‘Criminal Justice: A Family Matter’ Review: Pankaj Tripathi’s Madhav Mishra Shines in a Twisty, Emotional Courtroom Saga

As the opening notes of Criminal Justice: A Family Matter hit the screen on JioHotstar on May 29, 2025, I settled in, ready for another round with Advocate Madhav Mishra, the unassuming lawyer who’s become a household name. Pankaj Tripathi’s portrayal of this small-town legal eagle has been the beating heart of Criminal Justice since its debut in 2019, and Season 4, subtitled A Family Matter, proves why he’s the glue holding this franchise together. Directed by Rohan Sippy and produced by Applause Entertainment in association with BBC Studios, this eight-episode legal thriller delivers a potent mix of suspense, moral dilemmas, and Tripathi’s signature charm—though it doesn’t always escape the weight of its own ambitions.

A Complex Case with High Stakes
Season 4 thrusts Madhav Mishra into his most intricate case yet: a high-profile murder mystery involving Dr. Raj Nagpal (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub), a Mumbai-based doctor accused of killing his girlfriend, Roshni Saluja (Asha Negi). The trailer promised “one murder, two accused, and three truths,” and the show delivers on that intrigue. Raj’s wife, Anju Nagpal (Surveen Chawla), seeks Madhav’s help to prove her husband’s innocence, but as the case unravels, secrets, lies, and emotional landmines pile up. The narrative, penned by Harman Wadala, Sandeep Jain, and others, weaves a web of domestic abuse, betrayal, and moral ambiguity, keeping you guessing until the final twist.
What makes this season stand out is its focus on family dynamics—hence the subtitle. The case isn’t just a legal battle; it’s a deeply personal one, with subplots exploring Madhav’s relationship with his wife, Ratna (Khushboo Atre), and the tensions within the Nagpal family. The show’s tagline, “A Family Matter,” is no gimmick; it underscores how personal ties complicate justice. As one X user put it, “Madhav Mishra is back, and this time it’s personal. The family angle hits hard!”

Pankaj Tripathi: The Soul of the Series
Pankaj Tripathi as Madhav Mishra is, simply put, a national treasure. His “humblespeak,” as News18 aptly called it, blends wit, empathy, and razor-sharp intellect, making Madhav both relatable and heroic. This season, Madhav is tempted by a cushy corporate law job, only to realize his true calling lies in the gritty, chaotic world of defending the underdog. Tripathi’s performance is a masterclass—whether he’s sipping chai while unraveling a clue or delivering a quiet, devastating line in court. “Har case mein ek crack hota hai, Mishra ji wahi se shuru karte hain,” JioHotstar’s Instagram caption reads, and Tripathi proves it with every scene.

Fans on X have been vocal about his return, with one calling him “the people’s lawyer, our courtroom hero.” Tripathi himself described the role as a “homecoming,” telling Hindustan Times, “Every time I return as Madhav Mishra, it’s like reuniting with an old friend who still has something new to teach me.” His ability to make Madhav’s quirks—his unpolished demeanor, his knack for finding the “crack” in a case—feel fresh after four seasons is nothing short of remarkable.

A Stellar Ensemble, with Surveen Chawla Stealing the Show
The supporting cast is a powerhouse. Surveen Chawla’s Anju Nagpal is a revelation, balancing fierce determination with quiet vulnerability as she fights for justice. News18 rightly notes that she “wins this trial,” her performance adding emotional heft to the season’s twists. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub as Raj Nagpal is compelling, portraying a man caught between guilt and desperation, while Asha Negi’s Roshni adds layers to the victim’s story. Shweta Basu Prasad, Mita Vashisht, and Barkha Singh round out the ensemble, though some subplots, like Barkha’s character arc, feel underdeveloped, as News18 pointed out. Khushboo Atre as Ratna Mishra brings warmth and subtle ambition, though her storyline occasionally feels like an afterthought.

Strengths and Stumbles
The writing, led by Harman Wadala and team, is sharp, with enough red herrings and twists to keep you hooked. The courtroom scenes crackle with tension, and the show’s exploration of class bias and justice system flaws adds depth, even if it’s not as nuanced as hoped. Scroll.in noted a “subtle class bias” creeping into Madhav’s rise to high-profile cases, which sometimes overshadows larger questions of justice. The season’s emotional core—family and loyalty—resonates, but the pacing falters. Fans on X expressed frustration that only three episodes dropped initially, with new ones releasing every Thursday, disrupting the binge-watch experience.

Visually, the show is crisp, with Rohan Sippy’s direction balancing gritty realism and dramatic flair. The Mumbai setting, from bustling streets to sterile courtrooms, feels alive. The score complements the tension without overpowering it, though it lacks the memorable punch of, say, Thudarum’s Jakes Bejoy soundtrack.

A Worthy Addition, But Not Flawless
Criminal Justice: A Family Matter is a binge-worthy thriller that lives up to the franchise’s legacy, thanks to Pankaj Tripathi’s magnetic performance and a twisty plot. It’s not perfect—the slow start and occasional reliance on familiar tropes keep it from surpassing Season 1’s brilliance. Yet, as ET Now put it, it “soars” past expectations, proving the series can stay fresh. Tripathi humorously told Times of India that the show has “improved his bank balance,” calling the industry a “milking cow,” but it’s clear his heart is in Madhav’s shoes.

For fans, this is a must-watch. For newcomers, it’s an accessible entry point, though starting with Season 1 might help. Stream it on JioHotstar, and brace for a case that’s as much about the heart as it is about the law. As Madhav might say, there’s a crack in every case—and this season finds plenty to keep you glued.
Rating: 3.8/5
A gripping, emotional ride anchored by Pankaj Tripathi’s brilliance, Criminal Justice: A Family Matter