OTT Watchlist: 7 Heartfelt Rural Dramas to Binge Before Panchayat Season 4

Amazon Prime Video’s popular series Panchayat returning for its much-awaited Season 4, fans are buzzing with excitement.

New Delhi: June 24, 2025
Amazon Prime Video’s popular series Panchayat returning for its much-awaited Season 4, fans are buzzing with excitement. As Sachiv Ji aka Abhishek Tripathi faces mounting responsibilities—from uncovering the identity of a shooter to handling his growing closeness with the Pradhan’s daughter and the upcoming village elections Fulehra is once again set to be the backdrop for drama, politics, and heartwarming humor.

The arrival of a local MP in the village is expected to escalate tensions and stir further unrest. Will the pressure prove too much for Abhishek to manage? The answers lie on Prime Video. But if you’ve enjoyed Panchayat’s slice-of-life rural charm, there’s a whole list of other OTT gems that celebrate India’s village stories. Here’s a curated list of films and series that bring rural India to life.

1. Toilet: Ek Prem Katha
   Platform: ZEE5 / Netflix
   This socially-conscious film, led by Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar, highlights the sanitation crisis in rural communities. Centered around a newlywed woman who demands a toilet in her husband’s home, the film explores social taboos, dignity, and the urgent need for change in village mindsets.
2. Pad Man
   Platform: Netflix
   Based on the true story of social entrepreneur Arunachalam Muruganantham, Pad Man follows a man from a small town who sets out to create affordable sanitary pads for women. The film challenges stigma and promotes menstrual hygiene, offering both emotional depth and social relevance.
3. Gram Chikitsalay
   Platform: Amazon Prime Video
   Created by the makers of Panchayat, this series is set in Bhatkandi, a fictional village where a self-taught quack doctor becomes the go-to medical provider. The series skillfully balances humor and realism to expose the critical gaps in India’s rural healthcare system.
4. Dupahiya
   Platform: Amazon Prime Video
   Set in the village of Dhadakpur, this story revolves around a father searching for his stolen motorcycle. What follows is an emotional and often humorous tale about how a simple vehicle holds immense value in a villager’s life—both socially and emotionally.
5. Peepli Live
   Platform: Amazon Prime Video
   A satirical take on farmer suicides and media sensationalism, this critically acclaimed film follows Natha, a poor farmer who decides to end his life so his family can claim government compensation. What follows is a circus of politicians and TV reporters, turning his plight into a national spectacle.
6. Nadiya Ke Paar
   Platform: YouTube (Free)
   This 1982 classic remains a timeless portrayal of life in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. With its simple love story, traditional customs, and scenic riverside visuals, the film remains one of the most authentic representations of Indian rural life.
7. Lagaan
   Platform: Netflix
   Lagaan takes us back to British-ruled India, where villagers hit by drought are forced to pay heavy taxes. AAs the British refuse to waive taxes, the villagers take an extraordinary gamble demanding justice on the cricket pitch. A powerful tale of sportsmanship, defiance, and togetherness, it continues to inspire.

Whether you’re a fan of village-based drama, subtle social commentary, or heartfelt stories of everyday life, these films and series offer a perfect watchlist to keep you engaged while you wait for Panchayat Season 4.