Panchayat Season 4 Review: A Confident, Emotional, and Impactful Continuation of a Modern Classic

When Panchayat Season 4 finally dropped, I had only one thought running in my mind: this isn’t just another web series coming back with a new season – this is the biggest Indian web release of the year. Unless I’m forgetting some rare anomaly, season 4 is truly the most anticipated homegrown OTT event of 2025. And honestly, it’s not surprising. It’s Panchayat, man – once you watch it, you become part of that cult-like enthusiasm, that cozy familiarity, that attachment to characters who feel like your neighbours, your relatives, or someone you’ve definitely met at a wedding.

So, let’s be honest.
Why are you reading my review?
You’re going to watch season 4 anyway, if you haven’t already streamed all eight episodes on day one. Whether you admit it or not, you’re already emotionally invested.

But this review isn’t about whether you should watch the season.
You will.
The real question is:

Does Panchayat Season 4 live up to the legacy of the previous seasons?

Or – and this is the dramatic hypothetical we all secretly fear –
Has Panchayat accidentally pulled a Game of Thrones Season 8 on us?

After finishing all eight episodes and thinking deeply about them, I realized one thing: the makers of Panchayat have a strange, delightful talent for crafting season endings that stay with you long after you’ve finished watching. They’ve done this consistently from season one to season three, and now, season four.

And trust me – I’m not giving a single spoiler. Not even a hint.
But yes, I must say: they’re really, really good at cooking an ending.

The Art of the Panchayat Ending: A Signature Strength

One recurring pattern across all four seasons is how effectively the creators design the final stretch of the narrative. Season one ended on a hopeful, feel-good note. Season two went shockingly dark – emotional, dramatic, heavy. Season three’s ending sparked nationwide discussions; the “who fired the shot?” mystery had more excitement than many thriller films. People made theories, memes, debates – season three became a cultural moment.

Season four once again proves that the makers understand the power of a memorable closing. The last 15 minutes of the final episode are crafted with such restraint and subtlety that you feel the emotional impact without any forced melodrama. They don’t drag the suspense. They don’t spoon-feed. They don’t rely on gimmicks. And yet, the culmination hits hard – quietly, but powerfully.

But here’s the catch – Season four isn’t actually about solving last season’s big “firing the bullet” mystery.

Yes, a shot was fired at the end of season three. Yes, naturally, everyone wants to know who fired it.
And yes, the writers could have easily built an entire season around that investigation.

But Panchayat doesn’t do that. Why? Because realistically, who would solve it? There’s no detective here. The police? You and I know how much police action usually happens in rural political matters. And when politics gets involved – ticks ticks – you can have the truth in front of your eyes, and still nobody will believe it.

Instead, season four does something smarter.

A Season Driven by Politics: The Panchayat Election Takes Centre Stage

This season revolves almost entirely around something the creators were quietly building up since season two – the Panchayat election. Finally, it is here. The long-teased political battle takes shape. The stakes rise. And the villagers’ world gets busier, messier, louder.

Across all eight episodes, we see:

• Two strong political camps rising
• One trying to outplay the other
• Public image manipulation
• Petty attacks
• “Cleanliness drives”
• Favour distribution
• Defamation tactics
• And even an unexpected CDI/CID/CBI-style raid

It’s hilarious. It’s frustrating. It’s too real. And it’s exactly the kind of story Panchayat excels at.

Each episode focuses on one political issue, one conflict, one power game. And although sometimes certain character decisions feel slightly stretched or less believable, the overall writing remains consistently engaging. That’s the magic of Panchayat – it blends realism with narrative exaggeration so smoothly that even when something feels dramatic, the payoff keeps you hooked.

Yes, there are moments where I felt characters took slightly unrealistic leaps. But the end result? Still very interesting.

Handling the Bullet Mystery: Brilliant, Subtle, and Satisfying

Let me appreciate one thing specifically – the handling of the bullet-firing plot. They don’t give a loud, dramatic, expositional answer. They don’t show a clichéd slow-motion flashback. They don’t rely on forced reveals.

Instead, they allow the audience to slowly feel the truth.

You watch scenes unfold, hear conversations, see reactions – and somewhere deep in your gut, you realize: “Yes, this is what happened.” And before they even confirm it, your instinct knows. Because politics is messy, complicated, layered. And in such places, truth is not a revelation – it’s a whisper.

Characters: The Soul of Panchayat, Sharper Than Ever

The second big reason Panchayat feels so warm, so lived-in, so much like your own backyard is the unmatched detailing of its characters.

Tiny moments like:

• Spraying cobra scent
• Vikas casually saying “apply it on us too”
• Everyday village sarcasm
• That “200-rupee feeling” of practicality

These are not grand dialogues – they’re human moments. And the actors embody them so naturally that you can’t tell what’s written and what’s improvised. The writing and the performances blend seamlessly.

Banarakas: A Villain Who Isn’t Just a Villain

The main antagonist this season, Banarakas, deserves special mention. He is intimidating. He is irritating. He makes you angry. But surprisingly – sometimes he is right.

Panchayat doesn’t take the easy route of glorifying heroes and demonizing villains. If Banarakas is right, the show acknowledges it. And still, you feel like beating him up, just because of how unapologetically annoying he can be.

Organic Character Growth Across Seasons

One of the joys of season four is seeing how far everyone has come since season one. I experienced this in real time – after finishing season four, I went to have dinner with my family, and they had season three running. Watching the earlier episodes suddenly made me realize how brilliantly the writers had sprinkled small plot points over time, letting their payoffs bloom later.

Take the man who was once introduced casually with a throwaway line about having three kids and piles.
Today, that man is the main antagonist. Not a villain for the sake of it – but a fully developed, layered character whose journey makes complete narrative sense.

Similarly:

• The goat-herding guy becomes a right-hand man
• The toilet-seat-breaking guy becomes a left-hand man

I genuinely hope we see much more of him in the future.

Dialogues That Stay With You: Humor, Fear, and Pure Emotion

One specific moment deserves a shoutout. A phone conversation where someone says: “Arrey father-in-law, the one you called is the one who will talk, who else will talk?” I laughed much harder than I expected. But Panchayat doesn’t just deliver humor. It delivers anxiety too.

There comes a moment – no spoilers again – where something builds up, and I sensed something terrible was about to happen. Before the scene even unfolded, I reacted in real life, holding my head and whispering: “No… no…”

That’s when I realized how invested I’ve become in Phulera and its people.

Special mention to Raghubir Yadav. Not because we share a surname – bro, his comic timing is outstanding. But when he gets angry? That’s where you see pure acting brilliance.

The Ending: Impactful, Emotional, and Hinting at Closure

The ending of season four is impactful without being explosive. It gives a clear sense that the story is moving toward its larger conclusion – not rushed, not dragged, not stretched, but progressing naturally.

I personally felt the final moments aligned beautifully with what should logically happen. The creators present the narrative through character expressions, silences, reactions, and lived-in authenticity. It feels like a realistic, grounded conclusion – not a manipulative twist.

Is it as punchy as season three’s ending? Maybe not in the same way. But it definitely makes you think. And that is a strength.

The Biggest Challenge: The Shadow of Season 3

Season three’s popularity became so massive, so viral, that season four had a huge responsibility to live up to. And because the gap between seasons was not very long, people carried fresh expectations.

Over time, season three became a feeling – a vibe – an amplified memory. Could season four match it?

In my personal view – yes. Season four is a worthy addition. Not flawless, but sincere, entertaining, and emotionally rich. Minor writing dips do happen. But these are small quirks – nothing that affects the season’s overall impact.

Watching With Family: The Sweet, Real Dilemma

One truly relatable aspect of Panchayat is its family-friendly charm – mostly. My family absolutely loves Panchayat. We’ve rewatched season one, two, and three countless times together.

Season four introduces small romantic directions. Nothing major. But even a little romance on screen creates instant awkwardness in an Indian family setting – we all start looking away, pretending to adjust pillows, coughing unnecessarily. You know how it is.

So yes, that dilemma exists too.

Final Verdict

Panchayat Season 4 is a heartfelt, smartly written, emotionally engaging continuation of the franchise. It carries forward the legacy with confidence, sincerity, and depth. It may not surpass the explosive shock value of season three, but it expands the world, strengthens character arcs, and sets the stage for the eventual end in a thoughtful manner.

I laughed out loud. I got emotional. I felt tension. And most importantly – I felt connected. And that’s what Panchayat has always been about.

Rating: 4.5/5

A warm, impactful, and thoroughly enjoyable season that solidifies Panchayat’s place as India’s most beloved web series.