The Magic of Panchayat: Humor, Heart, and Rural India

Better late than never! I recently took the plunge into the world of Hindi OTT web series and binge-watched all three seasons of Panchayat. I will share some thoughts (spoilers ahead) about the show and discuss its delightful, slow-burning romantic subplot.

Rural Context

I’ve always appreciated Hindi movies set in rural areas for their relative realism and contrast to my urban experience. Panchayat deepens this appreciation. It intelligently blends humor and drama against a rural backdrop, a refreshing alternative to high-octane thrillers and glossy urban dramas. 

Stellar Cast

Casting, often underemphasized in Indian cinema and television, is the highlight of Panchayat. The perfectly chosen cast delivers mutually reinforcing performances that become the show’s biggest asset. For example,

• Jitendra Kumar (Abhishek) effectively uses his expressive face and body language to reflect his frequent bewilderment and frustration as he reluctantly adjusts to an unfamiliar world.

• Raghuvir Yadav (Pradhan) delivers amusing one-liners with aplomb. Example: Rinky, asking her mother: “Paehr daba dey aapka?” (Shall I massage your feet?) Pradhan: “Arrey daba de, poochna kya hai, paehr hi to dabana hai, gala thodi na dabana hai.” (this quip has limited translatability).

Nuanced Storytelling

The narrative emphasis on “show, don’t tell” is impactful, though sometimes the subtlety might escape casual viewers. For instance,

1. Pradhan and his wife are relatively well off and live in a spacious home. Yet they have only one child—a daughter. A layered social message is embedded in this unsaid household profile.

2. As city-bred Abhishek evolves in Phulera, his attitudes and behaviors become akin to the locals. His transformation raises questions about many urbanites’ snooty views of rural communities and their lifestyles. 

Abhishek-Rinky Relationship, Season Four

The makers have several avenues to explore in Season Four (see notes), including Abhishek and Rinky’s relationship.

Assuming the Abhishek-Rinky relationship is real life, let’s examine its potential across five factors:

• Chemistry: The two have a strong mutual attraction, though, as of now, it might be primarily hormonal. While Abhishek might have had more appealing options back home, in his frustrated state in isolated Phulera, it’s hard for him to resist Rinky’s charm. For Rinky, this relationship is a rare opportunity to find a match on her own rather than through parental matchmaking.

• Family: Pradhan sees Abhishek as a potential match for Rinky, noting caste compatibility and Abhishek’s post-MBA income and anti-dowry stance. Abhishek’s family is an intriguing unknown.

• General Compatibility: The urban-rural divide could lead to conflicting opinions and attitudes and cause problems unless Rinky is like her best friend, Raveena, who’s subservient to her husband. Rinky, however, is spunky and assertive. Additionally, rural norms might pressure the couple to commit quickly, which might be incompatible with Abhishek’s career ambitions and Rinky’s nascent professional aspirations.

• Intelligence: Rinky got 42 percent in math! She may not have academic intelligence, but she is quick-thinking (e.g., delete CCTV footage, Raveena is calling, etc.). Her practical intelligence made her wisely seek Abhishek’s help against harassment by her ex-suitor. Her street smarts could complement Abhishek’s academic intelligence.

• Nature: I’m unsure about Rinky’s nature. For instance, I would advise Abhishek to pursue the relationship if she is good-natured and large-hearted. However, as an only child, she seems to have had a pampered upbringing, which might make her overly demanding and prone to adjustment problems. Well, Abhishek is likely also an only child. 

The upshot: Abhishek and Rinky’s mutual attraction is palpable, but a potential relationship is fraught with challenges, which both should consider carefully before getting involved.

Real Life vs. Reel Life

While I discussed the Abhishek-Rinky relationship as if it were real, it’s, after all, fiction. The trajectory of their romance will ultimately depend on commercial considerations and the makers’ vision.

Possible directions for the relationship in Season Four could include:

Continue building romantic tension and, for commercial reasons, progress to a formal relationship only in the Final Season.

Continue introducing challenges, like Abhishek’s transfer, to strengthen the relationship. The rural environment in itself could pose some challenges for a romantic relationship. 

Incorporate a triangular romantic element, such as Vidhayak’s daughter, Chitra, who appeared in the concluding episodes. The makers must have brought her aboard for a reason.

Conclusion

It’ll be interesting to see how Abhishek and Rinky’s relationship evolves in the traditional rural setting. 

Given the heartwarming tone of the series, I expect a satisfying conclusion to their story. Regardless of how it unfolds, Panchayat, with its endearing characters, has hooked me, and I await its next season, slated for 2026. That’s a long wait, though! 

Your Thoughts?

What will happen in Season Four? Are Abhishek and Rinky a match made in heaven or a recipe for disaster? 

NOTES

Was the hit job on Pradhan poorly executed by design? Vidhayak claims Pradhan could have organized it to gain sympathy! Could Bhushan be the mastermind rather than just an informer? What about Rinky’s ex-suitor, Rajiv?

Can Pradhan get a sympathy-driven electoral bump? Could that propel him to seek a political office beyond Phulera, something he unsuccessfully tried before? Will the Member of Parliament play a role?

Will Rinky’s admiration for Abhishek grow after learning he led the pitched battle outside the hospital? What plot complications will occur if Chitra develops an interest in him? How will the police situation affect, if at all, Abhishek’s MBA plans?

Will we get to see Abhishek’s family? Could the makers stumble by spreading the series too thin?

Trivia: Deepak Kumar Mishra, the director, is a mechanical engineering graduate from IIT Bombay, and Jitendra Kumar, the protagonist, is a civil engineering graduate from IIT Kharagpur. That’s some brainpower at work.