The highly anticipated Criminal Justice Season 4: A Family Matter has finally been released on JioHotstar on May 29, but viewers aren’t too pleased. Although the comeback of the favorite Madhav Mishra, acted by Pankaj Tripathi, was greeted with enthusiasm, dismay soon arrived when fans discovered that there were merely three episodes. Most of them went to X (formerly Twitter) to complain, reasoning that the weekly release of episodes is not fair to devoted viewers.
One of the viewers nicely captured the mood: “Waited a year for this, only to get three episodes? This is NOT how you treat loyal viewers!” Apart from the furore over the release of the episodes, the program itself appears to have hit the right note among lovers of mystery.
A Well-Spiced Thriller With a Murder at Its Core
Different from its predecessors, Criminal Justice 4 presents a high-profile murder case against a prominent man, Dr. Raj Nagpal (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub). When his mistress, Roshni Saluja (Asha Negi), is discovered dead, suspicion is quickly on Raj. His estranged wife, Anju (Surveen Chawla), is also caught up in the case, resulting in an engaging courtroom drama.
The eight-episode format strips away layers of lies as the defense and prosecution fight it out. The mystery is slowly built, and viewers are encouraged to second-guess their own conclusions, thanks to the direction of Rohan Sippy.
Madhav Mishra: The "Aam Aadmi" Lawyer with a Surprise
A highlight of the series is undoubtedly Pankaj Tripathi’s Madhav Mishra. His signature desi charm, straightforward approach, and subtle humor make him an engaging presence. However, this season pushes his character into unfamiliar terrain—a swanky corporate law job that doesn’t quite suit his “common man” persona.
Madhav is pressured to drop the case, warned that defending Raj Nagpal might make his aam aadmi image turn into something more “celebrity-like.” This subtle reference to Tripathi’s career adds an interesting meta-layer to his performance.
While Madhav emerges victorious in the case, the true genius of the show is the unexpected twist towards the end. Clues are planted throughout the episodes, but only sharp viewers will be able to put them together before the reveal.
Surveen Chawla Steals the Spotlight
While Tripathi has audiences swooning, it’s Surveen Chawla who comes as the scene-stealer in this show. Her character Anju—a woman torn between privilege, secrecy, and suspicion—is richly nuanced and engaging. Whether sophisticated or unraveling at the seams, Surveen gives a performance that is underrated at best.
Another one to watch is Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub as Dr. Raj Nagpal. His breakdown in front of his on-screen daughter gives his character an added layer, making him hard to label as innocent or guilty.
Where Criminal Justice 4 Falls Short
While the main mystery keeps viewers engaged, the additional subplots don’t always add value. For instance, Barkha Singh’s character and her mother’s presence as a defense attorney feel more like filler than an integral part of the storyline.
Similarly, Superintendent Gauri’s subplot—investigating the case alongside her ex-husband—feels like a missed opportunity. Though intriguing, it fails to contribute significantly to the main murder mystery.
In spite of these minor defects, the series is captivating and presents a rewarding binge-watching experience.
Verdict: Worth Watching?
Although Criminal Justice Season 4 doesn’t break new ground in the thriller genre, it acquires a distinction for presenting a well-crafted, well-written murder mystery. Natural charm of Pankaj Tripathi, Surveen Chawla’s air of mystery, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub’s restrained performance make it a worth-watching series.
If you like courtroom dramas with shocking turns, this season will not disappoint. Just be ready to wait for each episode—the justice shall be served every Thursday.
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