'Panchayat' Season 4: Phulera's Reality vs. Reel – Uncovering the Secrets of Sachiv Ji's Office and Pradhan Ji's House

For fans who have eagerly devoured the latest season of "Panchayat," the charm lies in its authentic depiction of rural Indian life. The fictional village of Phulera is brought to life in Mahodiya village, located in the Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh. What's captivating is how the show utilizes real locations, often more developed than their on-screen counterparts, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Let's explore some fascinating facts about these locations and uncover the differences between the reel and real, drawing insights from a video by YouTuber Jenil Variya.

The Panchayat Office: Yellow on Screen, Pink in Reality

In "Panchayat," the Panchayat office is painted a muted yellow, a visual cue to represent the village's underdeveloped state. However, the actual office in Mahodiya village is currently painted pink. To maintain authenticity for filming, the production team temporarily paints the office yellow and restores it to its original pink after shooting wraps. This meticulous detail showcases the effort to balance cinematic needs with the location's true character.

Renting the Panchayat Office: An Affordable Affair

The heart of the series, the Panchayat office, is the actual gram panchayat office of Mahodiya village. According to reports, the production team rents this pivotal location for a modest Rs 500 per day. Jitendra Kumar, who plays Sachiv Ji, operates from an existing guest room within the office, further grounding the show in reality.

Modern Infrastructure: A Hidden Reality

While the on-screen depiction of the Panchayat office portrays a basic and underdeveloped setting, often accentuated by dim lighting, the reality is quite different. The actual office is equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure. This deliberate contrast highlights the creative choices made to emphasize the challenges faced by rural administrations, even when the physical infrastructure is more advanced than portrayed.

Pradhan Ji's House: A Close Reflection of Reality

The interiors of Pradhan Ji's house in the series closely resemble the real house in Mahodiya village. From the veranda, a central gathering spot for the family, to the terrace where Rinky and Sachiv Ji share secret phone calls, the sets are faithful recreations of the actual location. One notable difference is the main front door, which appears larger in reality but is intentionally made smaller and more old-fashioned on screen to enhance the rustic aesthetic.

Fictional Elements: Additions for the Narrative

While "Panchayat" thrives on its realistic portrayal, some elements are purely fictional or temporary additions. The memorial library dedicated to Rahul Pandey, introduced in Season 3, was created specifically for the show. Similarly, the handpump near the Panchayat office, frequently used by Sachiv Ji, is a prop installed for filming purposes and removed after production concludes. These fictional elements serve to enhance the narrative and highlight specific themes within the series.