TVF continues to showcase its knack for crafting comforting narratives, as evident in the third season of “Panchayat,” a social comedy that debuted in 2020. The latest installment offers exquisite writing, subtle yet impactful performances, and a more authentic reflection of rural India, elevating the already impressive standards set in the previous seasons. Viewers can expect a range of emotions—smiles, tears, laughter, and even a prompt to explore government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
This season distinguishes itself by shedding the idealistic lens typically associated with rural storytelling. While the core group maintains its camaraderie, character development takes center stage as their personal struggles and emotional burdens unfold, leading to significant transformations. The looming political tensions intensify, revealing more dire consequences. The new season effectively dismantles idealized portrayals, presenting hard-hitting realities that resonate deeply.
In this season, we observe characters like Prahalad Chacha (Faisal Malik) grappling with grief through alcohol, Vikas (Chandan Roy) silently burdened by financial concerns, Abhishek (Jitendra Kumar) wrestling with his feelings for Phulera, and Brij Bhushan Dubey (Raghubir Yadav) facing humiliation both politically and at home. Each character’s journey elicits sympathy, especially Prahalad, whose profound loss is poignantly captured in Malik’s outstanding performance. One particularly moving scene shows him revealing the disarray of his home, filled with reminders of his loss, prompting a moment of silent reflection as they both shed tears. The writing here is sensitive, leaving a lasting impact.
As the story advances, the absence of the quartet’s simpler “baithak” gatherings becomes increasingly palpable, where interactions over drinks once masked life’s complexities. The emotional resonance of the series makes these rare light-hearted moments even more memorable, prompting reflections on friendships that have drifted over time.
This season also delves deeper into the budding romance between Rinki (Sanvikaa) and Abhishek, characterized by subtle exchanges and sweet awkwardness. Thankfully, their performances steer clear of the typical Bollywood clichés, opting instead for authenticity.
Among the standout performances, Abha Sharma shines as Jagmohan’s grandmother, delivering a vibrant portrayal that injects energy whenever she appears. Her adept use of accent and expressive demeanor resonates authentically with the stereotype of “dadis” in Uttar Pradesh, making her presence delightful and memorable.
Throughout the eight episodes, viewers encounter a cast of colorful characters, including familiar individuals from previous seasons, yet the series maintains its focus without feeling overcrowded. Each episode unfolds in the show’s trademark leisurely pace.
The production design merits particular praise for its authentic representation of rural India. Unlike many portrayals that lean towards romanticized versions of village life, “Panchayat” excels in delivering a credible depiction. The attention to detail—from real domestic settings and genuine local products to the snacks featured in celebratory scenes—underscores an impressive commitment to authenticity that shines through this season.
Subtle visual metaphors and humor enrich the viewing experience, such as Pradhan ji losing control of his friendly buffalo amidst accusations or Abhishek consistently spilling tea at pivotal moments. A particularly amusing moment occurs when an official attempts to intervene in a tense standoff, only to be interrupted by a loud ringtone of “Sara Jahan Se Achcha.”
While the series overall remains captivating, the noticeable shift towards a more politically infused narrative raises some concerns. Increased focus on panchayat elections and implicit references to Uttar Pradesh’s notorious gun culture is apparent. While this shift does not overwhelm the storyline, hints from the finale suggest future seasons could delve deeper into political drama. There remains hope that the core emotional essence and authentic exploration of relationships, which have been the show’s hallmarks, will not be compromised in the process.
All eight episodes of “Panchayat” are now available for streaming on Prime Video.
