The fourth season of Panchayat has arrived, bringing viewers back to the familiar rhythms of Phulera. While the series continues to boast its signature charm and relatable characters, several reviews suggest that this season doesn't quite live up to the high standards set by its predecessors. The stellar cast manages to keep the show afloat, but the writing and overall direction leave something to be desired.
One of the main criticisms of Season 4 is its pacing. Episodes feel stretched, with repetitive scenes and unnecessary emotional layers that don't add much value to the central plot. The introduction of a vidhayak subplot, for instance, feels extraneous and could easily have been omitted. While the show maintains its visual simplicity, capturing the rustic beauty of village life, this groundedness starts to feel dull when the story lacks forward momentum. The familiar locations and faces, once a source of comfort, now risk becoming monotonous.
The political drama, which revolves around the panchayat elections, feels like a rehash of previous conflicts. While the nastiness and intensity between Pradhan ji and Bhushan escalate, the overall storyline feels predictable. This predictability extends to Abhishek's internal conflict between his MBA aspirations and his responsibilities in Phulera, which remains largely stagnant. While some loose ends from Season 3 are resolved, they are often done so in a convenient and uninspired manner. The show seems to be playing it safe, missing opportunities to explore new and innovative storylines.
Another area where Season 4 falls short is in its emotional depth and humor. The signature witty lines and meme-worthy moments that made the earlier seasons so memorable are conspicuously absent. While there are emotional scenes, they lack the profound impact that Season 2, in particular, masterfully achieved. The emotional scenes do not resonate as strongly, and the humor feels less sharp and spontaneous. Prahlad's grief adds emotional depth, while Bhushan's villainy provides necessary tension. Vikas, with his goofy charm, keeps things light, and the cast continues to feel like a cohesive family. The visuals continue to capture the rustic beauty of Phulera, and the music remains soft and soothing, with the Panchayat theme music as comforting as ever.
Despite its shortcomings, Panchayat Season 4 still offers some redeeming qualities. Jitendra Kumar continues to deliver a fantastic performance as Abhishek, effortlessly embodying the character's blend of sarcasm and care. Manju Devi is portrayed as bolder and more assertive, leading the election with newfound strength. The romance between Abhishek and Rinki continues to blossom, adding a sweet and tender element to the narrative. These elements of warmth, humor, and heart are still present, making it a comforting watch for loyal fans. The show continues to deliver sharp and quotable dialogues, maintaining a consistent level of quality in its writing. Panchayat remains a cozy, family-friendly show, offering a refreshing alternative to the often-gritty content found on streaming platforms.
Ultimately, Panchayat Season 4 feels like a missed opportunity. While it is a decent watch on its own, it struggles to match the brilliance of its predecessors. The writing lacks the spark and innovation that made the earlier seasons so special, and the pacing and predictability detract from the overall viewing experience. The stellar cast, however, manages to keep the show engaging, delivering solid performances that breathe life into the familiar characters. Whether the series can recapture its former glory in future installments remains to be seen.
