What Is the Story About?
Panchayat’s season two continues to focus on Abhishek Tripathi’s (Jitendra Kumar) stay at Phulera village as the ‘Panchayat Secretary’. How his relationship evolves with the people around him? The problems he faces the second time around are the series’ basic premise.
Performances?
Jitendra Kumar maintains his fine form from the first season. It is as if he has never left the character and goes along with the rest creating a more free-flowing persona. The insecurities and vulnerabilities come out from time to time, making the role exciting for an actor. Jitendra Kumar shines in all of them.
Analysis
Deepak Kumar Mishra, the man behind the much loved first season, also helms the second one. The narrative focuses on Abhishek’s stay and the situations he faces in a village.
The premise is simple but highly relatable. It is what made the first season such a big success in the first place. The second season takes off from where it left and also did well in avoiding the original pitfalls.
The first issue was the formulaic narrative in the original. Each episode had a new drama, a beginning, middle, and end, and the cycle continued. We don’t feel that way in the latest season. The problems flow organically, and they are neatly spread out.
The main track involves the village road, which creates a strong conflict and its repercussions emotionally. It is segued neatly with the bonding of the four key ‘Panchayat’ members share and results in the ultimate message of ‘family’ at a village level. Their progression to an emotional end is the highlight of the season.
Most of the characters are recurring in the second season. The roles have been extended neatly to fit the story. Everything and everyone moves smoothly and fluidly as the focus is on the ‘small’ issues of a few individuals.
The biggest issue with Panchayat is its primary asset. It is the characters, the familiarity, and the ‘small’ troubles they face. The problem is they give a sense of repetition. For a season of eight episodes, the ‘familiarity’ breeds a rushed feeling at times. Things happen quickly at times, and then they stagnate in places.
However, in the end, the way the various characters develop a bond with each facing the various issues and challenges is what makes Panchayat engaging. The superb writing and intense yet not so loud performances hold it together. The layers depicting the power struggle at the grass-root level add to the fun. The undercurrent message of people caring and being there for one another is another asset.
Overall, Panchayat Season 2 is among the rare sequels that live up to the expectation or maintain the same impact as the original. The blemishes appear minor because one is connected to the characters. Watch the series if you like rooted, a slice of life drama set in the hinterland.
Other Artists?
Raghubir Yadav, Neena Gupta, Faisal Malik, Sanvika and Chandan Roy reprise their roles from the original. A few more also come under the same category, but these are the ones who shine all over again. The more their characters grow, the stronger they are seen with their acts. Durgesh Kumar throws a surprise. The rest of the actors are also competent, whether new or old.
Music and Other Departments?
Anurag Saikia’s music goes well with the flow and mood of the series. There is a song almost for every episode, and it helps big time enhance the emotions. Amitabha Singh’s cinematography maintains the same look and feels like the original. Barring a few shots here and there, it is alright. Amit Kulkarni’s editing gives a leisurely pace to the series. The writing is a major asset, and Chandan Kumar deserves applause for his work.
Highlights?
Casting
Writing
Performances
Emotions
Drawbacks?
Rushed In Parts
Ending Stretch Feels Little Forced
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Panchayat Season 2 Review by Binged Bureau
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