurant, The Bear, after a scathing review. Starring Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Ayo Edebiri as leads, the award-winning comedy tackles ambition, resilience and the chaos of reinventing a dream under pressure. Created by Christopher Storer, the show also stars Lionel Boyce, Abby Elliott, Liza Colón-Zayas and Matty Matheson, alongside guest appearances like Molly Gordon, Jon Bernthal and Oliver Platt. First Published:
Mint
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
How to watch Panchayat Season 4 for free in the US without breaking the law, your complete guide
Panchayat, one of the most-loved India-based web series is back with a bang. The fourth season of Panchayat has now been released on Amazon Prime Video, the only streaming platform for this popular web series. But will you be able to watch Panchayat in the US? Panchayat is a beloved Indian comedy-drama that follows engineer Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar) as he navigates life as a secretary in the fictional village Phulera, blending humor with poignant social commentary. Season 4 centers on a heated panchayat election between Manju Devi (Neena Gupta) and Kranti Devi, escalating village tensions while retaining its heartwarming charm. For US viewers, Amazon Prime Video is the only legal platform streaming the series. Support the creators ethically by using the free trial, and enjoy Phulera's chaos in 4K without risking security or breaking laws. The simplest way to watch Panchayat Season 4 for free in the US is through Amazon Prime Video's 30-day free trial. The entire season, 8 episodes in 4K quality with English subtitles, is exclusively available on the platform. New users can sign up for the trial, binge all episodes, and cancel before charges apply (regular subscription: $8.99/month post-trial). To maximize the trial, download episodes for offline viewing via the Prime Video app, ideal for avoiding connectivity issues or saving data. Note that the ad-supported tier (Prime Video with Ads) does not offer free trials, so opt for the standard trial for uninterrupted streaming. Episodes release at 8:00 PM ET (5:30 AM IST the next day), perfect for late-night binge-watching. While Indian viewers access free Amazon Prime via telecom bundles (e.g., Airtel's ₹ 1,199 plan, Jio's ₹ 1,029 pack, or Vi's ₹ 3,799 recharge), these are geo-restricted and unusable in the US. Some users attempt VPNs to mimic Indian locations, but this violates Amazon's terms and risks account suspension. Piracy sites illegally upload episodes but offer poor quality, malware risks, and violate India's Copyright Act (penalties include fines/jail time). For US fans, the only safe option remains the Prime free trial. Alternatively, split costs with friends via Prime's "Watch Party" feature (If available) or use limited-time promotions like student discounts (if eligible).
Mint
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
How ‘Panchayat' became a second-screen show: Season 4 review
Gift this article I'm intrigued by the main character in Panchayat. The slow and simple village series on Amazon Prime Video, over its four seasons, has gone from being clutter-breaking and sharp to basic and bland, and now feels like the entertainment equivalent of a power-cut. Nothing moves — including Abhishek Tripathi (played by Jitendra Kumar), an MBA aspirant moored in a small village. The show is populated by fine, well picked actors playing flavorful characters, but Abhishek — the Panchayat secretary called Sachiv-ji by the villagers — now has zero main character energy. The new season sees him barely a protagonist. He is instead, I daresay, an amateur 'tagonist", forever tagging along with what others are saying or deciding. I'm intrigued by the main character in Panchayat. The slow and simple village series on Amazon Prime Video, over its four seasons, has gone from being clutter-breaking and sharp to basic and bland, and now feels like the entertainment equivalent of a power-cut. Nothing moves — including Abhishek Tripathi (played by Jitendra Kumar), an MBA aspirant moored in a small village. The show is populated by fine, well picked actors playing flavorful characters, but Abhishek — the Panchayat secretary called Sachiv-ji by the villagers — now has zero main character energy. The new season sees him barely a protagonist. He is instead, I daresay, an amateur 'tagonist", forever tagging along with what others are saying or deciding. Sachiv-ji ambling along, refusing to take initiative and going along with what the other jis are saying, may not have been such a problem if the show wasn't exclusively chewing the cud. There is a lot to be said about slowburn storytelling, but Panchayat used to be a refreshingly unhurried comedy that is now a stretched-out soap opera. Every time a character says something shocking or sharp or — most gallingly — contrarian, we are given repeated reaction shots of the other characters expressing embarrassment or anger or heartbreak, all while the background score is dialled up. My own 'reaction shot" to the new season is an eyeroll. It's hard not to tire of this world. Even that sweet theme music by Anurag Saikia has, by now, been coopted by Instagram reels where people use it to underscore pictures of misspelt signage, glasses of lassi, cows crossing a street. The popularity of Panchayat shouldn't, of course, be held against it — this is a show we all championed when it came out during the pandemic — but not only is it stuck in a rut, it keeps doubling down. Again, the choice to stay uneventful worked when the show was actually funny, but now, where people burst into tears every few scenes and sad music underscores bad times, it's a drama where nothing happens. Aided by fine, familiar characters — especially beloved ones like Faisal Malik's Prahlad or Chandan Roy's Vikas — Panchayat has now become a second-screen show, one that prattles on inconsequentially while the viewer can be doing other things, like changing a netbanking password or replying to emails. This is ideal for the streaming platform, comfort television that can be ambient wallpaper and therefore go on for endless seasons, but less ideal for the viewer, for whom it becomes increasingly disposable. Panchayat isn't the only one; the show's success has spawned a sea of bucolic banality — and now I daresay the imitators might be having more fun. Panchayat is set in the fictitious village of Phulera, which appears to be in Uttar Pradesh but is apparently shot in Madhya Pradesh. There are, tellingly, no Muslim characters anywhere in sight. Where is Phulera? For me, actually, the more important question is 'When is Phulera?" The show seems to be set in the present day, with smartphones and popular Bhojpuri song ringtones, but to fetishise the desi dullness, we never see, for example, village kids making reels — it is almost as if there is no point in showing them doing that city kids do. They are presented as children of simpler pleasures, even though the TikTok revolution in India really exploded in the heartland. When two characters play cricket, they don't name Jasprit Bumrah or Ben Stokes as their favourite players, but retired superstars Yuvraj Singh and Mahela Jayawardane. Is this an attempt to create a time-warp? Or merely to suggest that our villages lag decades behind our cities? This is still a watchable series, because of the actors and characters and texture. The standouts this year are Ashok Pathak as Vinod and Chandan Roy as Vikas, and hearing Neena Gupta trying to find her way in the dark — during an on-screen power-cut — brought back instant memories of her doing that in the greatest Hindi satire of all, Kundan Shah's Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron. This season is about two results — a village election and Abhishek's CAT results — and this allows the writers to inject some commentary about the muddiness of political manipulation and mudslinging. Should a gunshot wound be milked for votes? Should a fake wound matter as much as a real one? Should the village secretary be openly siding (and even campaigning) with the current leadership? Panchayat asks these questions, admits that these thorny issues exist, and then sidesteps them — as if that's not their story to tell. They aren't very interested in telling any story really, you see, just serving you something sweet and indistinguishable in a tiny glass. Even when an episode ends on a revelation that promises to go somewhere, first the characters must sit down and take a swig of tea. In this world, even a cliffhanger must be leaned against a slurp of chai. One of the only strong episodes involves both political factions warring over the support of Vinod — a fellow who, in earlier seasons, strived to get a toilet installed in his house. The current Panchayat team fetes him and feed him, demonstrated by shots of puris being lovingly fried and kheer being solicited by the Sachiv-ji. Vinod, surprised, eats till he's full, but eventually sees through it. This is courtship, not camaraderie. Panchayat, too, is doing what its main characters are doing—manipulating the viewer with shots of food and artificial warmth, but taking them nowhere. I think we may be full. Streaming tip of the week: Armed with angst, attitude, and astonishingly floppy hair, the 1995 comedy Empire Records (now on Netflix) is a chaotic mixtape of teen rebellion and '90s retail anarchy. Come for the soundtrack, stay for the shenanigans. Also Read | Pet Matters: How to breed your dog at home safely Topics You May Be Interested In
News18
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Travel To The Real Phulera: Exploring The Village Where Panchayat Was Actually Shot
Last Updated: Contrary to popular belief, Panchayat series was not shot in Rajasthan. Read on to find the real location of the famous Phulera village. The beloved web series Panchayat has captivated audiences with its charming portrayal of rural life, sparking curiosity about its filming locations. Fans often wonder if the show was shot in Rajasthan's Phulera. However, the answer is more interesting. So, where exactly did the magic of Phulera unfold? Let's find out here. Produced by The Viral Fever (TVF) and streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Panchayat has captured hearts with its authentic storytelling. The series follows the journey of an engineering graduate who takes up a government job in the remote village of Phulera. With its realistic portrayal of rural life, engaging narrative, and relatable characters, Panchayat has become a favourite among audiences. But have you ever wondered where this picturesque village of Phulera is actually located? Contrary to popular belief, Panchayat wasn't filmed in Rajasthan's Phulera. Instead, the production team discovered a hidden gem in Madhya Pradesh's Sehore district, where a quaint village named Phulera served as the perfect rural backdrop. The team carefully chose this location to capture the authentic essence of village life, and the scenic beauty of the village added to the show's charm. With meticulous attention to detail, the cast and crew brought the fictional Phulera to life, making it an integral part of the series. The confusion with Rajasthan's Phulera is understandable, given its prominence as a railway junction near Jaipur. However, this Phulera has no connection to the series. The real magic lies in the Madhya Pradesh village that was carefully chosen for its authentic rural charm. Panchayat's success can be attributed to its storytelling and immersive locations, which transport viewers to the heart of rural India, making the show a relatable and engaging watch. The series boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Jitendra Kumar as the endearing Abhishek Tripathi, Neena Gupta as the sassy Manju Devi, and Raghubir Yadav as the quirky Brij Bhushan Dubey. The cast is further strengthened by Chandan Roy as Vikas, Faisal Malik as Prahladchand Pandey, Sanvikaa as Rinki, and Durgesh Kumar as Bhushan, with Pankaj Jha delivering a compelling performance as the cunning MLA. First Published: June 24, 2025, 17:12 IST
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Raid 2 to Squid Game Season 3 to Eleven: Latest Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu OTT releases to watch on Prime Video, Netflix, JioCinema
As the month draws to a close, a diverse lineup of Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu releases has landed across major OTT platforms. Whether you're in the mood for thrillers, comedies, family drama or fantasy, this week's new titles offer something for every taste. Here's a curated look at the latest shows and films to stream online. Panchayat Season 4 Language: Hindi Platform: Prime Video Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Release Date: June 24 by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Stromanbieter hilflos: So einfach automatisch jedes Jahr sparen cheapenergy24 Mehr erfahren Undo Returning with its fourth season, Panchayat resumes its story in the rural heartland of Phulera. Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar), who had once hoped to escape village life, now finds himself caught in the high-stakes drama of local elections. As the Pradhan Manju Devi and her rival Kranti Devi go head-to-head, the village descends into political chaos, complete with rallies, accusations, and factional tension. Abhishek tries to remain neutral, but his allegiances and future are pulled into the fray. The ensemble cast includes Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, and Chandan Roy, all of whom bring authenticity and charm to this satirical, grounded comedy. Raid 2 Language: Hindi Platform: Netflix Release Date: June 27 Ajay Devgn returns as IRS officer Amay Patnaik in this sequel to the hit film Raid. Transferred to Bhoj, Rajasthan, Patnaik targets Dada Manik Bhai (Riteish Deshmukh), a powerful politician accused of running a sprawling black money empire. As he investigates shell companies, hidden assets, and political protection, Patnaik faces growing threats and bureaucratic hurdles. The film maintains the tension of its predecessor while raising the stakes with larger raids and a more complex enemy. With a supporting cast including Vaani Kapoor, Supriya Pathak, and Saurabh Shukla, Raid 2 is a blend of political thriller and action drama. Mistry Language: Hindi Platform: JioCinema Release Date: June 27 Mistry is a fresh spin on detective fiction, centred on former cop Armaan Mistry, played by Ram Kapoor. Brilliant yet obsessive, Mistry suffers from OCD, which ironically aids his sharp investigative mind. He is paired with ACP Sehmat Siddiqui (Mona Singh), a grounded officer who helps temper his eccentricities. The show mixes mystery, humour, and emotional insight, drawing comparisons to the American series Monk, but with a distinct Indian flavour. With each case, Mistry delves deeper into criminal psychology while also facing his own personal demons. Squid Game Season 3 Language: Korean (with dubs) Platform: Netflix Release Date: June 27 The final chapter of the globally acclaimed Squid Game sees protagonist Seong Gi-hun return to the games with the intention of bringing down the organisation from the inside. Haunted by the consequences of the previous games, including Jung-bae's death, Gi-hun navigates even more ruthless rounds, such as deadly jump rope challenges and high-altitude survival tasks. Meanwhile, undercover detective Jun-ho continues his risky operation, facing betrayal and imminent danger. The six-episode season promises emotional closure, complex moral dilemmas, and intense psychological warfare. The Bear Season 4 Language: English (with dubs) Platform: JioCinema Release Date: June 26 Carmy, Sydney, and Richie are back with just 60 days to save their restaurant from collapse. The high-pressure environment is further strained by emotional baggage, creative conflict, and difficult decisions. Carmy wrestles with his traumatic past, Sydney contemplates her future, and Richie approaches a major personal milestone. Jamie Lee Curtis reprises her role as Donna, whose presence adds tension and raw emotion. With rapid dialogue, immersive kitchen scenes, and powerful performances, The Bear Season 4 continues to elevate food drama into something deeply human. Eleven Language: Malayalam Platform: Prime Video Release Date: June 24 Eleven is a psychological crime thriller directed by Lokesh Ajls, starring Naveen Chandra as Aravind, a cop investigating a series of twin murders. The killer leaves behind little trace, forcing Aravind to confront not only criminal minds but also ethical boundaries and his own limitations. The film layers suspense with emotional stakes, focusing on the toll such investigations take on those involved. Originally released in theatres, it arrives on OTT with strong praise for its visuals and thematic depth. Pariwar Language: Malayalam Platform: Prime Video Release Date: June 24 This satirical family drama revolves around three brothers dealing with their ailing father. One son is driven by greed, coveting an antique ring, while the others are torn between emotional duty and manipulation by loved ones. Featuring Jagadish, Indrans, and Prashanth Alexander, Pariwar offers a sharp look at inheritance, sibling rivalry, and the fragility of familial bonds, all underlined by biting humour and emotional realism. Viraatapalem: PC Meena Reporting Language: Telugu Platform: ZEE5 Release Date: June 27 In this mystery thriller, police constable Meena is posted in a village haunted by the deaths of newlywed brides—each occurring on their wedding night. What starts as a case rooted in superstition soon reveals layers of social control, misogyny, and psychological trauma. Abhignya Vuthaluru leads this slow-burn series that balances folklore with grounded investigative drama across seven episodes. The Verdict Language: Tamil Platform: Sun NXT Release Date: June 26 Set in Texas, The Verdict follows Namrutha, an Indian woman accused of murdering an affluent American woman. As the case unfolds, defence lawyer Maya discovers disturbing secrets about betrayal and manipulation. Directed by debutant Krishna Shankar, this courtroom drama builds tension through emotional depth and narrative twists. It explores how perception, guilt, and justice shift as new evidence surfaces. Azadi Language: Malayalam Platform: ManoramaMAX Release Date: June 27 Azadi unfolds within a hospital where three unlikely figures—an enraged father, a pregnant inmate, and a rebellious youth—plot an escape. The film delves into trauma, systemic oppression, and the personal cost of freedom. Lal, Raveena, and Sreenath Bhasi lead a cast that delivers raw, emotional performances. The film's commentary on justice and rebellion is nuanced and engaging. Aap Kaise Ho Language: Malayalam Platform: Sun NXT Release Date: June 27 A bachelor party derails into total chaos in this comedy-drama directed by Vinay Jose. What starts as a night of fun quickly devolves into a spiral of unexpected events, forcing Christy and his friends to confront deeper personal issues. Starring Dhyan Sreenivasan and Aju Varghese, the film blends humour with emotional undercurrents, reflecting on friendship and youthful recklessness. Lovely Language: Malayalam Platform: Prime Video Now Streaming A fantasy drama with a surreal twist, Lovely tells the story of a lonely man who finds friendship in a housefly. Directed by Dileesh Karunakaran, the film uses this odd pairing to explore themes of companionship, grief, and imagination. With visually rich storytelling and emotional warmth, Lovely is both whimsical and deeply resonant. Head Over Heels Language: Korean (with dubs) Platform: Prime Video Release Date: June 23 Based on a popular webtoon, this fantasy-romance follows Park Seong-ah, a high-schooler leading a double life as a shaman. When she sees a vision of her crush Bae Gyeon-woo walking upside down—a sign of imminent death—she embarks on a mission to save him. The series mixes lighthearted high school moments with mysticism and an emotional race against time. Cleaner Language: English Platform: Lionsgate Play Release Date: June 27 Set in a high-rise during a corporate gala, Cleaner is a tense action thriller. A group of eco-activists takes 300 people hostage to expose corruption in the energy sector. When things go too far, a former soldier—now a window cleaner—must navigate the building from outside to rescue his brother and others inside. The film combines high-concept action with social commentary. Jinn The Pet Language: Tamil Platform: Sun NXT Release Date: June 27 This supernatural drama centres on Sakthi, a musician who begins to suspect that a series of disturbing events in his home are connected to a mysterious box containing a jinn. As fear and doubt grow, he must figure out what's real and what's not. With a mix of eerie visuals and psychological tension, Jinn The Pet offers a suspenseful ride through belief and paranoia. Ata Thambaycha Naay! Language: Marathi Platform: ZEE5 Release Date: June 27 Amid rumours of impending layoffs at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, a compassionate assistant commissioner named Uday encourages employees to complete their high school education through night classes. The film uses humour and gentle satire to address adult education, personal growth, and systemic apathy. A slice-of-life drama with heart.
