‘Sivarapalli’ web series review: This Telugu remake of ‘Panchayat’ is uplifted by solid performances

While remakes are commonplace in feature films, the concept of targeting hyper-local markets using already successful material is gaining traction in the OTT space as well. The digital medium has thrived on the idea of ‘overcoming the two-inch barrier’ (subtitles), allowing stories to transcend language barriers. Yet, platforms continue to commission near frame-by-frame adaptations to attract a new set of viewers.

Over the years, villages have served as backdrops for various genres, ranging from political sagas to dramas, comedies, thrillers, action-packed entertainers, and romances. Amazon Prime Video’s eight-episode series Sivarapalli, a remake of TVF’s hit show Panchayat, takes a middle path, exploring the familiar terrain of rural drama through the perspective of an urban youngster.

Shyam Prasad (Rag Mayur) is an average, somewhat aimless Telugu youth who, by a stroke of luck, secures a government job as a panchayat secretary in the picturesque village of Sivarapalli. Hoping to clear the GMAT and move to the United States in the near future, he reluctantly accepts the role and begins his journey in an unfamiliar environment. Gradually, the village and its way of life grow on him, albeit not without a fair share of challenges along the way.

For the unversed, the show offers a light-hearted and quirky glimpse into the power dynamics and mundane routines of a fictional village. As is typical in a conventional Telugu rural drama, it steers clear of caste, religion, and political realities. Its primary aim is to explore the protagonist’s uncertainties while reflecting the essence of the region through a selection of ‘inoffensive’ issues.

A few days into his new role, Shyam finds himself in trouble for organising a government campaign with the slogan, “One who does not educate a girl child is a donkey.” He later reprimands a teacher for smoking ganja and spreading rumours about a haunted tree. Shyam also encourages the sarpanch, Suseela (Roopa Laxmi), to become literate and assists her in confidently reciting the National Anthem ahead of Republic Day.

The unlikeliest of issues cause a ruckus for Shyam — leaving him amused, bewildered, and often at a loss. The village is portrayed without romanticising or undermining its essence, striking a balance that feels refreshing and understated, especially for Telugu audiences. Free from exaggerated drama or intense emotions, the situational humour and conversational dialogues, laced with sarcasm, ensure the show moves along smoothly.

However, the resolution of social issues in the story feels overly sanitised and sugarcoated, carefully crafted not to offend anyone. The heart of the show lies in the bittersweet camaraderie between Shyam, Mitta Sudhakar (the sarpanch’s husband, played by Muralidhar Goud), and their colleagues. They stand up for one another, navigate their mood swings, and come together over drinks in the evening to momentarily forget their everyday struggles.

For those familiar with Panchayat, the Telugu remake may feel overly conscious of preserving the ‘feel-good’ essence of the original. Director Bhaskhar Maurya, known for the Telugu indie Muthayya, delivers a textbook remake in his OTT debut but hesitates to experiment or offer a fresh perspective.

While fiction often serves as an escapist cushion from reality, the absence of a strong local flavour here detracts from the show’s potential impact. Sivarapalli could have been an opportunity to explore the hinterlands of Telangana with a new lens while retaining the laidback charm of Panchayat.

What truly elevates this remake is its impeccable casting and stellar performances. Rag Mayur shines as the city boy navigating life in a sleepy village, delivering a restrained yet captivating performance. His playful on-screen chemistry with Uday Gurrala, Muralidhar Goud, and Sunny Palle breathes life into many scenes, making Sivarapalli enjoyable despite its safe approach.

Muralidhar Goud continues to excel in elderly roles, effortlessly delivering rustic Telangana slang while maintaining raw spontaneity in his performances. Roopa Laxmi, known for her work in Balagam, shines in a well-deserved full-fledged role. The visuals, captured beautifully by Vasu Pendem, bring to life the muddy lanes, lush greenery, and cramped office spaces, while Sinjith Yerramilli’s gentle yet cheerful score adds a compelling layer to the narrative.

Sivarapalli is an easy watch that, with greater ambition, could have been much more. Like Panchayat’s Tamil remake, Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam, its Telugu counterpart succeeds as a faithful adaptation, elevated by a strong cast and polished execution.

(Sivarapalli is streaming on Amazon Prime Video)