10 Shows and Movies Similar to Panchayat (2020)

Description: Like 'Panchayat', 'Hostel Daze' is a coming-of-age comedy that captures the essence of a specific Indian experience - in this case, engineering hostel life. Both shows use humor and nostalgia to explore their settings, with a focus on friendship and personal growth.

Fact: Another TVF production, known for its authentic campus humor. The show's characters quickly became relatable figures for Indian college students. It's praised for its accurate depiction of hostel life without excessive dramatization.

Description: Like 'Panchayat', 'Parks and Recreation' is a light-hearted comedy that revolves around the workings of local government, albeit in a different cultural context. Both shows use humor to explore the quirks and challenges of public service, with a strong ensemble cast that brings warmth and relatability to their characters.

Fact: The show was initially conceived as a spin-off of 'The Office' but evolved into its own unique series. Amy Poehler's character, Leslie Knope, became an iconic figure in television comedy. The series is known for its 'mockumentary' style, similar to 'The Office'.

Description: While 'Inside Edge' is a sports drama about cricket's dark underbelly, it shares with 'Panchayat' a sharp examination of power structures in Indian society. Both shows, in their own ways, reveal how systems operate behind the scenes of their respective worlds.

Fact: Amazon Prime's first Indian original series. Features an ensemble cast including Richa Chadha and Vivek Oberoi. The show was controversial for its portrayal of match-fixing in cricket.

Description: While 'Mirzapur' is a crime thriller set in the lawless badlands of Uttar Pradesh, it shares with 'Panchayat' a deep exploration of rural Indian life and power dynamics. Both shows, though vastly different in tone, provide a gritty, authentic look at the complexities of small-town India.

Fact: The series is produced by Excel Entertainment, known for its high-quality web content. Pankaj Tripathi's performance as Kaleen Bhaiya was widely acclaimed. The show's violent content sparked debates about censorship in Indian web series.

Description: Though 'The Family Man' is an action-packed spy thriller, it shares with 'Panchayat' a nuanced portrayal of the protagonist balancing professional duties with personal life. Both shows excel in character development and situational humor amidst their respective genres.

Fact: Manoj Bajpayee's performance as Srikant Tiwari was critically acclaimed. The series blends high-octane action with domestic comedy. It was one of the first Indian web series to gain international recognition.

Description: 'Aspirants' and 'Panchayat' both focus on the dreams and struggles of young Indians in small-town settings. While 'Panchayat' looks at rural governance, 'Aspirants' delves into the competitive world of UPSC preparation, both offering heartfelt narratives about ambition and reality.

Fact: The show is created by The Viral Fever (TVF), known for relatable youth-centric content. It features Naveen Kasturia in a lead role, who previously starred in TVF's 'Pitchers'. The series gained popularity for its realistic portrayal of UPSC aspirants' lives.

Description: This romantic comedy shares with 'Panchayat' a gentle, observational humor about Indian relationships and societal expectations. Both shows excel in portraying everyday situations with warmth and authenticity, making ordinary lives feel extraordinary.

Fact: One of India's first successful web series, paving the way for digital content. Created by TVF, it established the potential of Indian web originals. The show's lead actors, Sumeet Vyas and Nidhi Singh, became popular faces in the digital space.

Description: 'Gullak' is perhaps the closest in spirit to 'Panchayat' - both are heartwarming slice-of-life comedies about middle-class Indian families. They share a similar gentle humor, nostalgic tone, and affection for their characters' everyday struggles and joys.

Fact: Created by TVF, known for its relatable middle-class narratives. The show's title refers to a traditional Indian piggy bank, symbolizing small savings and big dreams. It's praised for its authentic depiction of small-town North Indian life.

Description: While 'Sacred Games' is a gritty crime saga, it shares with 'Panchayat' a deep engagement with Indian society's layers. Both shows, in different genres, explore how systems (political, criminal, bureaucratic) function in India, with rich characterizations and local flavor.

Fact: Netflix's first Indian original series. Based on Vikram Chandra's acclaimed novel. The series sparked debates about its portrayal of historical events and figures.

Description: Like 'Panchayat', 'Kota Factory' offers a realistic, often humorous look at a specific aspect of Indian life - in this case, the intense world of IIT coaching. Both shows balance their educational settings with human stories and character development.

Fact: India's first black-and-white web series, reflecting the monotony of student life. Created by TVF, it became hugely popular among students. The show's realistic portrayal of Kota's coaching culture resonated widely.