Panchayat Season 3 Review: Jitendra Kumar's Show Masterfully Balances Light Humour With Poignant Drama

Title: Panchayat – Season 3

Director:  Deepak Kumar Mishra

Cast: Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, Ashok Pathak, Pankaj Jha, Aanchal Riwari

Where: Streaming on Amazon Prime

Rating: 3.5 stars

Season 3 of Panchayat picks up right where the previous season left off and continues exploring life in the quaint village of Phulera. 

This eight-episode installment begins with the reinstatement of Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar), the beloved Sachivji, aka Secretary of the panchayat, after the newly appointed Sachiv Ji, is ousted following the arrest of MLA Chandra Kishore Singh (Pankaj Jha). The MLA’s amusing yet trivial case leads to his refusal of bail, setting the stage for a season filled with drama, humour, and a touch of revenge.

Jitendra Kumar shines once again as Abhishek Tripathi, the Panchayat secretaryaka Sachiv Ji. His performance, marked by a blend of frustration and reluctant acceptance, is both relatable and endearing. The character's journey—from seeking an escape through competitive exams to gradually embracing his role in Phulera and getting attracted to Rinki (Sanvikaa), Pradhan’s daughter—is portrayed with subtlety and humour.

Supporting actors Raghubir Yadav and Neena Gupta deliver standout performances as Brij Bhushan Dubey aka Pradhan Pati, and Manju Devi aka Pradhan, respectively. Their chemistry adds warmth and authenticity to the series. So do Durgesh Kumar and Sunita Rajwar, who hold their stead as their opponents, Bhusan and Kranti Devi. 

However, the character who effortlessly steals the show is the old lady who portrays Jagmohan’s grandmother. She goes to extreme lengths to secure a house for her grandson under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Awas Yojana.’ The ensemble cast, including Chandan Roy as Vikas, the office assistant, Ashok Pathak as the tactless Vinod, and Faisal Malik as Prahlad, aka Upa-Pradhan, also deliver compelling performances, making each character memorable and integral to the storyline.

Panchayat’s strength lies in its script-driven narrative and deft direction. This season, the show masterfully balances light-hearted humor with moments of poignant drama. While the episodes often maintain a humorous tone, they also delve into deeper themes, offering moral lessons about ego and greed. The episodes effectively use these themes to drive the plot, particularly in the collective revenge against the MLA, teaching him a lesson that resonates with the audience.

The season emphasizes community spirit and resilience. It showcases the villagers coming together in times of crisis, reflecting a strong sense of unity and support. This collective strength is a recurring theme, adding a layer of emotional richness to the series.

The deliberate pacing allows viewers to fully immerse themselves in the slow yet rich life of Phulera. The sound design and editing enhance the storytelling, supporting the narrative without overshadowing it. The series’ ability to shift tones seamlessly—from light to serious issues—keeps the viewers engaged throughout.

Overall, this season, with the return of Sachiv Ji and the evolving dynamics among the villagers, keeps the viewers engaged. Whether you are a fan of the previous seasons or new to the series, this season provides an entertaining and thought-provoking viewing experience. 

Published on: Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 09:13 AM IST