19 Movies Similar to Panchayat: A Comedy-Drama Journey

If you loved the comedy-drama journey of Abhishek in "Panchayat," then get ready for 20 movies that will take you on equally hilarious and heartwarming adventures. From remote villages to unexpected job choices, these films will have you laughing, crying, and falling in love with the charm of small-town life.

1) Kota Factory

Kota Factory is reminiscent of Panchayat in various ways. Both shows fall under the comedy-drama genre and are produced by TVF, known for their ability to take alternative stories and make them mainstream. While Panchayat explores the journey of an engineering graduate who becomes the secretary of a village panchayat, Kota Factory delves into the lives of IIT-JEE aspirants and the challenges they face. Both shows beautifully capture the essence of their respective settings, be it a remote village in Uttar Pradesh or the bustling coaching institutes of Kota. They excel in creating relatable characters who drive the story forward with their interactions and innocent approach to life's troubles. Jitendra Kumar, who delivers a remarkable performance in Panchayat, also shines in Kota Factory. The shows share a knack for crafting well-executed scenes and stories that revolve around seemingly insignificant events, which gain significance when placed in the context of the characters and settings.

Release date: August, 2021
IMDB Rating: 9
14 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Kota Factory

2) Chaman Bahaar

Chaman Bahaar is reminiscent of Panchayat because both movies explore the complexities of life in a small town in India. While Panchayat focuses on the journey of an engineering graduate who becomes the secretary of a village panchayat, Chaman Bahaar tells the story of a panwalla who falls in love with a schoolgirl living across his shop. Both movies capture the essence of rural life and the challenges faced by their respective protagonists. However, Chaman Bahaar takes a different approach by delving into the themes of unrequited love, jealousy, and betrayal without the two characters ever meeting. With Jitendra Kumar's versatile performance and a unique Chattisgarhi touch in the music, Chaman Bahaar offers a delightful watch that showcases the actor's talent beyond his role in Panchayat.

Release date: June, 2020
IMDB Rating: 6.9

3) Kantara

Kantara: When greed paves the way for betrayal, scheming and murder, a young tribal reluctantly dons the traditions of his ancestors to seek justice. Rarely does a movie like this come out which makes you feel you have been transported into another world. As a tuluva, this made me so proud. More than anything else, I want to thank Rishab Shetty for bringing out and showing our motherland and its rich culture to the entire world. Coming to the movie part, it was nothing less than perfect. The acting, the storytelling, the cinematography, etc., were class apart. Rishab Shetty, ereg dever edde malpad. Keep growing and keep delivering such masterpieces throughout your life. This movie should receive National award and Rishab Anna should also receive the National award for his brilliant acting.

Release date: September, 2022
IMDB Rating: 8.3

4) Disha

Disha is reminiscent of Panchayat in many ways. Both movies revolve around the theme of village life and showcase the struggles and challenges faced by the characters. While Panchayat tells the story of an engineering graduate who becomes the secretary of a village panchayat, Disha focuses on two families from a poor dry village who migrate to the city in search of work. The movies excel in capturing the essence of rural India and the contrast between village and city life. The characters in both films are portrayed with depth and authenticity, making it easy for the viewers to connect with them. The comedic elements in both movies are subtle and cleverly woven into the narrative, adding an enjoyable touch. However, the films differ in their time of release, with Panchayat being a recent series and Disha being a cinema movie from 1992. Despite the time gap, Disha remains relevant and worth watching for its wonderful storytelling, excellent performances, and raw realism.

Release date: February, 1992
IMDB Rating: 7.8

5) Oru Thekkan Thallu Case

Oru Thekkan Thallu Case is a movie that takes you on a thrilling journey in a village setting. With a mix of action, comedy, drama, and thriller genres, it presents a new landscape and keeps you engaged throughout. The base story stands out, offering new twists and turns with a touch of genuineness. While the script is not the best, it still manages to deliver good humor that fits well in the movie. The climax is particularly impressive. However, the director seems a bit confused between a realistic approach and an action thriller, which can be seen in some parts of the storytelling. Despite that, it's definitely worth a watch. Biju Menon may not be the best cast for this particular role, as he appears a bit lazy for the character, but Roshan, Nimisha, Padmapriya, and the new cast of Roshan's friends, especially the police guy, deliver good performances.

Release date: September, 2022
IMDB Rating: 6.5

6) Cousinhood

Cousinhood, also known as Primos, is a Spanish cinema movie that takes us on a journey with three cousins returning to the village where they spent their summer vacations. While it may seem unrelated at first glance, Cousinhood shares a common thread with Panchayat, the Indian comedy-drama series. Both stories explore the theme of personal growth and self-discovery in unconventional settings. Panchayat introduces us to Abhishek, an engineering graduate who finds himself as the secretary of a Panchayat office in a remote village. Similarly, in Cousinhood, the three cousins embark on a journey that leads them back to their childhood village. What sets Cousinhood apart is its blend of adventure, comedy, drama, and romance, creating a diverse and engaging narrative. The movie's quirky characters and their unique attitudes complement each other in a way that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Release date: July, 2012
IMDB Rating: 6.6

7) Monument to Michael Jackson

Monument to Michael Jackson, also known as "Spomenik Majklu Dzeksonu," is reminiscent of Panchayat in its rural setting. However, the similarities end there. While Panchayat focuses on the journey of an engineering graduate navigating the village life in Uttar Pradesh, Monument to Michael Jackson takes us on a special Balkan ride in a small Serbian village. The story revolves around a local barber who comes up with the eccentric idea of erecting a monument to Michael Jackson to attract tourists. Some locals support the idea, while others oppose it. As for the similarities, both movies fall under the genres of comedy and drama, but they approach the humor in different ways. While Panchayat relies on relatable characters and their interactions, Monument to Michael Jackson captivates with its mad idea and thought-provoking narrative.

Release date: October, 2014
IMDB Rating: 6.1

8) Jayamma Panchayathi

Jayamma Panchayathi is reminiscent of Panchayat in its portrayal of village life and the challenges faced by the protagonist. While Panchayat follows the journey of an engineering graduate who becomes the secretary of a Panchayat office in a remote village, Jayamma Panchayathi focuses on Jayamma, a protective homemaker who takes care of her family while dealing with issues in her village. Both movies offer a glimpse into the intricacies of rural life and the dynamics of a close-knit community. However, Jayamma Panchayathi takes a comedic approach with a touch of family drama, while Panchayat leans more towards comedy-drama. Despite their differences, both movies capture the essence of village life in an engaging and entertaining manner. If you enjoyed Panchayat and want to explore another movie that delves into the charm and challenges of rural India, Jayamma Panchayathi is definitely worth a watch.

Release date: May, 2022
IMDB Rating: 6.2

9) The Perfect Stranger

The Perfect Stranger is reminiscent of Panchayat in the way it explores the impact of a stranger's arrival in a small village. While Panchayat takes place in a rural village in Uttar Pradesh, The Perfect Stranger is set in a Mediterranean island. Both movies showcase the curiosity and intrigue that arise among the residents when a foreigner enters their lives. In Panchayat, Abhishek, an engineering graduate, becomes the secretary of a village panchayat, and in The Perfect Stranger, a diverse group of residents believes that the stranger is going to reopen an old shop. However, the true intentions of the stranger in The Perfect Stranger are hidden behind an old Polaroid photo. Despite their differences in setting and plot details, both movies highlight the power of imagination and the transformative effects of unexpected encounters.

Release date: March, 2012
IMDB Rating: 6

10) Where Do We Go Now?

Where Do We Go Now? is a French movie that shares some similarities with the Indian series Panchayat. Both films fall under the genres of Comedy and Drama, and both explore the dynamics of small communities facing challenges. Panchayat follows the journey of an engineering graduate who becomes the secretary of a Panchayat office in a remote Indian village. Similarly, Where Do We Go Now? tells the story of a group of Lebanese women trying to ease religious tensions between Christians and Muslims in their village. Despite the difference in setting, both movies focus on the power of community and the efforts made by ordinary people to bring about positive change. While Panchayat uses comedy to highlight the lighter side of rural life, Where Do We Go Now? takes a more whimsical approach, incorporating musical numbers and humorous elements to address a serious topic.

Release date: March, 2012
IMDB Rating: 7.4

11) Junkyard Dog

Junkyard Dog, also known as Chien de la casse, is a delightful French comedy-drama set in a small village in the south of France. Just like Panchayat, it revolves around village life and showcases the dynamics between its characters. While Panchayat takes us to a remote village in Uttar Pradesh, India, Junkyard Dog transports us to a charming French village. Both movies capture the essence of rural living and the unique experiences that come with it.
In Panchayat, we follow the journey of Abhishek, an engineering graduate who becomes the secretary of a village panchayat office. Similarly, in Junkyard Dog, we witness the conflicting friendship between Dog and Mirales, which gets turned upside down when Elsa, a young woman, enters their village. Both movies explore the theme of friendship, with Panchayat showcasing Abhishek's interactions with the villagers and Dog's friendship with Mirales being tested by Elsa's arrival.

Release date: April, 2023
IMDB Rating: 7.3

12) Dildaar

Dildaar is reminiscent of Panchayat as both movies explore the dynamics of village life in India. While Panchayat focuses on the journey of an engineering graduate who becomes the secretary of a village panchayat office, Dildaar follows the story of a man who wants to marry the daughter of the village sarpanch but is rejected due to his illiteracy. Both films have a comedic touch, highlighting the lighter side of rural life. However, they differ in their genres and runtime. Panchayat is a comedy-drama series with a runtime of 2100 seconds, while Dildaar is a cinema movie that blends action, comedy, drama, and family genres, with a longer runtime of 9900 seconds. If you enjoyed the charm and humor of Panchayat, Dildaar offers a similar rural backdrop with a different storyline and genre mix, providing an entertaining escape into the world of village life.

Release date: June, 2023
IMDB Rating: 5

13) Mr. Tree

Mr. Tree is reminiscent of Panchayat in its portrayal of village life. While Panchayat takes place in a remote village in Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Tree is set in a Chinese village. Both movies explore the comedy and drama that arise from the quirks and idiosyncrasies of village life. Panchayat follows the journey of an engineering graduate who becomes the secretary of a Panchayat office, while Mr. Tree tells the satirical tale of a village idiot who may be a prophet. Both films use humor to highlight the unique challenges and joys of living in a village. However, the similarities end there. Panchayat is a series with a runtime of 35 minutes per episode, totaling 35 episodes, while Mr. Tree is a cinema movie with a much longer runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. Additionally, Panchayat has received critical acclaim, with a rating of 8.9/10, whereas Mr.

Release date: November, 2011
IMDB Rating: 6.8

14) Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (Gaet-na-eul cha-cha-cha) is a delightful series that transports you to a close-knit seaside village, just like Panchayat did with its rural backdrop. Both shows capture the essence of community and showcase the interactions between the characters in a heartwarming way. While Panchayat takes us on the journey of an engineering graduate navigating the village life in Uttar Pradesh, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha introduces us to a big-city dentist who opens a practice in the seaside village. What makes Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha reminiscent of Panchayat is the charming jack-of-all-trades character who is the polar opposite of the dentist, just like Abhishek and the people he encounters. The chemistry between the leads in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is palpable, and the authenticity of the characters and their pasts adds depth to the story.

Release date: August, 2021
IMDB Rating: 8.4

15) Mobile Home

Mobile Home is reminiscent of Panchayat as both movies explore the theme of returning to one's hometown and rediscovering the simplicity of rural life. While Panchayat takes place in a remote village in Uttar Pradesh, Mobile Home follows Simon as he leaves his girlfriend and city life to return to his own small town. In both films, the protagonists find themselves reconnecting with old friends and embarking on a journey of self-discovery. However, their differences lie in the specific circumstances and cultural contexts. Panchayat captures the essence of rural life in India, with its unique challenges and charm, while Mobile Home portrays the countryside of Ardennes in Belgium. Both movies offer a delightful mix of comedy and drama, presenting a heartwarming narrative that reminds us of the importance of reconnecting with our roots. So, if you enjoyed Panchayat and its exploration of rural life, Mobile Home is a must-watch for its similar themes and captivating storyline.

Release date: April, 2013
IMDB Rating: 6.4

16) Walter & Tandoori's Christmas

Walter & Tandoori's Christmas is a delightful movie that takes place in the village of Hart's Landing. Just like Panchayat, it revolves around a village setting, but with a twist of animation. While Panchayat explores the life of an engineering graduate who becomes the secretary of a village panchayat, Walter & Tandoori's Christmas focuses on Walter and Tandoori's quest to save their village from an ecological disaster before Christmas. Both movies capture the essence of village life, but in different ways - Panchayat through comedy and drama, and Walter & Tandoori's Christmas through animation, comedy, drama, and family. If you loved Panchayat and want to experience the charm and humor of a village setting with a touch of animation and Christmas magic, Walter & Tandoori's Christmas is definitely worth watching.

Release date: November, 2011
IMDB Rating: 5.8

17) Signál

Signál is reminiscent of Panchayat due to its theme of rural life and the clash of urban and rural cultures. While Panchayat tells the story of an engineering graduate who becomes the secretary of a village panchayat in Uttar Pradesh, Signál follows two technicians who arrive in a small village to find the best place to install a cell phone signal station. Both movies explore the challenges and humorous situations that arise when city dwellers interact with the villagers. However, Signál takes a comedic twist by introducing a fight among the locals over the financial reward for the land where the transmitter will stand. The movie also adds an element of mystery, questioning whether the technicians are who they claim to be. Despite their differences, both movies provide an entertaining and lighthearted portrayal of life in rural areas. So if you enjoyed Panchayat, Signál offers a similar charm with its unique storyline and comedic elements.

Release date: February, 2012
IMDB Rating: 5.2

18) Bulu Film

Bulu Film takes a satirical approach to explore the consequences of the pandemic on three friends in a village who lose their jobs. In a desperate attempt to make a living, they decide to create and sell pornographic content. Similar to Panchayat, Bulu Film uses humor to address societal issues, but it takes a more daring and unconventional route. While Panchayat revolves around the journey of an engineering graduate in a rural village, Bulu Film delves into the complexities of economics, gender roles, and personal freedom. The film presents a thought-provoking contrast to Das' previous works, as it focuses on the unexpected challenges brought by the pandemic, rather than cultural or ideological conflicts. With its raw dialogues, believable characters, and perfect comic timing, Bulu Film keeps the audience engaged throughout its runtime. Although it might offend some viewers, the movie's boldness and daring nature make it a powerful piece of cinema that encourages self-reflection.

Release date: September, 2022
IMDB Rating: 8.6

19) Himmatwala

Himmatwala, released in 2013, is reminiscent of Panchayat in terms of its rural setting and village-centric storyline. However, that's where the similarities end. While Panchayat is a comedy-drama that delicately captures the life of an engineering graduate navigating the challenges of working in a remote village, Himmatwala, on the other hand, falls short in terms of its execution and comedic timing. It tells the story of a son seeking revenge for his father's dishonor, but unfortunately, it fails to deliver the same charm and relatability as Panchayat. Despite featuring renowned actors like Ajay Devgn and Tamannaah Bhatia, Himmatwala falls victim to exaggerated scenes and unfunny nuances, leaving viewers disappointed. Unlike Panchayat, which manages to strike a balance between comedy and emotional storytelling, Himmatwala lacks depth and fails to engage its audience.

Release date: March, 2013
IMDB Rating: 1.7

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