Review: The sleepy village of Phulera is back in Panchayat Season 4, the TVF comedy-drama starring Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, and Raghubir Yadav. With its quirky take on rural life and lovable characters, the show has been a household favorite for its warmth and wit. After three stellar seasons, fans were pumped for more. But does Season 4 keep the Phulera magic alive? Let’s ramble through the village lanes to see what’s up.
What’s Happening in Phulera
Season 4 kicks off right after Season 3’s big cliffhanger, where Pradhan Ji (Raghubir Yadav) was shot, leaving us guessing who pulled the trigger. Now, Phulera’s buzzing with election fever as Manju Devi (Neena Gupta) squares off against Kranti Devi (Sunita Rajwar) for the pradhan’s seat. Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar), our city boy turned Sachiv Ji, is caught in the mess, juggling loyalty to Manju Devi’s camp, drama from slapping Bhushan (Durgesh Kumar), and his dream to ace an exam and leave village life behind. Plus, there’s that slow-burn romance with Rinki (Sanvikaa) that keeps folks hoping for more.
Written by Chandan Kumar and directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Akshat Vijaywargiya, the season dives into village politics, with both sides tossing out freebies like potatoes and generators to win votes. It’s that classic Panchayat small-town vibe, but it feels a bit off this time.
What Still Works: Phulera’s Soul
Panchayat’s on its down-to-earth charm, and Season 4 still nails the little things about rural life—late-night chats by a fire, goofy spats over village lines, and neighbors who know everyone’s drama. The cast is the show’s heartbeat, dishing out performances that feel like a warm hug. Neena Gupta rocks as Manju Devi, stepping up as a bolder leader, while Raghubir Yadav’s Pradhan Ji mixes stubborn charm with sly humor. Faisal Malik’s Prahlad hits you right in the feels with his quiet grief. Chandan Roy’s Vikas and Durgesh Kumar’s Bhushan bring the laughs, and sidekicks like Binod (Ashok Pathak) steal scenes with lines like, “Ghareeb hoon, gaddar nahi” (I’m poor, not a traitor).
The writing has its moments. Episode 5, “Ashirvaad,” stands out, blending laughs and heart, especially with Prahlad and Binod. The show’s gift for turning small stuff—like gross toilets or a busted generator—into big drama is still there. Amitabha Singh’s camera work makes Phulera’s dusty paths feel alive, like the village is a character too. Fans are calling it “heartwarming” and “relatable.”
What’s Off: A Weaker Vibe
Here’s the thing—Season 4 doesn’t quite hit the highs of Seasons 1 and 2. The election drama, while timely, feels too heavy and drags. Earlier seasons balanced comedy and heart perfectly, giving us classics like the “Dekh raha hai na, Binod” line or the photo studio fight. Now, the laughs are thinner, and the political stuff buries the cozy, everyday charm that made Panchayat a feel-good watch. Some say it’s “more politics than fun.”
Abhishek’s story feels flat. He’s distracted, barely does his secretary job, and seems checked out. His romance with Rinki, while sweet, stalls with no real progress, leaving fans annoyed. Big mysteries from Season 3—like who shot Pradhan Ji?—get ignored, and side plots, like Manju Devi’s dad showing up, feel pointless. The pacing’s slow, with the election results crawling to the finale’s second half, where the excitement’s already fizzled. Folks miss the “chappal-throwing” energy of past seasons.
The Takeaway: Still Homey, Not Epic
Panchayat Season 4 isn’t bad—it’s a decent watch with a killer cast and enough Phulera charm to keep you glued. With a 3.5/5 rating from fans and critics, it shows the characters and village still have pull, even in a weaker season. But the show’s leaning too hard on drama and politics, losing the lighthearted spark that made it special. It’s like your favorite dal cooked without enough spice—good, but not amazing.
The finale leaves room for a fifth season, and with Deepak Kumar Mishra already planning it, there’s hope Phulera can bounce back. For now, Season 4 reminds us that Panchayat shines when it keeps things simple, but it needs tighter writing and more heart to stay legendary. Fans, dive in for the cast and those flashes of brilliance. Newcomers, start with Season 1 to see Phulera at its peak.
Rating: 3.5/5