Panchayati

The Story 📝

Panchayati is a story about self-respect, independence, and the power of choice. Set in a small Indian village where traditions and community verdicts often carry more weight than written laws. The story revolves around Shankar, a humble cycle-rickshaw driver, and his wife Phoolmati, who decide to separate after years of marriage. Their separation is taken to the village council, which steps in to deliver what it believes is a fair and protective decision.

The council orders Shankar to pay monthly alimony to Phoolmati so she does not have to depend on others. The village sees this as an act of justice and relief for a “helpless” woman.

But Phoolmati refuses. She questions why society assumes she cannot earn for herself. She rejects living on money given out of obligation by a man she has emotionally separated from. In a moment of quiet courage, she chooses dignity over dependency and walks away from the council.

The Director – Ujjwal Pandey 🎬

A Bhojpuri Filmmaker who believes in honest, grounded storytelling rooted in real social spaces. 

His work focuses on:

• Character-driven narratives
• Emotional restraint over melodrama
• Authentic representation of rural India

With Panchayati, Ujjwal brings forward a story that does not shout or preach, but stays with the audience through its simplicity and truth. His direction allows the characters and their choices to speak louder than any message.

Why this film matters and why you should support it 🫶🏼

-Panchayati challenges deep-rooted social assumptions about women, dependency, and dignity. It presents empowerment not as rebellion, but as self-belief. 

-The film gives voice to rural women rarely represented with agency and complexity

-It is culturally rooted, yet emotionally universal. 

-Supporting Panchayati means supporting cinema that reflects society honestly and responsibly, without exaggeration or compromise.

Financial Model 🏦

The total project budget: ₹10.9 lakh (~USD 13,130).

To raise this amount, the project is divided into 11,403 MPC units, each priced at ₹95.59. Supporters can purchase one or more MPCs, effectively becoming part of the film’s ownership ecosystem.

In essence, Panchayati is funded not by a single studio or investor, but by a community that believes in meaningful cinema and shares in its success. It reminds us that dignity cannot be granted by others, it must be claimed. And sometimes, the bravest act is simply saying no.