After a two-year wait, the third season of the beloved web series “Panchayat” is finally here. This new installment brings a mix of surprises, emotions, and humor, continuing the story of Phulera village. This time, the show delves into the political dynamics of rural India, guided by a stellar cast including Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, and Raghubir Yadav. However, it may leave some viewers with lingering questions.
Written by Chandan Kumar and directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra, “Panchayat 3” is an emotional journey. The show makes you laugh, cry, and feel nostalgic, capturing the simplicity and adventures of village life. The season begins with the transfer of the village secretary (Sachiv Ji) and quickly sets the stage for the audience’s return to Phulera. The themes of handling grief, community support, and the importance of unity are central to the storyline. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep viewers engaged.
Politics and Rural Life
In tune with the current political climate during the Lok Sabha elections, “Panchayat 3” explores village politics and grassroots corruption while maintaining its straightforward storytelling style. The music by Anurag Saikia enhances the show’s atmosphere, reflecting the emotions of the characters. From the lively title track to the background score that matches each scene’s mood, the music brings Phulera to life. Small touches, like the whistle when Sachiv Ji and Rinki sit together or the emotional track when Amma helps Prahlad clean his house, add depth to the story.
Spotlight on the Supporting Cast
One of the standout aspects of this season is the focus on the supporting cast. Director Deepak Kumar Mishra takes a fresh approach by bringing supporting characters to the forefront, allowing the lead cast to take a backseat. This strategy works well, giving each character a chance to shine. Durgesh Kumar as Bhushan Sharma, for example, has a compelling arc, posing a threat to the lead characters’ positions and becoming one of the season’s strongest roles. His performance is a highlight compared to previous seasons.
The idea that “no role is small” holds true in “Panchayat 3.” Actors with smaller roles also get their moments to shine, from Sunita Rajwar as Kranti Devi to Pankaj Jha as MLA Chandrakishore Singh, Ashok Pathak as Vinod, and Bulloo Kumar as Madhav. A new character, Bam Bahadur, also adds to the story’s richness.
However, the writing in this season has its flaws. At times, it feels slow and underwhelming, with signs of fatigue in continuing the story. It’s clear that some parts of the script didn’t make it to the final edit, leaving several loose ends. For instance, there’s a missing explanation for a character joining a strike against the government and the introduction of the MLA’s daughter feels incomplete.
A Slightly Stretched Plot
Some viewers might find the show a bit stretched and disjointed. This could be due to the writer’s attempt to tackle many issues at once, from rural politics to emotional struggles. While the show tries to address various problems in rural India, it sometimes feels like too much is being served at once.
Despite its flaws, “Panchayat 3” remains a heartfelt and engaging series that captures the essence of rural life and politics. The focus on the supporting cast adds a fresh perspective, making each character feel important and memorable. With its mix of humor, emotion, and political intrigue, the season offers a satisfying continuation of the “Panchayat” story, even if it leaves some questions unanswered.
