Entertainment

Panchayat season 4 review: Satire deepens but the soul starts to flicker

Panchayat season 4 deepens its political narrative, losing some of its earlier charm but maintaining key character moments and emotional arcs.

Published

1 year ago

June 24, 2025

[email protected]

Panchayat Season 4, now streaming on Prime Video, continues its journey through the dusty lanes of Phulera village, bringing back the familiar faces and their interwoven dynamics. But as the political games grow more intense, the show’s original warmth and charm seem to fade — leaving a series that still entertains but lacks the emotional punch of its earlier seasons.

Panchayat humour still survives, but in fragments

Though the heart of Panchayat has always rested in its rustic humour and subtle emotional moments, season 4 continues a tonal shift that began in its predecessor. Jitendra Kumar’s Sachiv Ji, Raghubir Yadav’s Pradhan Ji, and the ensemble retain their charm, but the narrative leans more into political turf wars than simple village life.

There are moments of relief — the laugh shared by Prahlad Cha (Faisal Malik), the unexpected “Aye sasur!” in front of an actual father-in-law, and Pradhan Ji’s legendary group text “Hi” that signals their drunken rants — all keep the spirit alive. But these are few and scattered, like laughter echoing in a tense room.

Dirty politics, quirky symbols, and a dash of drama

Politics has become the beating heart of season 4. The battle between the lauki (ruling party) and pressure cooker (opposition) symbols mirrors the struggle for power between Manju Devi’s camp and Kranti Devi’s rising influence. The show dives into tactics involving everything from samosa diplomacy to laddoo logic — showcasing how even food turns into political currency.

A harsh attack on Khushboo, a pregnant woman, marks a sharp turn in the show’s political storytelling, exposing the kind of calculated character assassinations that rural politics often witnesses.

Emotional layers and side characters come alive

Despite the heavier tone, Panchayat gives some of its secondary characters more meaningful arcs. Opposition members Binod and Madhav are fleshed out beyond their comic roles. Meanwhile, Neena Gupta’s Manju Devi attempts to lure rivals with sweet seviyan and warm hospitality, reflecting the layered strategies of village politics.

The story also touches upon grief — Faisal Malik’s Prahlad Cha continues to carry the emotional weight of his son’s loss in season two, often using humour as a coping tool. These character moments balance the rising political drama.

Abhishek and Rinky: love lingers, but choices loom

With Abhishek and Rinky finally admitting their feelings, season 4 offers a personal subplot that’s been building over three seasons. But with Abhishek’s CAT results on the horizon and political uncertainty ahead, their relationship enters a delicate phase. Their bond, tender yet restrained, mirrors the village’s own state — torn between ambition and belonging.

Verdict: should you watch Panchayat season 4?

For long-time fans, season 4 is a continuation worth following, especially with its setup for a potential fifth season. But new viewers might find the slower pace and heavier politics a departure from what made Panchayat special. It still entertains, but the charm no longer flows as effortlessly.

Up Next

Tamil actor Srikanth sent to judicial custody till July 7 in drug case, police claim digital proof of cocaine use

Don't Miss

Rishabh Pant scripts history with twin centuries in England, becomes first Indian to achieve feat

Entertainment

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for Welcome and Hera Pheri, dies at 56

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting role in Welcome, has died at 56.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 24, 2026

APNLive Desk

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, who appeared in several Hindi films and was particularly remembered for his role in the 2007 comedy Welcome, has died at the age of 56.

Khan was known for playing supporting characters across Hindi cinema and had worked in films spanning several decades. His role as Balu in Welcome remains among his best-known performances.

Mushtaq Khan’s film career

Mushtaq Khan appeared in a wide range of films during his career. His filmography included Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Gopi Kishan, Krantiveer, Raja, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jodi No. 1 and Hera Pheri.

He also featured in more recent films including Stree 2, Gadar 2, Baby John, Dhoom Dhaam and Jaat. His filmography lists acting work continuing into 2026.

In Welcome, Khan played Balu, a supporting character in the comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and other prominent actors.

Khan’s career also included television work, with his credits spanning a wide range of acting roles over the years.

Mushtaq Khan dies at 56

The actor’s death was reported on September 24, 2026. Reports said Khan had been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with liver cancer and had been hospitalised for around 15 days. Further details surrounding his death were awaited in the initial reports.

Mushtaq Khan was 56. IMDb lists his date of birth as December 31, 1969.

Entertainment

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcome baby girl, their second child

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the birth on Instagram.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 20, 2026

APNLive Desk

Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.

The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.

The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting

Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.

Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.

Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.

Deepika and Ranveer’s family

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.

The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.

Entertainment

Drishyam 3 trailer: Ajay Devgn faces triple threat from Tabu, Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj

Drishyam: The Conclusion trailer brings back Ajay Devgn and Tabu, while Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the franchise in new roles.

Published

1 month ago

September 9, 2026

APNLive Desk

The trailer of Drishyam: The Conclusion, the third instalment of the Ajay Devgn-led franchise, has been released, bringing Vijay Salgaonkar back for what is billed as the final chapter of the story.

Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay, while Tabu reprises her role as Meera Deshmukh. The latest chapter also introduces Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj in new roles, creating fresh challenges for Vijay and his carefully planned attempts to protect his family.

Ajay Devgn faces new challenges

The trailer continues the story of Vijay Salgaonkar, a family man who has repeatedly relied on his intelligence to protect his family from the law.

This time, Vijay faces Tabu’s Meera Deshmukh along with two new adversaries. Jaideep Ahlawat plays an SP from the Crime Branch, while Prakash Raj appears as a lawyer. The two characters add another layer to the investigation surrounding Vijay and the events of the previous films.

The trailer suggests that Vijay’s earlier strategy may face its toughest test yet as the investigation moves forward and pressure mounts on his family.

Tabu returns as Meera Deshmukh

Tabu is back as Meera Deshmukh, continuing a character that has remained closely connected to Vijay’s story since the earlier films.

Shriya Saran also returns to the franchise, reprising her role from the previous instalments.

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the cast

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj are among the key additions to the cast of the third film.

Ahlawat plays an SP in the Crime Branch, bringing a new investigating officer into Vijay’s path. Prakash Raj plays a lawyer, adding another significant character to the conflict surrounding the case.

Drishyam The Conclusion release date

Drishyam: The Conclusion is directed by Abhishek Pathak and is backed by Star Studio18 and Panorama Studios.

The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 2, 2026.

The trailer sets up another battle of wits for Vijay Salgaonkar, with the final outcome of his long-running struggle with the law expected to form the central conflict of the concluding chapter.