'Panchayat' Filming Secrets: Unveiling the Real Village Behind Amazon's Hit Show

The Amazon Prime Video series 'Panchayat' has resonated deeply with audiences due to its realistic depiction of rural life in India. While the show is set in the fictional village of Phulera, the actual filming takes place in Mahodiya village, located in the Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh. Many of the locations featured are real, adding to the authenticity of the series. Let's explore some fascinating differences between the reel and real versions of Phulera, drawing insights from a video by YouTuber Jenil Variya.

The Panchayat Office: A Tale of Two Colors

In 'Panchayat', the Panchayat office is depicted with a faded yellow exterior, seemingly emphasizing the underdeveloped nature of the village administration. However, the real office in Mahodiya is currently painted pink. The production team strategically repaints the building yellow for filming purposes and then restores it to its original pink hue afterward. This meticulous approach highlights the dedication to preserving the location's integrity while adapting it for the screen.

Renting the Heart of Phulera: A Modest Sum

The Panchayat office, central to the storyline, is the actual gram panchayat office of Mahodiya village. The production team secures the location for a reasonable Rs 500 per day. Within this office, Sachiv Ji, portrayed by Jitendra Kumar, carries out his duties from an existing guest room.

Modern Amenities Hidden Behind the Rustic Facade

The on-screen portrayal of the Panchayat office emphasizes its simplicity and underdevelopment, often utilizing muted lighting to reinforce the rural atmosphere. In contrast, the real-life office is equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure. This deliberate contrast underscores the creative decisions made to highlight the challenges facing rural administrations, even if the actual setting is more advanced than depicted.

Pradhan Ji's Residence: A Close Resemblance

The interiors of Pradhan Ji's house in the series closely mirror those of the real house in Mahodiya village. From the veranda, a common gathering spot for the family, to the terrace where Rinky and Sachiv Ji share secret phone conversations, the set design faithfully recreates the actual location. A subtle difference lies in the main front door, which appears larger in reality but is intentionally made to look smaller and more traditional on screen, enhancing the overall rustic aesthetic.

Fictional Elements: Created for the Narrative

While 'Panchayat' incorporates many real-life elements, some aspects are purely fictional or temporary additions. The memorial library dedicated to Rahul Pandey, introduced in Season 3, did not exist in the village prior to filming. Similarly, the handpump near the Panchayat office, frequently used by Sachiv Ji, was installed as a prop for the show and removed after filming concluded.