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Panchayat 2 review: Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta shine in this warm, funny show

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3 years ago

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Panchayat 2 review: Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta shine in this warm, funny show

Prepare to be proven wrong if you thought Panchayat 2 would be a typical light-hearted comedy that has been seen on Indian television for decades. The second season of this slice-of-life dramedy starring Jitendra Kumar premiered on Wednesday, May 18. This time, in addition to providing laughs, the show also challenges you to think, reflect, and, by the end, hold back your tears. It’s not a great show, but it’s certainly entertaining. Panchayat 2 becomes a must-see when you consider the solid performances of its cast and the crisp writing.

The first season of Panchayat followed Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar), who took an unwelcome job as a Panchayat secretary in the middle of nowhere—specifically, in Phulera, a remote village in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. The second season shows how Abhishek, aka Sachiv Ji, has adjusted to his new role in Phulera and formed bonds with the residents, particularly with the village’s former Pradhan (Raghubir Yadav), his wife and the current Pradhan (Neena Gupta), and the other two office-bearers (played by Faisal Malik and Chandan Roy).

The show’s premise is simple enough: how a city boy who has never spent time in a village adjusts to a new life and discovers that some issues are universal over time. The second season had the potential to be repetitive, but Panchayat deftly avoids this. It demonstrates character and story development, allowing Abhishek to discover new aspects of Phulera and its inhabitants. It also avoids a trope that has been used in many shows and films set in rural India: portraying it as an exotic freak show to be laughed at or ridiculed. The Indian village is depicted by Panchayat as a real place with real people. Yes, humour exists, but only in certain circumstances.

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Another positive aspect of Panchayat is that it is not strictly a comedy. There is no laugh track or slapstick humour; only mild situational comedy is featured. It will make you laugh at times and keep you entertained. Its strength, like that of most successful slice-of-life shows over the years (see Wagle Ki Duniya, Ye Jo Hai Zindagi, and even Gullak), lies in presenting an issue or a problem in a straightforward manner. It tackles local politics, rivalries, and even more universal issues like standing up for your friends. There is no melodrama, however. Monologues are absent. By definition, the show is a juicy slice of life.

Jitendra Kumar is, of course, the show’s star and he carries it on his back quite ably. The actor has grown by leaps and bounds over the years, evident by his ability to hold his own against the likes of veterans like Raghubir Yadav and Neena Gupta. Chandan Roy’s Vikas and Faisal Malik’s Prahlad breathe new life into the show with their pitch-perfect acts.

It was criminal to give the amazing Neena Gupta such limited screen time as Manju Devi – every time she is on screen, she lords over everyone. In trying to infuse drama, it does at times give in to the temptation of using tired tropes like egoistic foul-mouthed politicians. It could do with fewer jokes about fasting women – why amplify it with needless humour in such a clean show?

Panchayat 2 is a worthy second season of an already good show. To say that it improves upon the first season wouldn’t be an exaggeration. It makes you laugh, it almost makes you cry, and all this while, you can feel you have seen these people and these stories somewhere. That relatability is its USP and what truly keeps the viewer engaged till the end.

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Season 2 of the Panchayat series

Deepak Kumar Mishra is the director.

 

Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, Neena Gupta, Faisal Malik, Biswapati Sarkar, Chandan Roy, and Sanvika Sharma are among the cast members.

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$92.8 million

Akshay Kumar wishes director Priyadarshan on birthday with Bhooth Bangla BTS pic: ‘Surrounded by ghosts…

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3 weeks ago

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January 30, 2025

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Akshay Kumar wishes director Priyadarshan on birthday with Bhooth Bangla BTS pic: ‘Surrounded by ghosts…

Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan, the acclaimed Indian director, celebrated their 68th birthday on Instagram. Kumar, who has worked with Priyadarshan on several cult comedies of the early 2000s, wished him a happy birthday and called him a mentor. The duo is now back together for their upcoming horror-comedy, Bhooth Bangla.

The first poster of the movie has been released, and it is expected to hit theaters in 2025. Akshay Kumar wore a black fedora and a green jacket, layered over a black tee, and fans have expressed their excitement for their new movie.

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The duo’s dynamic and deep bonding have been praised by fans, who have expressed high anticipation for their new movie. The first poster of Bhooth Bangla has already been released, and the movie is expected to hit theaters in 2025.

Akshay Kumar, the versatile Bollywood actor, recently celebrated director Priyadarshan’s birthday by sharing a behind-the-scenes (BTS) photograph from their upcoming film, “Bhooth Bangla.” In the image, Akshay humorously captioned, “Surrounded by ghosts…” The photo features Akshay alongside Priyadarshan and co-actor Paresh Rawal, all dressed in traditional attire, with a black cat perched on Akshay’s shoulder, adding a whimsical touch to the scene.

Reunion After 14 Years

This collaboration marks a significant reunion between Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan, who last worked together on the film “Bhool Bhulaiyaa” in 2007. Their partnership has been celebrated in the past for delivering successful comedies like “Hera Pheri” and “Garam Masala.” Fans have eagerly anticipated their return to the big screen together, and “Bhooth Bangla” promises to be a delightful addition to their repertoire.

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About ‘Bhooth Bangla’

“Bhooth Bangla” is a horror-comedy that blends elements of suspense with humor, a genre in which both Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan have excelled. The film is produced by Balaji Telefilms Ltd in association with Cape of Good Films. The motion poster released earlier this year features Akshay Kumar in a suit, with a cat on his shoulder, licking milk slyly, setting the tone for the film’s intriguing and humorous premise.

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Anticipation and Fan Reactions

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The BTS photo shared by Akshay Kumar has generated excitement among fans, who are eager to see the trio back together on screen. The playful caption and the presence of the black cat suggest that “Bhooth Bangla” will offer a mix of thrills and laughs, staying true to the successful formula of their previous collaborations.

As the release date for “Bhooth Bangla be a significant highlight in the upcoming entertainment lineup. The reunion of Akshay Kumar, Priyadarshan, and Paresh Rawal, combined with the intriguing premise and the playful BTS moments, has set high expectations among audiences. Fans can look forward to a cinematic experience that promises both chills and chuckles.

For a visual glimpse into the making of “Bhooth Bangla,” you can watch the following video Akshay Kumar expressed his gratitude as they once again united for their upcoming movie Bhooth Bangla. This marks a new chapter in their long-standing collaboration since the 2000s. He shared a picture from behind the scenes of their new movie, where it seems like they are laughing about something.

Akshay wrote,”Happy Birthday, Priyan Sir! What better way to celebrate than by spending the day on a haunted set, surrounded by ghosts…both real and unpaid extras? Thank you for being a mentor, and the only person who can make chaos look like a masterpiece. May your day be filled with fewer retakes. Wishing you a fantastic year ahead!”

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