Panchayat, the critically acclaimed Indian web series created by The Viral Fever (TVF), has returned with its fourth season on Amazon Prime Video, premiering in the early hours of June 24, 2025. Since its inception, the show has won the hearts of millions with its realistic portrayal of rural life, endearing characters, and subtle humor. However, with the arrival of Season 4, many viewers have been left questioning whether the show still retains the same magic that made it a household name.
This in-depth review explores Panchayat Season 4 from multiple angles — analyzing the plot, examining viewer feedback, discussing cast performances, and evaluating the shift in narrative tone. Additionally, we look ahead to what fans might expect from the much-anticipated Panchayat Season 5.
Introduction to Panchayat Season 4
The fourth season continues its focus on the fictional village of Phulera, where the central character, Abhishek Tripathi — an engineering graduate reluctantly working as the Panchayat Secretary — navigates the complexities of village politics and bureaucracy. Unlike its earlier seasons, Season 4 shifts its emphasis from light-hearted storytelling to a more politically driven narrative, a move that has received mixed reactions from both critics and fans.
Plot Summary: Panchayat Season 4
Panchayat Season 4 picks up where the third season left off. The once light-hearted village narrative now takes a more intense turn as it delves into local elections, political rivalries, and character development rooted in realism. The story revolves around the growing tension between Manju Devi, the incumbent Pradhan (village chief), and Kranti Devi, a rival leader who is keen on seizing power in Phulera.
Parallel to this political conflict, viewers see Abhishek Tripathi becoming increasingly entangled in village politics. No longer just a passive observer, he finds himself at the center of power plays and moral dilemmas. The evolving romantic angle between Abhishek and Rinki, the Pradhan’s daughter, adds a softer subplot, though its development remains subdued.
Another important arc is Prahlad Pandey’s emotional recovery from personal loss, offering one of the most heartfelt moments in the series.
Thematic Shift: From Comedy to Politics
One of the most noticeable elements of Panchayat Season 4 is its departure from the original comedic tone that defined the earlier seasons. Viewers who cherished episodes featuring humorous incidents, such as the slipper theft saga or the “beizzati” moments from Season 2, have expressed disappointment in the lack of similar content in the latest installment.
Instead, the focus shifts toward village elections, governance ethics, factionalism, and character introspection. While this change brings a new layer of depth, it also sacrifices the spontaneous humor and situational comedy that contributed heavily to the show’s popularity.
The series now appears to be moving toward a more serious narrative framework, one that perhaps intends to reflect the real-life sociopolitical dynamics of rural India. While the attempt is commendable, not all fans have welcomed this transformation.
Viewer Reactions: What the Audience Is Saying
The response to Panchayat Season 4 on social media platforms such as Twitter (now X) and Reddit has been varied. While some praised the storytelling and performances, others criticized the season for its lack of energy and humor.
One viewer stated,
“This time, Phulera feels more political than comedic, but it’s still worth watching. I appreciate that the makers are pushing the storyline forward. I’d rate it 3.5 stars.”
Another noted,
“Compared to the previous three seasons, this one feels weaker. It seems like an entire setup for Season 5. I just hope they don’t drag the story too much and bring back the comedy.”
Some were more direct in their disappointment:
“Panchayat Season 4 felt like a parody of iconic Season 2 and Season 3. That chappal episode, the gazab beizzati — those moments are missing completely.”
However, not all feedback was negative. Several viewers praised Faisal Malik’s performance as Prahlad Pandey, highlighting the emotional weight he brought to the series.
“Faisal Malik is always a treat to watch. Episode 5 (‘Ashirvaad’) was a standout. It may not be as funny as before, but it’s still emotionally gripping.”
Another fan offered a more balanced take:
“Panchayat Season 4 is a step forward in storytelling but feels stretched. The love angle is charming but underdeveloped. Prahlad’s arc is promising, and Pradhan Ji’s character has depth. However, a tighter screenplay is required for future seasons.”
Cast and Character Performances
The performances in Panchayat Season 4 remain one of the series’ strong points. Despite some limitations in writing and pacing, the cast delivers with commendable consistency.
Jitendra Kumar as Abhishek Tripathi
Jitendra Kumar continues to portray Abhishek with subtlety and restraint. His evolution from a disinterested government appointee to someone emotionally invested in village life is visible, although his character arc feels somewhat underwhelming this season.
Faisal Malik as Prahlad Pandey
Faisal Malik emerges as the breakout performer in Season 4. His emotional journey, especially following the events of Season 3, is heartfelt and genuine. Episode 5, titled Ashirvaad, serves as the emotional peak of the season.
Raghubir Yadav as Brij Bhushan Dubey (Pradhan Ji)
Raghubir Yadav delivers yet another memorable performance. His comic timing, wisdom, and warmth offer moments of relief in an otherwise heavy narrative.
Neena Gupta as Manju Devi
Neena Gupta portrays the Pradhan with grace and authority. Her character becomes more assertive this season, reflecting the growing confidence of a woman leader in male-dominated rural politics.
Sanvikaa as Rinki
Sanvikaa gets more screen time in Season 4, although her character still lacks the emotional depth that could make the romantic subplot more engaging.
Critical Evaluation: Strengths and Shortcomings
Strengths:
- Authentic rural setting that retains the charm of previous seasons.
- Strong performances, especially by Faisal Malik and Raghubir Yadav.
- Ambitious narrative exploring real-world themes like corruption, power, and leadership.
Shortcomings:
- Reduced comedic impact, which many viewers found disappointing.
- Pacing issues, with several episodes feeling like narrative fillers.
- Lack of memorable moments, compared to standout episodes in earlier seasons.
Panchayat Season 4 Character Arcs and Development
| Character Name | Role in Season 4 | Developments | Performance Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Tripathi | Panchayat Secretary (Sachiv Ji) | Navigates political tension, begins bonding with Rinki | Subtle, restrained |
| Manju Devi | Current Pradhan (village head) | Faces political challenge from Kranti Devi | Assertive leadership |
| Prahlad Pandey | Deputy Pradhan | Deals with emotional trauma and loyalty dilemma | Most praised arc |
| Brij Bhushan Dubey | Ex-Pradhan, Manju’s husband | Acts as political advisor, comic wisdom figure | Consistent standout |
| Rinki | Manju Devi’s daughter | Soft romantic subplot with Abhishek | Underutilized arc |
| Vikas | Assistant to the Sachiv | Offers comic relief, remains loyal to Abhishek | Limited development |
| Kranti Devi | Political rival | Complicates local governance with ambition | New antagonist role |
Thematic Comparison Across All Panchayat Seasons
| Theme | Season 1 | Season 2 | Season 3 | Season 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tone | Light-hearted, humorous | Balanced humor & emotion | Emotional depth, introspection | Politically inclined, emotionally mature |
| Central Conflict | City boy in rural India | Acceptance in local society | Loss and community response | Power struggle and elections |
| Romantic Element | Barely hinted | Introduced | Developing gradually | Still slow, more screen presence |
| Political Undertone | Minimal | Moderate | Noticeable | Core focus |
| Memorable Episodes | Water tank, BDO meeting | Slipper episode, beizzati | Prahlad’s loss arc | Ashirvaad (Ep 5), Election setup |
Panchayat Season 4 Episode Breakdown
| Episode No. | Title (Hypothetical) | Plot Point | Tone | Importance Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | “Nayi Chunavi Hawa” | Introduction of Kranti Devi and election tension | Political build-up | High |
| Episode 2 | “Sachiv Ji Ka Faisla” | Abhishek takes difficult administrative decisions | Thoughtful | Moderate |
| Episode 3 | “Rinki Ki Muskaan” | Romantic subplot between Abhishek and Rinki | Light | Low |
| Episode 4 | “Vikas Ka Vikas” | Vikas becomes more involved in village affairs | Comedic tone | Moderate |
| Episode 5 | “Ashirvaad” | Emotional turning point, Prahlad’s arc peaks | Emotional drama | Very High |
| Episode 6 | “Kranti Ki Chaal” | Political tactics intensify, Manju feels cornered | Intense | High |
| Episode 7 | “Pradhan Ka Faisla” | Pradhan and Prahlad clash over election strategies | Serious | High |
| Episode 8 | “Agle Season Tak” | Open-ended setup for Season 5 | Cliffhanger | High |
Audience Response Trend: Panchayat Season 4
| Platform | Average Viewer Sentiment | Most Common Praise | Most Common Criticism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter (X) | Mixed to Positive | Prahlad’s performance, mature themes | Less humor, slow pace |
| Balanced | Realistic politics, Faisal Malik’s acting | Overstretched storyline, filler episodes | |
| IMDb Reviews | Around 7.5/10 | Performance consistency | Season felt like a bridge to Season 5 |
| YouTube Comments | Varied | Rinki-Abhishek angle, production quality | Missing laugh-out-loud moments |
Performance Impact by Cast Member
| Actor | Character Name | Dialogue Impact | Emotional Range | Audience Recall | Critic Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jitendra Kumar | Abhishek (Sachiv Ji) | Moderate | Subtle | High | 7/10 |
| Faisal Malik | Prahlad Pandey | High | Very High | Very High | 9/10 |
| Raghubir Yadav | Brij Bhushan | High | Moderate | High | 8.5/10 |
| Neena Gupta | Manju Devi | Moderate | High | Medium | 8/10 |
| Sanvikaa | Rinki | Low | Low | Medium | 6.5/10 |
Comparative Analysis: Panchayat Seasons 1 to 4
| Season | Core Theme | Comedy Level | Emotional Impact | Audience Reception |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | Rural adjustment & bureaucracy | High | Moderate | Very Positive |
| Season 2 | Integration & identity | Very High | High | Critically Acclaimed |
| Season 3 | Grief & responsibility | Moderate | Very High | Strongly Positive |
| Season 4 | Politics & transformation | Low | Moderate to High | Mixed Reviews |
Will There Be a Panchayat Season 5?
Although no official announcement has been made, Season 4 strongly hints at a continuation. The open-ended conclusion, unresolved political rivalries, and romantic tension suggest that the creators are building toward a climactic fifth season.
Season 5 may focus on:
- The outcome of the Phulera village elections
- A more prominent Abhishek-Rinki storyline
- Deeper exploration of power, governance, and leadership
- Potential return to the lighter comedic tone fans originally loved
Conclusion: Final Verdict
Panchayat Season 4 represents a bold narrative shift. While it may not replicate the humorous highs of earlier seasons, it makes a sincere attempt to mature alongside its characters. The series has evolved into a commentary on rural politics and the ethical dilemmas faced by grassroots leaders. Whether this shift pays off will depend on how well Season 5 ties together the threads left dangling.
For longtime fans, the season is worth watching for the sake of continuity and character development. However, new viewers might find it less engaging unless they are invested in the characters from previous seasons.
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Where can I watch Panchayat Season 4?
Panchayat Season 4 is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video with all episodes released simultaneously on June 24, 2025.
Q2. How many episodes are there in Panchayat Season 4?
There are eight episodes in the fourth season, each running approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Q3. Is Panchayat Season 4 suitable for family viewing?
Yes, the show maintains a clean and socially responsible tone, making it appropriate for family viewing.
Q4. Is Panchayat Season 4 worth watching?
If you have followed the earlier seasons, it is certainly worth watching for continuity. However, be prepared for a more political and less humorous narrative.
Q5. Who gives the best performance in Season 4?
Faisal Malik’s portrayal of Prahlad Pandey has been widely praised for its emotional intensity and authenticity.
Q6. Will there be a Panchayat Season 5?
Although not officially confirmed, narrative clues suggest that Season 5 is in development and will likely focus on the upcoming village elections and character resolutions.