Criminal Justice A Family Matter Review – Pankaj Tripathi’s Courtroom Comeback Delivers Intense Legal Drama with a Human Touch

1. A Familiar Face in a Fresh Case

Pankaj Tripathi returns as Advocate Madhav Mishra in the fourth installment of the acclaimed Criminal Justice franchise. Directed by Rohan Sippy and streaming on JioHotstar since 29 May 2025, the series delves into the murder of nurse Roshni Saluja—a case that shakes a seemingly perfect family to its core.

2. Storyline and Suspense with Emotional Depth

The plot kicks off when Dr. Raj Nagpal is discovered cradling Roshni’s body after his daughter’s birthday. What unfolds is more than a murder trial—it’s a tangled web of family secrets, lies, and emotional scars. As Madhav unravels clues in the courtroom, viewers are taken on a slow-burning but emotionally powerful legal journey.

3. Standout Performances

Pankaj Tripathi: His portrayal of Madhav Mishra remains grounded, blending wit with deep empathy. Critics have hailed him as the heart of the series.

Surveen Chawla as Anju Nagpal: Brought insight and energy to intense courtroom exchanges and praised Tripathi as a walking, talking school of cinema.

Khushi Bharadwaj as Ira Nagpal: Her portrayal of a teenager on the autism spectrum earned praise for sensitivity and awareness.

Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Asha Negi provide compelling tension as the grieving suspects.

4. Direction and Technical Craft

Rohan Sippy delivers steady pacing and tight scripting. While not as fast-paced as earlier seasons, it excels at emotional resonance and realistic courtroom drama. Production values and cinematography remain polished and immersive.

5. Audience Reactions

The series built anticipation with just three episodes released on launch, prompting some viewer frustration. But the finale, aired 3 July 2025, stunned audiences with a surprising twist and a well-received emotional climax.

Fans on social media shared reactions like:
What an unexpected ending… best among all the seasons… I am still awake, crying too.

6. What Works and What Doesn’t

Strengths

  • Deep, emotionally rich character arcs

  • Superb performances, especially by Tripathi and Bharadwaj

  • A courtroom climax that genuinely surprises

Weaknesses

  • Slower pace compared to earlier seasons

  • Some narrative beats criticised for flat execution

  • Weekly episode drops tested impatient fans

7. Final Verdict

Criminal Justice A Family Matter is a strong, character-driven legal drama that emphasizes emotional truth over spectacle. Pankaj Tripathi’s nuanced performance anchors a mature and thought-provoking narrative. While its deliberate pacing may not satisfy viewers expecting nonstop thrills, the payoff—a dramatic courtroom resolution and emotional resonance—is well worth the wait.

Rating 4 out of 5
Recommended For Fans of serious legal dramas, character-focused stories, and Pankaj Tripathi’s trademark authenticity.