Unlike previous seasons of ‘Panchayat,’ the new one adopts a serious tone. It dives into political vendettas, community causes, and personal ambitions, showing how an outsider gradually becomes a stakeholder in Phulera’s fate. Directed by Akshat Vijaywargiya and Deepak Kumar Mishra, ‘Panchayat’ season 4 continues with the story of Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar), or Sachiv Ji, who remains the emotional heart of the series.

What begins as a reluctant government posting for him slowly becomes more meaningful. In the new season, as he awaits his CAT results—hoping to leave Phulera for an MBA—he finds himself deeply entangled in the village’s politics and people. Between political clashes and quiet bonds, Abhishek shifts from being an outsider to someone the village now relies on.

While the new season continues to build on the world of Phulera with its rooted characters and familiar village charm, it takes a noticeable tone shift. Unlike the earlier seasons that blended humour and warmth through everyday incidents, this instalment leans more heavily into politics and personal conflict.

This change in direction is ambitious, but it pulls the show away from the simplicity that once made it so appealing. At times, the pacing feels quiet—some episodes linger longer than needed, which might test the patience of viewers expecting more momentum. The background music is soft and minimal, keeping in tune with the show’s grounded setting, though it lacks the memorable musical moments of previous seasons. Visually, the cinematography continues to impress with a minimalistic approach, capturing rural textures and landscapes without over-styling.

The series continues its story following events involving key characters, such as Abhishek’s confrontation with Bhushan Sharma (played by Durgesh Kumar) and the growing rivalry between the current village head, Manju Devi, and her challenger, Kranti Devi. Manju Devi (played by Neena Gupta) is the soft-spoken but gradually assertive village Pradhan who relies on her husband Pradhan Ji (Raghubir Yadav) for guidance but grows into her role over time. She’s seen as a symbol of calm leadership and dignity. Kranti Devi (played by Sunita Rajwar) is her fiery and outspoken political rival, supported by Bhushan and the MLA. She’s ambitious, confrontational, and driven to take over the panchayat by any means.

Directed by Mishra and written by Chandan Kumar, the series continues TVF’s (The Viral Fever) signature approach of telling heartfelt stories set in small towns. Their work leans towards slow-paced, character-driven tales that highlight everyday struggles rather than dramatic twists. The writing focuses more on observation with social themes, power structures, and human vulnerability woven into simple scenes. While Phulera may feel like a fictional village crafted for storytelling, it’s actually brought to life in Mahodiya, a real village in the Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh.

Visually, the cinematography by Amitabha Singh adds great value. The series uses minimal colour grading and grounded lighting to create a rural, real-life feel. With wide shots of open fields, quiet courtyards, and dusty roads, it captures Phulera as a place that feels lived-in and relatable.

​​Unlike the big-banner Bollywood films that often dominate headlines and ratings, ‘Panchayat’ stands out as a reminder that good storytelling doesn’t need glamour.

Over the years, audiences have increasingly favoured the ‘low-key’ series due to their authentic depiction of real settings and relatable struggles. In this season, Jitendra Kumar’s portrayal of the quiet, anxious yet sincere Abhishek Tripathi, alongside Raghubir Yadav's depiction of the witty but emotionally complex Pradhan Ji, makes each character feel like someone you could easily encounter in a village like Phulera.

Chandan Roy's Vikas brings innocent humour, while Faisal Malik’s Prahlad adds depth with his quiet grief and loyalty. Even smaller roles are etched with care and feel rooted in their surroundings.

‘Panchayat’ season 4 strength lies in its lived-in characters, village politics, small triumphs and the intersection of local elections and fight for power. For viewers seeking heartfelt realism over drama, ‘Panchayat’ remains a comforting, slow-burning watch. The season ends on an emotionally reflective note, combining personal achievement with political loss—reminding viewers that progress often comes at a cost. Despite a few bumps, the performances and setting keep the series heartfelt and honest, leaving fans curious yet cautious about what Season 5 may bring.

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Panchayat Season 4

Directors: Akshat Vijaywargiya, Deepak Kumar Mishra

Starring: Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Durgesh Kumar, Sanvikaa
Episodes: 8

Language: Hindi

Year: 2025

Available on: Amazon Prime Video