The much-anticipated fourth season of Criminal Justice, titled A Family Matter, premiered on JioHotstar on May 29, 2025, bringing back Pankaj Tripathi as the beloved lawyer Madhav Mishra. This Indian legal drama, a Hindi adaptation of the 2008 British series, has carved a niche for itself with its intense courtroom battles and deep dives into the moral complexities of the justice system. However, while Season 4 continues to deliver suspense and stellar performances, it stumbles with pacing issues and a controversial release strategy, leaving fans both intrigued and frustrated.
The season centers on a chilling murder case involving Dr. Raj Nagpal (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub), a celebrated doctor found holding the body of nurse Roshni Saluja (Asha Negi) after his daughter Ira’s (Khushi Bharadwaj) birthday party. Raj’s estranged wife, Anju (Surveen Chawla), turns to Madhav Mishra to defend him, unraveling a web of family secrets, hidden motives, and buried truths. Directed by Rohan Sippy and produced by Applause Entertainment in collaboration with BBC Studios India, the storyline explores the fragile boundaries between justice, truth, and family loyalty. Each episode peels back layers of deception, with courtroom clashes revealing that not everyone is who they seem.
Pankaj Tripathi remains the heart of the series, reprising his role as Madhav Mishra with the same wit and empathy that have made the character a fan favorite. His ability to navigate complex cases with a blend of desi charm and legal acumen continues to shine, earning widespread praise. Surveen Chawla delivers a standout performance as Anju, bringing emotional depth to a woman torn between her family’s past and the pursuit of truth. However, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub’s portrayal of Raj has drawn mixed reactions—some viewers find his performance lacking the gravitas needed for a character in such a high-stakes scenario, with his emotional delivery feeling inconsistent.
The supporting cast, including Khushboo Atre as Madhav’s wife Ratna, Barkha Singh as Shivani Mathur, and Shweta Basu Prasad, adds familiarity to the narrative. Yet, critics have noted that some characters, like Ratna, feel underutilized, with scenes that seem stretched to fill the 40-minute episodes. The introduction of a corporate law firm tempting Madhav with a big car and plush chambers adds an interesting layer to his character arc, raising questions about whether he’ll abandon his grounded principles for corporate allure. However, this subplot, while promising, feels underdeveloped in the initial episodes.
The series excels in its courtroom drama, delivering tense sequences that keep viewers on edge. The slow-burn intensity and realistic portrayal of legal proceedings remain a strength, with each episode ending on a cliffhanger that compels you to keep watching. The exploration of societal issues—like dysfunctional family dynamics and the emotional toll of legal battles—adds depth, making Criminal Justice more than just a crime thriller. However, the narrative isn’t without flaws. The pacing in the first three episodes feels uneven, with some scenes dragging unnecessarily, causing viewers’ attention to waver. Additionally, the plot has been criticized for melodrama, with certain performances and story elements feeling overly theatrical rather than grounded, a departure from the series’ earlier, more nuanced approach.
A significant point of contention is JioHotstar’s release strategy. Only three episodes were made available initially, with new episodes dropping every Thursday. This decision has sparked outrage among fans, who argue that a suspense thriller loses its momentum with such a staggered release. Social media platforms like X are filled with complaints about the “episodic torture,” with viewers lamenting the difficulty of maintaining engagement over weeks. Many have expressed that the weekly releases dilute the tension and make it hard to recall crucial plot points, a sentiment echoed in reviews calling for a binge-watch model more suited to the genre.
Despite these shortcomings, Criminal Justice: A Family Matter retains the core elements that have made the series a hit. Its ability to return for a fourth season and still captivate audiences is commendable, especially in a crowded digital content space. While the initial episodes don’t match the intensity of earlier seasons, the promise of upcoming twists and Tripathi’s reliable performance keep hope alive for a stronger second half. For now, fans may need to temper their expectations—or wait for all episodes to drop before diving in.
