When Panchayat originally debuted on Amazon Prime Video back in 2020, no one could have anticipated that a tiny Uttar Pradesh town would be the hub of one of India’s most beloved web series. But now, as Season 3 drops with high hopes and subdued suspense, the fans are wondering: is this the end of the Panchayat saga—or is this the beginning of an even more thrilling new chapter?

A Change in Attention and Mood

Season 3 deals with more serious themes. The series is not just about Abhishek Tripathi’s everyday comic issues, the city-raised village secretary. Rather, it deals with the complex world of local politics, personal tragedy, and power struggles. Phulera is no longer just a location; it is a site of intense emotions, aspirations, and beliefs. The series “moves away from comedy and shifts into something darker, more serious,” according to Film Companion.

Characters Who Breathe

Panchayat‘s hallmark has always been its characters, and in Season 3, they are more alive than ever. Jitendra Kumar’s Abhishek reveals moments of real change—less beaten down, more resolute. Manju Devi and Pradhan Ji, played by Neena Gupta and Raghubir Yadav, respectively, display a political acuity that injects a welcome tension into the otherwise idyllic village narrative.

Supporting actors, particularly Prahlad and Vikas, get more screen time and more emotional storylines, particularly following Season 2’s dramatic climax. As Hindustan Times reports, the show “soars high on emotions” and capitalizes nicely on “unresolved grief and political intrigue.”

What the Audience Thinks

People vary in opinion, but the majority enjoy it. Viewers on Reddit, who had been anticipating the series, loved the latest season for its emotional plot and excellent acting. “I have watched Season 3, and it is great. It is worth all the hype, and every actor has done fantastic work,” a fan said.

But not everyone is absolutely sure. Some devoted fans have expressed fears that the series is losing its comic heritage, that it will lose the straightforward, no-nonsense appeal that made it stand out.

Then is this the season so far?

Season 3 may not be the lightest or the funniest, but it may be the most significant. It attempts to mature and evolve without sacrificing what makes it unique—a difficult feat many shows can’t accomplish. Whether it becomes the best season is up to what Panchayat is to you: a humorous take on daily life or a slow and contemplative tale about society with heart. One thing is sure—Phulera has never been more real and more alive.

Written by: Pranjal Bapna