Panchayat, the story of Bharat
Why is Panchayat a super-duper hit? According to the makers and actors of the show, it is a hit as it depicts honesty and is genuine. Many leftists and jihadis are sad that the show is not “inclusive” but these folks need to be patient as perhaps the makers will introduce a jihadi who is caught in a compromised position with bakris in the fields by Pradhan Raghuvir Yadav. Perhaps Aamir Mullah can make a cameo appearance as Kuda-Kachra. Perhaps Akki can play a Khalistani and raise a flag at the village water tower.
All jokes aside, Panchayat is a hit as it captures the rural life – something which every Bharatiya has experienced either for a long-time or at least during summer vacations. The problems are accurate, the solutions are complex yet simple and the main thing which drives a story forward – the actors are superb.
The actors and the script make the show what it is today. It’s probably already surpassed the cult-like following of Gangs of Wasseypur – though, in modern times, Yogi is doing everything in his power to chaddi utar the gangs in UP.
The Indian audience probably was unaware of how hungry it was for a sleeper hit like Panchayat with all its quirks and brilliance in acting. The pandemic quarantine helped of course – it allowed people to binge-watch the show, and travel to the gaon without leaving their house. The best part is that people remained hungry for more and despite the freedom to travel, season 2 was the most awaited for audiences in India and the diaspora.
Finally, the Indian audience is becoming mature with access to technology and shows from around the globe. Panchayat is a conscious choice, – people want to get immersed in this wholesome drama which can be consumed by parents and children alike. It does not contain typical #Bollywood type nudity and nonsense song-dance and anti-India fodder for it to be good.
Gone are the days of #Urduwood selling us item numbers and anti-Brahmin narratives. Gone are the days when big names like the geriatric khans or #786Amitabh would automatically draw a crowd regardless of storyline or substance.
The makers have announced at least five seasons. We hope they don’t go woke and take wrong turns along the way. Even if they do, the first two seasons have been solid and will retain a cult-following for decades to come. Congratulations to the entire team of #Panchayat. Thatastu for future seasons.
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