Season-1
Panchayat is an Indian comedy-drama web series that premiered on Amazon Prime Video in April 2020. The series is created by TVF (The Viral Fever) and stars Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, and Raghubir Yadav in the lead roles. The show revolves around the life of an engineering graduate named Abhishek Tripathi, who takes up a job in a remote village in Uttar Pradesh as a Panchayat Secretary.
The series is set in a small village called Phulera in Uttar Pradesh. Abhishek Tripathi (played by Jitendra Kumar) is a fresh engineering graduate who is struggling to find a good high-package job. He eventually takes up the job of a Panchayat Secretary in Phulera, a small village in Uttar Pradesh. The job is not what he expected, and he faces many challenges as he tries to adapt to that life.
The series is a blend of comedy and drama and depicts the real-life struggles of people living in rural India. The show has a very realistic and relatable portrayal of life in rural India, which makes it stand out from other shows. The show also touches upon important social issues like gender inequality, education, and poverty.
One of the strongest points of the series is its writing. The show is written by Chandan Kumar and directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra, and they have done an excellent job of bringing out the best in the actors. The dialogues are witty, and the comic timing of the actors is impeccable. The show does not rely on slapstick humour, but rather on situational comedy, which is refreshing to watch.
The performances in the show are top-notch. Jitendra Kumar, who plays the lead role, is excellent. He effortlessly portrays the frustration and helplessness of a young man who is struggling to adapt to a new environment. Neena Gupta, who plays the role of Manju Devi, the head of the Panchayat, is outstanding. She is the heart and soul of the show and steals every scene she is in. Raghubir Yadav, who plays the role of Brij Bhushan Dubey, is also excellent. His character adds a lot of humour to the show.
The show has a very authentic feel to it. The scenic beauty of the village and the simplicity of the lifestyle depicted in the show are a refreshing change from the glamour and glitz of urban life. The show also highlights the importance of community and how people in rural areas help each other in times of need.
The first season has a total of 8 episodes, each with a runtime of approximately 30 minutes. The pacing of the show is just right, and it never feels dragged out. The show does not have any unnecessary subplots, and every scene contributes to the overall story.
In conclusion, Panchayat is a must-watch series for anyone who wants to get a glimpse into the lives of people living in rural India. The show is funny, heart-warming, and insightful. The show has a great cast, excellent writing, and a beautiful setting, which make it a truly unique viewing experience. The series is perfect for those who enjoy light-hearted comedies with a social message.
Trailer
Season 2
Panchayat Season 2, created by TVF (The Viral Fever) and streaming on Amazon Prime Video, continues the story of Abhishek Tripathi (played by Jitendra Kumar), a young man who reluctantly becomes the secretary of a Panchayat (a village council) in a rural area of Uttar Pradesh. Season 2 picks up from where the first season left off, with Abhishek still struggling to find meaning in his job and questioning whether he belongs in the village.
The second season consists of 8 episodes, each around 30 minutes in length. In this review, I will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of the season, the performances of the cast, and the themes explored in the show.
One of the biggest strengths of Panchayat Season 2 is its portrayal of the village community. The show highlights the nuances and complexities of rural life in India, with a focus on the relationships between the villagers and their daily struggles. From toilet to caste politics, the show provides an insightful and empathetic look at the challenges faced by people living in rural areas.
Another strong aspect of the season is the growth of the characters. Abhishek undergoes a significant transformation throughout the course of the season. He starts to take his job more seriously and becomes more invested in the welfare of the village. Jitendra Kumar delivers an excellent performance, perfectly capturing Abhishek’s internal struggles and the gradual shift in his personality.
The supporting cast also shines in their roles. Neena Gupta, who plays the mukhiya (chief) of the village, is a standout performer. Her portrayal of a no-nonsense, pragmatic leader is both hilarious and heartwarming. Raghuvir Yadav, who plays the eccentric and lovable Brij Bhushan Dubey, also delivers a memorable performance.
However, there are a few weaknesses in the season. The show sometimes relies too heavily on stereotypes for comedic effect, particularly when it comes to portraying the villagers. While some of the humour is genuinely funny, there are instances where it feels forced and over-the-top.
Additionally, the season’s plot can feel somewhat disjointed at times. While each episode has its own storyline, there isn’t a clear overarching narrative that ties everything together. This can make the season feel episodic rather than cohesive.
Despite these flaws, Panchayat Season 2 manages to explore several important themes. The show examines the divide between urban and rural India and the ways in which those in power often overlook the needs of rural communities. It also touches on issues of gender inequality and the caste system, providing a nuanced look at these complex topics.
Overall, Panchayat Season 2 is a worthy follow-up to the first season. With its strong performances, insightful exploration of rural life and meaningful themes, the show is well worth watching and highly enjoyable and thought-provoking series that will leave a lasting impression.
Casts
- Jitendra Kumar as Abhishek Tripathi, PanchayatSecretary
- Neena Gupta as Manju Devi Dubey, Pradhan Rinky ‘s mother, Brij’s wife
- Raghubir Yadav as Brij Bhushan Dubey, Manju Devi’s Husband, Pradhan-Pati Rinky’s father
- Faisal Malik as Prahladchand “Prahlad” Pandey, Upa-Pradhan
- Chandan Roy as Vikas, Office Assistant
- Sanvikaaas Rinki, daughter of Pradhan
- Biswapati Sarkar as Prateek, Abhishek’s friend (season 1)
- Satish Ray as Siddharth Gupta aka Siddhu, Abhishek’s Friend (season 2)
- Sunita Rajwar as Kranti Devi, Bhushan’s wife and Manju Devi’s rival (season 2)
- Subendhu Chakraborty as Mangal
- Shrikant Verma as Parmeshwar
- Ashok Pathak as Vinod (season 2)
- Pankaj Jha as MLA Chandra Kishore Singh (season 2)
- Diwakar Dhyani as Sudhir Jaiswal BDO (Season 2)
- Sushil Tondon as Bhindeshwar
- Durgesh Kumar as Bhushan aka Banrakas, Kranti’s husband and Brij and Abhishek’s rival
- Rajesh Jais as Virendra Gupta (BDO)
- Aasif Khan as Ganesh, Bride Groom (season 1)
- Shashi Verma as Master Ji
- Vishwanath Chatterjee as Sub Inspector
- Kusum Shastri as District Magistrate
