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P Sheshadri Serves Up Another Political Satire with ‘Panchayati’
In a remarkable display of productivity, filmmaker P Sheshadri has managed to complete two films within a year, a notable feat in the Indian film industry. His latest venture, Panchayati, was wrapped up in October 2026, following the completion of Ruby Cube in October 2025. This rapid turnaround has drawn attention within the Kannada film sector, signaling a significant moment for Sheshadri, whose reputation in contemporary Kannada parallel cinema continues to grow.
Film Festival Screenings
Ruby Cube had its screening at the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFES) in 2026, and Sheshadri plans for Panchayati to grace theater screens in December 2026. While celebrating the completion of his works, Sheshadri is hopeful about Ruby Cube, which has been selected for screening at the Indian Film Festival in Kazan, in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. This festival seeks to provide a platform for Indian cinema and strengthen cultural ties between India and Russia.
“Ruby Cube is a reflection on memory, love, and dignity, examining how families reshape themselves in the face of time’s erasure of the past,” Sheshadri stated in an interview with The Hindu before his departure for Kazan.
Exploring Social Themes
After the release of Mohanadas in 2021, which was inspired by Bolwar Mahammad Kunhi’s work and Mahatma Gandhi’s writings, Sheshadri took a five-year hiatus before returning with Ruby Cube. With a culmination of nine National Film Awards for his works, he has consistently focused on socially relevant themes throughout his 25-year career. His thirteenth film, Ruby Cube, addresses the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and the strains on human relationships during an era marked by rising divorce rates. The narrative draws from a short story written by his son, Pratham Sheshadri, who is a multifaceted artist and digital content creator.
“The film examines the complexities of relationships and the gradual journey towards acceptance. The Rubik’s Cube serves as a powerful metaphor; much like life, it can seem impossible to align its pieces, but through patience, empathy, and persistent effort, harmony can be achieved,” Sheshadri explained.
In Kazan, Sheshadri is also participating in a discussion titled “Filming the Future: Opportunities in Indian and Russian Films,” as part of the Time: Tatarstan Initiative for Mutual Efficiency, a business forum aimed at enhancing relations between the two nations.
Panchayati: A Reflection of Political Dynamics
Turning his sights onto Panchayati, Sheshadri delves into the socio-political landscape through the lens of grassroots narratives centered on village governance. Distinguishing it from the popular Hindi web series Panchayat, he emphasizes the intricate realities surrounding the ostensibly non-partisan gram panchayat elections in Karnataka.
“Though legally these elections are conducted without party affiliation, the surface-level non-partisan veneer belies the political support that major parties provide to candidates,” Sheshadri remarked. He notes that it is common in rural Karnataka for family members to affiliate with different political parties, a calculated strategy to maintain influence regardless of which party secures electoral victory. This approach ensures access to local governance and resources.
Sheshadri further explores how women’s reservation laws impact local elections, contributing to evolving political dynamics that transcend traditional caste-based alignments. The release of Panchayati coincides with Karnataka’s overdue panchayat elections, making its thematic engagement particularly timely.
Creative Origins
When asked about the timing of the film’s release in relation to the upcoming elections, Sheshadri clarified that the project stemmed from an idea he had been nurturing for years. “I have long contemplated how to translate a short story by Aravinda Mitra into a cinematic format. My goal was to reflect the broader political climate in India, where issues of money, caste, and the pursuit of power shape electoral outcomes. Beyond just politics, I aim to pose a fundamental question concerning the moral compass of everyday individuals,” he explained.
Continuing the Tradition of Social Commentary
With Panchayati, P Sheshadri continues his exploration of social and political realities in contemporary India, focusing on how village governance mirrors the intersection of democratic institutions, familial relationships, social identities, and the relentless quest for power. The film promises to be a thought-provoking commentary on the intricate dynamics that define Andhra Pradesh’s rural political landscape.
