Gram Chikitsalay - Panchayat Placebo

Gram Chikitsalay

Hindi / Comedy/Drama
5 episodes ~40 mins
Prime Video

Panchayat created the template for social, small-town-based dramedies for this generation. It is obviously unfair to expect another show to match that level of connection. Given that Gram Chikitsalay (GC) comes from the same TVF stable, it does seem fair to have a certain level of expectation. Truth is, Panchayat also set the bar incredibly high. One tries not to compare—but it is really hard not to.

This one is set in Bhatkhandi (presumably Bihar), where Dr. Prabhat Sinha (Amol Parashar) arrives as the new Medical Officer for the Primary Health Centre (PHC). An All-India topper, he turns down the chance to work at his father’s hospital, with the genuine intention of serving in a rural clinic and helping people in need.

The PHC is in shambles. The compounder, Phutani (Anandeshwar Dwivedi), has been siphoning off medical supplies for cash. There’s no approach road, no patients—and all the local care is being handled by a quack named Chetak Kumar (Vinay Pathak). There is also Gobind (Akash Makhija)—Bhatkhandi’s very own Vikas (ala Panchayat)— and a few other characters. The rest you can probably figure out.

GC is cut from the same cloth—but sadly, it does not even try to differentiate itself. It is tough to believe this is a TVF product; it feels more like an "un mentored" internship. Despite the short episode lengths and limited number, it still feels like a slog.

The writing is academic and template. While a few genuine themes eventually emerge, it is hard to stay engaged. I really tried to overlook some of it—but honestly, had to will myself to finish the show. The screenplay does bring in a couple of decent moments, but overall it is very sketchy.

Amol Parashar is a good actor and his earnest effort shows. Akash Makhija does a decent “Vikas.” Anandeshwar Dwivedi's Phutani may bring a few muted laughs, but his accent is inconsistent and feels forced. Vinay Pathak could have been a standout and a source of humor and reason—but he simply does not get enough screen time. The songs are nice, and the “rural” cinematography—with its obligatory aerial shots—is decent. We have come to enjoy that visual template before.

Ultimately, GC feels like it was meant to be a 10-episode series—and they just aired the first 5. Maybe they gave up midway after some rough test screenings? If you’ve already watched it, let me know if you disagree. But if you’re planning to, don’t expect anything new or different. And please—let us not even bring the OG Panchayat into the conversation!