Panchayat Season 3 (AmazonPrimeVideo) Story, Review, Release Date, Trailer, Songs, Cast

In this season, the budding romance between Rinki (portrayed by Sanvikaa) and Abhishek takes center stage. Their interactions are marked by subtle glances, coy smiles, playful banter, and moments of awkwardness. Fortunately, both Jitendra and Sanvikaa deliver commendable performances, steering clear of typical Bollywood melodrama, cheesy dialogues, and clichéd visual tropes.

While the primary cast delivers stellar performances as expected, it’s Jagmohan’s grandmother, portrayed by Abha Sharma, who steals the spotlight. Her vibrant portrayal injects a refreshing energy into every scene she graces. Sharma impeccably captures the essence of the quintessential “dadis” of Uttar Pradesh through her authentic accent, playful expressions, and mischievous body language.

Throughout the eight episodes, we encounter a myriad of colorful characters. Some familiar faces, such as the groom from the first season and his ill-mannered friend, make brief appearances. Despite the multitude of story arcs, the series maintains its signature slow-paced style, ensuring that each episode unfolds seamlessly without feeling overstuffed.

I was particularly impressed by the production design of the setting in Panchayat. It’s relatively uncommon in Indian cinema and television to depict rural areas with such authenticity. Often, rural depictions tend to be romanticized, with factual inaccuracies introduced in the name of creative freedom. However, Panchayat not only achieves authenticity but also surpasses its previous seasons in this regard. The show bridges the gap between commercial and art cinema, offering a faithful portrayal of hinterland India. From realistic households and everyday items to local brands and snacks served at celebrations, the depiction of Phulera is remarkably detailed, showcasing the rigorous effort invested in capturing rural life authentically.

A keen eye will catch numerous visual metaphors and gags throughout the show. For example, during accusations against Pradhan ji, his typically placid buffalo loses control. Abhishek consistently spills his tea just before pivotal moments, and Vidhayak, accused of eating a dog (admittedly, quite gross), has camels subtly displayed in his drawing room.

One standout scene features two opposing groups on the brink of confrontation, armed with batons, guns, and whatever else they can lay hands on. An official attempts to defuse the tension when a phone call blaring “Sara Jahan Se Achcha” interrupts, momentarily halting the impending chaos.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the show, I do have some reservations regarding the slight shift in its overall tone, with a greater emphasis on political dynamics this season. We encounter other elected members of the Panchayat, witness election discussions, attend official meetings, and even delve into Uttar Pradesh’s notorious gun culture.

Although this shift isn’t overly dramatic and doesn’t detract from the narrative, there’s a possibility that future seasons may lean further into political drama, as suggested by the finale’s cliffhanger. My hope is that, even if the show adopts a more political tone, it retains its raw emotional appeal and genuine portrayal of nuanced interpersonal relationships—the aspects that have been its strongest assets since its inception.