The much-anticipated Season 4 of ‘Criminal Justice’, titled A Family Matter, is now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, and as expected, it is Pankaj Tripathi’s magnetic presence as lawyer Madhav Mishra that carries the show on its shoulders. Directed by Rohan Sippy, the latest season dives deep into a complex case involving a juvenile accused of murdering his step-sister, wrapped in layers of family tension, class divide, and emotional trauma.
In This Article:
Plot Overview – A Family Torn Apart
The story revolves around Zara Ahuja, a teenage celebrity, who is found dead, and her stepbrother Mukul Ahuja becomes the prime suspect. Surveen Chawla plays Avantika Ahuja, the distraught mother fighting for her son’s innocence. As the case unfolds, Madhav Mishra’s defense strategy reveals deeper cracks within the Ahuja family and the justice system itself.
Performances – What Works and What Doesn’t
What works:
- Pankaj Tripathi brings his signature charm, wit, and depth to Madhav Mishra. His courtroom monologues, emotional restraint, and occasional humor elevate the show.
- Surveen Chawla delivers a power-packed performance as a mother navigating grief and injustice.
- Swastika Mukherjee, as Zara’s manager, and other supporting cast members play their parts convincingly.
What falls short:
- Some secondary characters are underdeveloped.
- The narrative occasionally becomes predictable.
- Pacing issues emerge, especially in the first two episodes.
Only Three Episodes? Fans Left Wanting More
The biggest complaint from fans on Twitter and social media is the limited number of episodes. With just three episodes released so far, the storytelling feels abrupt and incomplete. Many viewers expressed frustration, saying the plot had just begun to build when it suddenly paused.
Direction & Writing – A Mixed Bag
Rohan Sippy’s direction ensures a visually polished and thematically rich experience, but the script lacks the depth of previous seasons. While Season 1 and Season 2 balanced courtroom tension with psychological insight, Season 4 sometimes oversimplifies its emotional arcs.
Still, the series excels in showing the cracks in India’s juvenile justice system, the pressures on celebrity families, and the clash between public image and private reality.
Key Highlights
- Genre: Legal drama / crime thriller
- Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
- Episodes released: 3 (as of now)
- Director: Rohan Sippy
- Cast: Pankaj Tripathi, Surveen Chawla, Swastika Mukherjee, Gaurav Gera
- Language: Hindi
Final Verdict – Worth the Watch, But Be Patient
‘Criminal Justice: A Family Matter’ holds your attention with its emotional undercurrents and courtroom drama, but leaves viewers hanging due to the abrupt halt in episodes. It’s a solid yet incomplete offering that relies heavily on Pankaj Tripathi’s brilliance. With more episodes likely to be released in a staggered format, fans will need to stay tuned for the full story.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 for performances, 3/5 for pacing)
By – Nikita