Panchayat (Season 3) continues to provide a healthy dose of comedy-drama. Set in rural India, it has become a fan-favourite show because of its quirky and interesting stories.
Consequently, once again, the memes and video reels (for example “Dekh Raha Hai Binod!“) related to this hit Hindi language show have flooded social media platforms.
“Panchayat” Narrates A Heartwarming & Uplifting Comedy-Drama Tales Set In Rural Milieu Of India
Trailer: Panchayat (Season 3/2024) Series
"Panchayat" (पंचायत) is an Hindi word, which is an elective council of about "Five Members" organized in the India as an organ of village self-government. And the "Pradhan" is an elected leader of the "Panchayat". Notably, the rural (village) areas are said to be located in Bharat (India).
Spoiler Free Review: Panchayat (Season 3/2024) Series
The storyline/plotline/summary/synopsis
In Season (1) One, this comedy-drama depicts the life journey of an engineering graduate Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar), who for lack of a better job option joins as secretary of a panchayat office in a remote Phulera village of Uttar Pradesh. Later in Season (2) Two, stuck between chaotic villagers and a difficult village lifestyle Abhishek starts his job with the sole motivation of getting out of there as soon as possible, for which he even prepares for the CAT (Common Admission Test) for management students in India.
Now, in the latest Season (3) Three, as the Panchayat elections approach, both Pradhan Brijbhushan Dubey (Raghubir Yadav) and Bhushan Sharma (Durgesh Kumar) gangs engage in a fierce battle to uplift their public image. Navigating the murky waters of Phulera politics, Abhishek does his best to maintain his objectivity. But then, as one knows, the world of politics is complex.
Watch the Panchayat Season 3 - Episode 1 (Prime Video India) on this YouTube link. Also, check the summary of its 24 episodes in the spoilers shared below.
Determined to cancel Abhishek’s transfer, Pradhan's actions push the rift with the MLA to a boiling point. Despite all the chaos, Phulera gets its Naya Sachiv (or do they?)
We loved the simple and humourous script by Chandan Kumar
The story primarily focuses on the common (and not-so-common) folks living in the Phulera village of Uttar Pradesh. The protagonist is a typical educated young man Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar), who hails from an urban India. But, then by a quirk of fate (and job-scarcity scenario), Abhishek lands in rural Bharat. So, as expected there are bound to be certain testing and adjustment problems for both sophisticated Abhishek and the simple (and not-so-simple) unsophisticated villagers.
Off-late we have heard numerous tales about the great divide that exists between urban India and rural Bharat. The gap between people residing in modern cities and traditional villages has been widening in recent years, especially in the Northern states of India. This realistic comedy set in contemporary India is very well written. Therefore, it offers many urban folks to reminisce and romanticize the rural Bharat, which many of them left behind when they migrated and shifted to cities. No wonder, this show has become a super hit show in India.
The entire ensemble cast has given captivating performances
Backed by an insightful storyline by Chandan Kumar, the series director Deepak Kumar Mishra has recreated a fascinating world at Phulera village. We are very impressed by the captivating and engaging acting of the entire ensemble cast. No doubt, two veteran actors Neena Gupta (Manju Devi Dubey) and Raghubir Yadav (Brijbhushan Dubey) lead the way with their charming portrayal of the official (and unofficial) Pradhan Ji. This “Pradhan Ji” is one of the most curious democratic political arrangements in the patriarchal society of India. One has to see it and experience it to believe the ingenuity of the male politicians in India.
The Panchayat series has been featured in our 50 Most Popular Indian Web Series article.
But, other actors are not far behind. We also liked the characters and performances of Jitendra Kumar (Abhishek Tripathi), Sanvikaa (Rinki Dubey), Faisal Malik (Prahlad Pandey), Chandan Roy (Vikas Kumar), Sanvikaa (Rinki Dubey), Durgesh Kumar (Bhushan Sharma), Ashok Pathak (Binod), Sunita Rajwar (Kranti Devi Sharma), Pankaj Jha (MLA Chandrakishore Singh), Tripti Sahu (Khushbu Rani), Aasif Khan (Ganesh), Aanchal Tiwari (Raveena), etc, in the Panchayat season 3 series. Each of them has a memorable character.
The conclusion
One of the oft-repeated criticisms that we have heard about this series is that it has far too many characters belonging to the Brahmin caste and it focuses mostly on their stories. Maybe its makers in India did not get the memo about the ongoing diversity and inclusion clauses in the entertainment Industry of the Western world. Or perhaps, their pragmatic tales depict the realities of rural India, where the upper castes dominate rural politics. Let us hope, that in the upcoming seasons, we shall see much greater diversity and harsh realism in its story.
The great man and the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi said, “The soul of India lives in its villages.” Therefore, to conclude, we can say truthfully, that we do not see many Hindi series (or movies) set in rural Bharat nowadays. In a way, it filled many Indians with a sense of nostalgia and belonging to the bygone era. It is a feel-good comedy-drama from Uttar Pradesh, one of the biggest states of India. Kudos to its makers for beautifully showcasing the down-to-earth Panchayat (village) life in modern India.
Ratings:
| S1/2020 | S2/2022 | S3/2024 | |
| FM Ratings | 4.05/5 | 4.25/5 | 4.15/5 |
Posters:
Key Details:
| Genre | Comedy, Drama |
| Original language | Hindi (India) & local dialect of Uttar Pradesh |
| Seasons | Three (3) Seasons:- First (2020), Second (2022), & Third (2024) Seasons. |
| Episodes | Eight (8) Episodes in each Season:- Twenty-Four (24) Episodes, so far. |
| Writer | Chandan Kumar |
| Director | Deepak Kumar Mishra |
| Cast | Neena Gupta (Manju Devi Dubey), Raghubir Yadav (Brijbhushan Dubey), Jitendra Kumar (Abhishek Tripathi), Faisal Malik (Prahlad Pandey), Chandan Roy (Vikas Kumar), Sanvikaa (Rinki Dubey), Durgesh Kumar (Bhushan Sharma), Ashok Pathak (Binod), Sushil Tandon (Bindeshwar), Vishal Yadav (Jagmohan), Sunita Rajwar (Kranti Devi Sharma), Pankaj Jha (MLA Chandrakishore Singh), Gaurav Singh (Chhuttan Singh), Tripti Sahu (Khushbu Rani), Shrikant Verma (Parmeshwar), etc. |
| Network | Prime Video |
Trailers:
Spoilers Alert: 24 Episodes Summary
Season 1 (March 5 – April 3, 2020) / First Season – 8 Episodes Summary
Gram Panchayat Phulera (S1, E1) | (ग्राम पंचायत फुलेरा) | 35 minutes
An unwilling Abhishek Tripathi reaches Phulera to join as panchayat secretary of the village panchayat office. However, his first day at work turns out to be far worse than what he imagined.
Bhootha Ped (S1, E2) | (भूतहा पेड़ – Haunted tree) | 33 minutes
As frequent power cuts hamper Abhishek’s CAT preparation, he decides to take the matter into his own hands. Little did he know what he was up against.
Chakke Wali Kursi (S1, E3) | (चक्के वाली कुर्सी – Wheel Chair) | 30 minutes
Abhishek buys a new comfortable chair, that has “wheels”, to make his life easier. In the process, he unknowingly disrupts the panchayat office’s power balance.
Hamara Neta Kaisa Ho? (S1, E4) | (हमारा नेता कैसा हो? – What should our leader be like?) | 25 minutes
Under severe pressure to implement a government scheme, Abhishek pushes Pradhan Ji to make an extremely unpopular move. Will Pradhan Ji bow?
Computer Nahi Monitor (S1, E5) | (कंप्यूटर नहीं मॉनिटर – Monitor Not Computer) 33 minutes
Bored with his mundane life, Abhishek decides to have a little bit of fun. But sometimes with great fun comes grave consequences.
Bahot Hua Samman (S1, E6) | (बहुत हुआ सम्मान – Too Much Respect) | 23 minutes
To focus on his studies, Abhishek decides to put aside his ego. But for how long?
Ladka Tez Hai Lekin… (S1, E7) | (लड़का तेज़ है लेकिन… – The Boy Is Fast But…) | 30 minutes
Finally, the much-awaited CAT exam is around the corner. As Abhishek juggles between his work and studies, Pradhan Ji sees him as a potential groom for his daughter. Is he the right choice?
Jab Jaago Tabhi Savera (S1, E8) | (जब जागो तभी सवेरा – when you wake up, morning comes) | 36 minutes
Demotivated by his performance in CAT, Abhishek tries to come to peace with his reality. However, motivation comes to him most unexpectedly.
Season 2 (March 18, 2022) / Second Season – 8 Episodes Summary
Naach (S2, E1) | (नाच – Dance) | 43 minutes
Abhishek tries to save a deal derailed by an overenthusiastic Manju Devi. Prahlad and Vikas struggle with their doubts about Abhishek and Rinki.
Bol Chaal Band (S2, E2) | (बोलचाल बंद – stop talking) | 36 minutes
Due to lagging village development work, political opposition starts to emerge against Pradhan Ji. Abhishek’s loyalty gets tested.
Kranti (S2, E3) | (क्रांति – Revolution) | 31 minutes
Abhishek gives pace to the village development work. But not without hindrance.
Tension (S2, E4) | 36 minutes
On a slow office day, Abhishek and Vikas find themselves in an unusual situation. It’s a big day for Pradhan’s family.
Jaise Ko Taisa (S2, E5) | (जैसे को तैसा – Tit for Tat) | 29 minutes
Political opposition against Pradhan’s family takes its final shape. Abhishek picks a side, loud and clear.
Aukaat (S2, E6) | (औकात – Status) | 35 minutes
A desperate Pradhan Ji attempts to fulfil his biggest election promise. Abhishek gets a reality check but in a harsh way.
Dost Yaar (S2, E7) | (दोस्त यार – Buddy Friend) | 35 minutes
Abhishek questions his importance in Pradhan’s team. Pradhan Ji and Manju Devi have their dilemmas.
Parivaar (S2, E8) | (परिवार – Family) | 46 minutes
Afraid of losing the perception battle to his political opponent Pradhan Ji makes a tough call. An upset Abhishek tries to emotionally detach himself from the people around him.
Season 3 (May 28, 2024) / Third Season – 8 Episodes Summary
Rangbaazi (S3, E1) | (रंगबाज़ी – Charade) | 48 minutes
Pradhan’s desperate attempt to prevent Abhishek’s impending transfer intensifies the conflict between the Pradhan gang and the MLA. Prahlad finds it difficult to make peace with his new reality.
Gaddha (S3, E2) | (गड्ढा – Ditch) | 41 minutes
Abhishek returns with the resolve of staying away from the village politics. Fearing the loss of public reputation, Pradhan and Manju Devi need Abhishek’s help to handle a rebellion.
Ghar Ya Eent-Patthar? (S3, E3) | (घर या ईंट-पत्थर – House or brick-&- stone) | 35 minutes
After Bhushan senses an opportunity to attack Pradhan, Abhishek jumps into damage control mode. Prahlad doesn’t like the way Pradhan uses Abhishek for political benefit.
Atma Manthan (S3, E4) | (आत्म मंथन – Introspection) | 34 minutes
The final blow to Pradhan’s reputation comes after he gets accused of partiality in a welfare scheme implementation. Meanwhile to topple Pradhan’s rule, Bhushan allies with the MLA.
Shanti Samjhauta (S3, E5) | (शांति समझौता – Peace Agreement) | 36 minutes
Manju Devi reluctantly agrees to Bhushan’s proposal of entering into a peace agreement with the MLA. Abhishek too gives his nod as it’s impossible to get the road built without MLA’s support.
Chingaari (S3, E6) | (चिंगारी – Spark) | 35 minutes
To fix their dented image, the Pradhan gang sets a trap to capitalize on a lethal mistake committed by the MLA. Amidst all the political chaos an unexpected news brings joy to the Pradhan gang.
Shola (S3, E7) | (शोला – Blaze) | 35 minutes
Fully aware of his actions, MLA not only walks into the trap but also raises the stakes. Pradhan gang needs to walk the talk or it’s all over.
Hamla (S3, E8) | (हमला – Assault) | 50 minutes
Finally, Pradhan rallies the whole Phulera behind him to fight one last battle for glory. Abhishek finds himself too deep into the murky waters of village politics and loses his objectivity.
Awards: Panchayat (Seasons 1 & 2) Series
2020 & 2021 – Awards Won
| Awards Names | Winners of the Awards |
|---|---|
| Filmfare OTT Awards | Best Series – Comedy – 2020 Winner Popular Award Jitendra Kumar – 2020 Winner Popular Award – Best Actor: Comedy Neena Gupta – 2020 Winner Popular Award – Best Supporting Actress: Comedy Raghubir Yadav – 2020 Winner Popular Award – Best Supporting Actor: Comedy |
| Bollywood Life Awards | Neena Gupta – 2021 Winner Bollywood Life – OTT Award – Best Supporting Actress |
| IWM Digital Awards | Raghubir Yadav – 2021 Winner Jury Award – Best Supporting Actor in a Web Series Jitendra Kumar – 2021 Winner Popular Award – Most Popular Actor in a Comic Role in a Web Series |
2022 & 2023 – Awards won
| Awards Names | Winners of the Awards |
|---|---|
| Filmfare OTT Awards | Raghubir Yadav – 2022 Winner Popular Award – Best Supporting Actor: Comedy Neena Gupta – 2022 Winner Popular Award – Best Supporting Actress: Comedy Chandan Kumar – 2022 Winner Technical Award – Best Dialogue Jitendra Kumar – 2022 Winner Critics Choice Award – Best Actor: Comedy |
| Indian Television Academy Awards, India | Best Web Series – Comedy – 2022 Winner OTT Award Neena Gupta – 2022 Winner OTT Award – Best Actress: Comedy (OTT) Deepak Kumar Mishra – 2022 Winner OTT Award – Best Director – Comedy (OTT) Neena Gupta – 2022 Winner OTT Award – Most Popular Actress – OTT |
| Indian Telly Streaming Awards | Deepak Kumar Mishra – 2022 Winner Jury Award – Best Director – Hindi Series Raghubir Yadav – 2022 Winner Jury Award – Best Supporting Actor – Hindi Series Neena Gupta – 2022 Winner Jury Award – Best Supporting Actress – Hindi Series |
| IWM Digital Awards | Most Popular Web Series – 2023 Winner Popular Award Chandan Kumar – 2023 Winner Jury Award – Best Story in a Web Series Neena Gupta – 2023 Winner Jury Award – Best Actress in a Comic Role in a Web Series Jitendra Kumar – 2023 Winner Editor’s Choice Award – Best Actor in a Web Series |
| Iconic Gold Awards | Faisal Malik – 2023 Winner Iconic – Best Supporting Actor of the Year |
| Critics’ Choice Shorts and Series Awards, India | Faisal Malik – 2023 Winner Series Award – Best Supporting Actor |
| Hitlist OTT Awards | Best New Season – 2023 Winner OTT Series Award Best Creator/Showrunner – 2023 Winner OTT Series Award |
Posters, Featured and Other Images of Panchayat (Seasons 1, 2 & 3) Series are courtesy of Prime Video.
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