Panchayat (2020) Movie Review
Overview
Panchayat is a heartwarming comedy-drama series that brilliantly captures the essence of rural India. Created by Chandan Kumar and directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra, this Amazon Prime series revolves around the life of an urban youth who reluctantly takes up a government job in a remote village. Despite its simple premise, the show delivers a refreshing mix of humor, emotions, and social commentary.
Plot Summary
The story follows Abhishek Tripathi "Jitendra Kumar", a young engineering graduate who, unable to secure a high-paying job, is forced to work as a secretary of a panchayat office in the fictional village of Phulera, Uttar Pradesh. Struggling with limited resources, slow-paced rural life, and quirky village politics, Abhishek initially despises his job. However, over time, he begins to adapt, forming unexpected bonds with the village residents, including Pradhan Ji "Raghubir Yadav", Vikas "Chandan Roy", and Prahlad "Faisal Malik".
The series beautifully portrays the contrast between urban and rural lifestyles, showing how Abhishek’s frustration with his circumstances slowly turns into a journey of self-discovery. His goal of cracking the CAT exam and escaping village life adds depth to his character, making the audience empathize with his struggles.
What Makes Panchayat Special?
Authentic Rural Setting The show masterfully brings out the simplicity and charm of village life, from power cuts to administrative loopholes. The realistic portrayal of rural India is both endearing and eye-opening.
Outstanding Performances Jitendra Kumar shines as Abhishek, perfectly capturing his frustration and eventual transformation. Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, and Neena Gupta deliver stellar performances, making their characters both relatable and memorable.
Subtle Humor & Social Commentary The comedy in Panchayat is natural, arising from everyday situations rather than forced jokes. It subtly addresses bureaucracy, rural development issues, and social structures without being preachy.
Simple Yet Engaging Storytelling Unlike fast-paced urban dramas, Panchayat takes a slow, immersive approach, letting viewers experience village life in its raw form. The lack of over-the-top drama makes it a refreshing watch.
Final Verdict
If you love slice-of-life stories with a blend of humor, emotions, and social realism, Panchayat is a must-watch. It’s a rare gem that proves simplicity can be powerful. With its strong writing, realistic characters, and engaging narrative, the series has rightfully earned its 9.0 IMDb rating.
0 Comments: