Panchayat Season 4 Review: The Politics Turns Messier, The Magic Fades

Phulera’s political pot boils over—but is it still worth the stir? As Amazon Prime Video rolls out Panchayat Season 4, fans are greeted with a heavier, more politically charged tone that’s worlds apart from the show’s earlier, light-hearted charm. The beloved ensemble returns, but amidst the village’s power struggles and symbolic battles, some of the magic that made Panchayat a household name begins to dim.

Panchayat Season 4 Review: Politics Deepens, But Does the Soul Remain?

The fourth installment of Panchayat picks up the political tension introduced in Season 3, doubling down on village-level scheming, symbolism, and subtle social commentary. Raghubir Yadav’s Pradhan ji opens the season with the ominous line, “Politics isn’t a child’s game where everything goes smoothly.” It sets the tone for what’s to follow—strategic alliances, backdoor gossip, and emotionally layered power plays.

While fans might miss the wholesome simplicity of Phulera’s past seasons, there’s an undeniable evolution in both storytelling and character arcs. The lauki vs. pressure cooker symbolism, representing the rivalry between Manju Devi and Kranti Devi, cleverly captures how even vegetables and cookware turn into campaign tools in India’s grassroots politics.

The humor that made viewers fall in love with Panchayat hasn’t disappeared entirely. From casual men’s group chats to Pradhan ji’s iconic “Aye Sasur!” quips, comic relief emerges naturally from daily village life. Ram Gopal Bajaj as the father-in-law brings freshness, while Faisal Malik’s Prahlad-cha balances sorrow and subtle comedy with finesse.

Beyond the Banter: How Food, Family, and Future Shape the Story

Food once again becomes a quiet battleground. Samosas, laddoos, and homemade delicacies serve as not just palate pleasers but vote-getting tools. Manju Devi dishes out laddoos to project electoral confidence, while Kranti Devi’s camp spreads spicy gossip along with spicier meals. It’s political theatre, served hot.

Khushboo’s subplot adds emotional stakes as Kranti Devi’s rumour campaign causes real damage, hinting at how politics can disrupt the personal. Meanwhile, the younger generation faces its own crossroads—Rinky and Abhishek’s tentative romance finally blooms, but Abhishek’s CAT results and career aspirations threaten their newly forming bond. It’s a nuanced depiction of ambition clashing with emotional roots.

Secondary characters like Binod and Madhav step up with more layered roles, showcasing how the opposition isn’t merely comic fodder but has depth and aspirations too. Manju Devi’s subtle attempts to win them over with food further humanize the narrative.

Phulera’s Realism: A Mirror to Small-Town India

The show’s strength continues to lie in its realistic portrayal of rural India. The dialogues remain authentic, the pacing deliberate, and the conflicts deeply relatable. Whether it’s the Swachh Bharat campaigns weaponized for political mileage or Abhishek’s existential debates about leaving the village, every subplot taps into real Indian dilemmas.

The CAT storyline underscores the educated youth’s recurring choice: follow your dreams or stay rooted in community. And while Rinky’s reactions reflect pain, they also hint at growing maturity—suggesting that the stakes are personal, not just political.

Season 4 Verdict: Stay or Skip?

If you’ve journeyed with Panchayat since the beginning, Season 4 still offers enough reason to stay invested. While it might not spark the same laughter or warmth as earlier seasons, the political intricacies, evolving relationships, and sharp writing make it a worthy watch. Casual viewers, however, may find the shift in tone a bit jarring.

The creators appear to be paving the way for an even more complex Season 5. As Abhishek is told in the opening episode, “Don’t stress, everything will be fine”—perhaps a reassurance for viewers too, that the soul of Panchayat, while evolving, is still very much alive.

You Must Know:

• Is Panchayat Season 4 still funny?
  Yes, but the humor is more subtle and woven into the political narrative rather than overt jokes.
• Do Abhishek and Rinky get together?
  Yes, their relationship finally progresses in Season 4, although it’s complicated by Abhishek’s future plans.
• Is Panchayat Season 4 worth watching?
  For fans of the show and lovers of character-driven stories, absolutely. It’s different but meaningful.
• Who are the standout characters in Season 4?
  Besides the usual leads, Binod and Madhav get significant development, and Ram Gopal Bajaj adds charm as the father-in-law.
• What is the lauki vs. pressure cooker metaphor?
  It symbolizes the quirky yet deep-rooted political rivalry between two women leaders in the village.
• Will there be a Panchayat Season 5?
  Although not officially confirmed, Season 4’s ending sets the stage clearly for another chapter.