Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan has hit out at popular web series Panchayat,from The Viral Fever (TVF),for not including lower-caste and Muslim characters. In recent interview,Ghaywan said that while the series is praised for showing rural life,it misses India's caste complexities.
Ghaywan noted that Panchayat's village seems "caste-blind," big miss given show's four-season success. A portrayal without lower-caste voices skews reality of rural India. His comments have reignited debate over creators' duty to include diverse perspectives.
Talking with Yuvaa,Ghaywan praised TVF's storytelling but questioned character choices. He said most TVF shows focus on upper-caste characters,ignoring large population segments . "Creators with access to education and influence should be more conscious of the stories they choose to tell," he urged, pushing for more inclusive storytelling .
His remarks come as social hierarchies in Indian cinema and streaming content face scrutiny. Ghaywan suggested older filmmakers may have overlooked these issues,but newer creators must tackle them head-on. Realism in fiction should reflect social dynamics shaping daily life in India.
As online discussions heat up,viewers debate whether a show like Panchayat can stay authentic without addressing caste's impact on rural life. Ghaywan's critique has sparked wider talk about representation in Indian media,especially given series' popularity.
Meanwhile,Ghaywan's making waves with latest film Homebound,starring Ishaan Khatter,Vishal Jethwa,and Janhvi Kapoor. It recently won Best Picture and Best Film Writing at Chetak SCREEN Awards,boosting his call for diverse storytelling .
As Panchayat grabs viewers,Ghaywan's critique is a reminder of need for inclusivity in narratives aiming to capture Indian society's complexities…
