Faisal Malik, beloved for his portrayal of Prahlad Pandey in Amazon Prime Video’s hit series Panchayat, recently shared candid insights about the upcoming Season 5 and his struggles in the entertainment industry. The actor revealed that despite the show’s massive success, opportunities don’t always come knocking.
His honest reflections offer a rare glimpse into the challenges actors face, even after being part of one of India’s most-watched OTT series.
Panchayat Season 5: What We Know
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Status | Script being written |
| Shoot Timeline | Expected late 2025 or early 2026 |
| Release Window | Mid-2026 (tentative) |
| Post-Production | 1-1.5 years after shoot completion |
| Platform | Amazon Prime Video |
| Season 4 Release | June 24, 2025 |
| Confirmed By | Prime Video & TVF (July 2025) |
The “Scientist Takes a Year” Process
When asked about Season 5, Faisal revealed that shooting hasn’t begun yet and the team is currently developing the script. He explained that the writers take approximately a year to craft the script, stating: “Abhi toh shooting hoga. Shooting ke baad hi samajh lijiye, 1-1.5 saal. Abhi toh likh rahe hain kamre mein baith ke. Scientist ek saal ke baad hi script dete hain.”
This translates to: “The shooting is yet to happen. Once it’s done, it’ll take around one to one and a half years. They’re currently writing the script behind closed doors. The scientist takes a year to come up with a script.”
Faisal added that filming will happen next year, but the release ultimately depends on Amazon Prime Video’s schedule.
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The Harsh Reality: “I Don’t Have Choices”
Despite Panchayat’s phenomenal success—Season 4 became the most-watched season globally—Faisal Malik’s admission about his career challenges struck a chord with many.
When asked about transitioning from small-budget to bigger projects, Faisal candidly stated: “Mujhe toh kabhi budget ka iss tarah ka soch kabhi raha nahi. In acting, jaha pe main hoon abhi, waha pe meri choice nahin hain. Koi choose karega tabhi main waha tak pohunch sakta hun. Abhi mere life main yeh duniya aayi nahin hain ke main choose karu kya karna hain.”
Translation: “I have never thought about budgets. In acting, where I am right now, I don’t have choices. Someone else has to choose me, only then can I reach there. That world hasn’t come into my life yet where I can choose what to do.”
This honest admission highlights the industry’s reality—even actors from blockbuster shows often struggle for consistent work.
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Panchayat’s Phenomenal Journey
Panchayat premiered on April 3, 2020, and received critical acclaim for its writing, performances, and portrayal of rural life. The series has released four seasons as of June 2025.
Season 4, released on June 24, 2025, proved to be the most-watched season of the series so far, trending in the top 10 lists across more than 180 countries in its first week.
The show follows Jitendra Kumar as Abhishek Tripathi, an engineering graduate who becomes secretary of a gram panchayat in the fictional village of Phulera, Uttar Pradesh.
The Cast Returning for Season 5
The ensemble cast—including Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Chandan Roy, Faisal Malik, and Sanvikaa—is expected to return in the new season. The series is written by Chandan Kumar and directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra, under The Viral Fever (TVF) banner.
Season 4’s cliffhanger ending left fans eager for resolution, particularly regarding Abhishek’s fate and the political upheaval in Phulera.
Faisal’s Recent Work
Faisal Malik was last seen in Thamma, alongside Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, where he played a significant role.
Born on February 18, 1980, Faisal hails from Prayagraj and has worked as an assistant director, promo producer, reality show producer, and line producer before gaining fame as Prahlad in Panchayat.
His journey from behind-the-scenes work to becoming one of India’s most recognized character actors is truly inspiring.
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Payment Structure Reality
In a previous interview, Faisal revealed that payments for Panchayat follow a corporate structure, divided into five segments: signing, start of shoot, middle of shoot, end of shoot, end of dubbing, and post-release. This process takes over a year, meaning actors don’t receive their final payment until after the show releases.
According to reports, Faisal charges approximately ₹20,000 per episode, significantly less than lead actor Jitendra Kumar’s ₹70,000 per episode.
Why Season 5 Will Take Time
The timeline Faisal outlined follows a careful, quality-focused approach:
- Script Writing: Currently underway (1 year process)
- Shooting: Expected late 2025/early 2026
- Post-Production: 1-1.5 years
- Release: Mid-2026 (dependent on Prime Video)
Director Deepak Kumar Mishra has previously revealed plans for at least two more seasons beyond Season 4, indicating the creators have a clear vision for Phulera’s future.
What to Expect in Season 5
While plot details remain under wraps, Season 4’s ending set up several storylines:
- Kranti Devi’s tenure as the new Pradhan
- Abhishek’s evolving relationship with Rinki
- Political tensions in Phulera
- The return of former MLA Chandrakishore Singh
The show’s signature blend of humor, realism, and heartfelt storytelling will undoubtedly continue.
Streaming Panchayat
All four seasons of Panchayat are currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. For those new to the series or wanting a refresher before Season 5, now’s the perfect time to binge-watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will Panchayat Season 5 start shooting?
According to Faisal Malik’s exclusive interview, Panchayat Season 5 shooting is expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026. The writing team is currently developing the script, a process that takes approximately one year. After shooting wraps, post-production will require another 1-1.5 years, meaning the season will likely premiere on Amazon Prime Video around mid-2026.
Q: Why does Faisal Malik say he doesn’t have career choices despite Panchayat’s success?
Despite being part of one of India’s most successful OTT shows, Faisal Malik candidly revealed that he doesn’t have the luxury of choosing projects. He explained that actors at his level must wait to be chosen by filmmakers rather than selecting roles themselves. This honest admission highlights the harsh reality of the entertainment industry, where even actors from blockbuster series often struggle for consistent work and recognition beyond their breakthrough roles.
