What Is the Story About?
Pradhan uses every trick in the book to prevent Abhishek’s transfer but needs to pay a heavy price for his tussle against an arrogant MLA. Ahead of the ‘panchayat’ elections in the village, newer opposition emerges for Pradhan. Manju Devi enters the fray to take charge of the situation while the legislator senses an opportunity to bounce back with his divisive tactics. Who has the last laugh?
Performances?
Distracting you from the blips in the storytelling and its sluggish pace, the show is inherently watchable because of its pitch-perfect casting and impressive performances. Jitendra Kumar slips into the role of Abhishek with righteousness that was as evident in the earlier seasons, whereas the senior hands – Raghubir Yadav and Neena Gupta – continue to pack a punch.
They’re offered formidable support with a terrific lineup of actors – from Faisal Malik to Chandan Roy to Sunita Rajwar and Durgesh Kumar. The latest addition – Pankaj Jha – as the tainted, incorrigible MLA is equally convincing. Sanvikaa, playing Rinki, has decent screen space and is in control of her performance, though her presence can’t be claimed as a value addition to the plot.
Analysis
There’s always a saturation point for every show that creators ought to be aware of, even though the market demand suggests otherwise. Panchayat, staying true to brand TVF, has been a breath of fresh air in the digital space, mirroring the ambiguities of a city-bred youngster who finds his feet as a government officer in a sleepy little hamlet.
Panchayat’s latest (eight episode-long, third) instalment keeps you hooked but is more a manufactured product than a natural extension of its world. The storytelling takes a sluggish turn and is devoid of freshness as the tale turns the spotlight yet again on Phulera’s internal squabbles. As a standalone season, it is engaging though it lacks the spark that made the other seasons work.
The season stumbles to find a plot device to facilitate the protagonist’s return to the village. Even as Abhishek vows to distance himself from the village’s day-to-day politics henceforth, he begins to identify himself as an insider. There’s a CSR-like subplot linked to Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to underline the conscience of the creators, only to be resolved too simplistically to make any impression.
There’s not much to complain about the show’s plot points – with a series of conflicts pitting Pradhan and gang against Bhushan and the legislator. The significance of Abhishek as the Panchayat secretary in the narrative takes a backseat. The evolving romance between Abhishek-Rinki and the developments in the lives of Prahlad and Vikas serve as a breather amidst the drama.
It’s enjoyable to watch the brotherhood among Abhishek, Pradhan, Vikas and Prahlad, the verbal banter between Pradhan and Manju Devi though they don’t offer any new perspective beyond what you have discovered from the other seasons. The creators try to tick every box in the checklist that worked in favour of Panchayat and still, the narrative isn’t organic or seamless on most occasions.
For a change, the funky female characters are livelier than their male counterparts. Within their domestic trappings, it’s appreciable how the creators lend a distinct identity to the women – be it Manju Devi, the wives of Bhushan, Vikas or the elderly woman who misuses a welfare scheme. Panchayat’s groundedness gradually paves the way for a high-stakes, intense finale this time.
If the relatability and the innocence in the world of the show were its USPs before, Panchayat Season 3 takes itself a little too seriously as the village gears up for the election season. Between the high-voltage drama, you find yourself surprised with the humanised portrayal of the legislator and his empathetic outlook towards animals – watch out for the scene where he bids farewell to his white horse (which he nicknames Sitara Singh).
For now, if you need a final word on the third season – it works but doesn’t have the legs to linger on your mind for long and warrants more patience. In all likelihood, the next season is expected to be more serious and larger-than-life than its three cousins, which may not be great news for the show’s loyal fans.
Music and Other Departments?
Composer Anurag Saikia, well-versed with the world of Panchayat across three seasons, churns out many memorable numbers – be it the classical Aasman Rootha, the meditative Ek Kahani or the folksy Hind Ke Sitara. The songs and the background score boast of an individualistic appeal and work in the context of the show too – a balance that’s struck only occasionally in the digital space.
Amitabh Sinha’s cinematography capitalises on the little pleasures of its rustic terrain without any hint of indulgence. Even though the makers wanted to symbolise the village’s laidback ambience through its pacing, it needs to be said that the show beats around the bush in a handful of situations. Storytelling precision is definitely not its strength.
Highlights?
Impressive performances, casting
Well-etched characters
Technical finesse
Drawbacks?
Contrived, mechanical storytelling
Uneven pacing
Doesn’t offer anything new
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, with reservations
Panchayat Season 3 Series Review by Binged Bureau
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