'Criminal Justice - A Family Matter' Review, Pankaj Tripathi Is Back With His Unshakable Presence

Criminal Justice is back with its season four, titled A Family Matter, and 'Madhav Mishra' essayed by Pankaj Tripathi, is yet again prepared to take on a challenging case involving a passionate love affair that ends in murder. While the fans are once again prepared to tighten their seatbelts as the high-stakes courtroom drama unfolds and 'Madhav' faces two fierce legal opponents, let's see if the show is able to keep its fun-loving streak. 

Criminal Justice - A Family Matter review 

'Madhav Mishra' has taken on yet another case with his trademark wit and empathy. Pankaj Tripathi has delivered tremendous performances in the series, one after the other, and this season further reaffirmed that. The franchise has cracked the formula for keeping the audience glued to their screens, which is further anchored by Pankaj's unshakable presence. While the series has the same core, it also keeps a fresh feel by taking some new thematic detours into familial trauma, mental health, and the complexity of truth.

The eight-episode series delivers an engaging courtroom drama. Despite the flaws in some areas, the series provides enjoyment. The tragic death of 'Roshini Saluja' aka, Asha Negi, when found in the blood-soaked arms of 'Dr. Raj Nagpal' essayed by Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, things were meant to take a dramatic turn. In the series, 'Roshini' plays the role of 'Raj's' daughter, 'Ira's' caretaker, a child with Asperer's syndrome, and eventually 'Raj's' lover. While his ex-wife, 'Anju', is sure of 'Raj's' innocence, she has no other option but to turn to the esteemed lawyer, 'Madhav Mishra'.

'Dr. Raj Nagpal's' complex character

There after the story is further divided into two narratives. While one explores 'Raj's' complex personal relationships, the other takes us into the realities of raising a neurodivergent child. The story plays an interesting yet emotional backdrop to the heinous crime and the legal trial. However, even though the narrative occasionally loses momentum, the acting skills of the ace cast make up for the same.

The stellar cast provides a massive advantage to the season

We have already seen Pankaj Tripathi as an ace contributor to the series, and once again, he remains the biggest asset to the franchise. His portrayal of 'Madhav Mishra' is sharp, empathetic and laced with subtle humour. Pankaj is well aware of his strengths and yet again adds life into courtroom procedures that might otherwise feel dry. His chemistry with his assistants, Barkha Singh and Aatm Prakash Mishra, further added warmth to the grim proceedings. 

Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub performed well as a man stuck between his own guilt, grief, and injustice. However, it was Surveen Chawla who blows us over in emotionally heavy scenes in her role as 'Anju'. Khushi Bhardwaj's portrayal of 'Ira' is convincing and brings authenticity to her portrayal of a child on the autism spectrum. However, Asha Negi's character, 'Roshini', is let down when it comes to her romantic progression.

Criminal Justice - A Family Matter final verdict

The series continues with its slow burn, allowing the viewers to absorb the emotional weight behind every choice. While the final episode remains filled with tension, it might not be the most suspenseful season in the franchise. However, the steadiness, reflection on justice and the pain of the unspoken wounds add an element of emotional depth. Produced by Applause Entertainment in association with BBC Studios India and Directed by Rohan Sippy, Criminal Justice season 4 now streaming on JioHotstar.

What are your thoughts on Criminal Justice - A Family Matter? Let us know.

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