Context:

Panchayat, a beloved Indian web series, is known for its simplicity and humor, and has become a popular show over its four seasons on Prime Video. The series almost had a different name, SDO Saheb, but was changed to Panchayat to better reflect its focus on local governance. Jitendra Kumar, who plays the main character, mirrors his role by transitioning from an IIT graduate to a career in acting, facing rejections before finding success. The series has received significant recognition, including winning Best Indian Web Series at the 2024 International Film Festival of India and becoming the second most-watched series in India that year. Behind the scenes, the show’s production involved unique challenges, such as filming winter scenes in extreme heat and creating music with gibberish lyrics to evoke emotional depth.

Dive Deeper:

• Deepak Kumar Mishra, known for his spoof of Raghu Ram, directed Panchayat, transforming from an online comedian to the creator of one of India's most cherished web series.

• Originally titled SDO Saheb, the series was renamed Panchayat to emphasize the central role of the Panchayat office, which becomes a character in itself throughout the show.

• Composer Anurag Saikia crafted the music for the show using gibberish lyrics inspired by Assamese chants, aiming to convey emotion without actual words, a decision that resonated well with audiences.

• Jitendra Kumar, like his character, transitioned from a corporate life as an IIT graduate to acting, overcoming rejections from prestigious drama schools and initially considering a career in politics.

• Chandan Roy's performance during auditions led to his character, Vikas, becoming central to the plot, showcasing his ability to bring subtle chaos into the story.

• Panchayat Season 3 reached over 28 million viewers, making it the second most-watched series in India in 2024, highlighting its widespread appeal and success.

• The series won Best Indian Web Series at the 2024 International Film Festival of India, marking a significant achievement for Indian OTT content and reflecting its simple yet impactful storytelling.