Panchayat is a heartwarming comedy-drama that masterfully blends humor, emotion, and the everyday realities of rural India. At the center of the story is Abhishek Tripathi, a recently graduated engineer who, due to limited job opportunities, reluctantly accepts a government post as the secretary of a panchayat office in the remote village of Phulera in Uttar Pradesh.
With no real enthusiasm for the role or the village lifestyle, Abhishek finds himself thrown into an unfamiliar world filled with eccentric villagers, outdated bureaucracy, and rustic routines that starkly contrast his urban upbringing and aspirations. He spends his initial days battling frustration and culture shock as he struggles to adapt to the chaotic nature of village governance and navigate the quirky personalities he works with — including the affable Pradhan Ji, the stern Manju Devi, the loyal office assistant Vikas, and the soft-spoken yet sharp-witted Prahlad.
Feeling out of place and dissatisfied with his circumstances, Abhishek resolves to use the panchayat job as a temporary stopover. His primary motivation becomes escaping Phulera at the earliest opportunity. To do this, he throws himself into preparations for the CAT (Common Admission Test), hoping to secure a place in a top business school and reclaim control of his future.
However, as time passes, the narrative evolves beyond just his desire to leave. What begins as a reluctant job gradually turns into a journey of self-discovery. Through his interactions with the villagers and his growing involvement in their lives and issues, Abhishek begins to see the beauty, depth, and complexity of rural India. Each episode peels back layers of village life, uncovering moments of laughter, poignancy, and human connection.