The courtroom is back in session, and so is Madhav Mishra. In ‘Criminal Justice: A Family Drama’, the fourth gripping chapter of JioHotstar’s hit franchise, Pankaj Tripathi once again dons the lawyer’s robe to unravel a case where the stakes are deeply personal and dangerously high. With Surveen Chawla and Mohammed Zeeshan delivering powerful performances alongside Tripathi, this season dives headfirst into a web of secrets, betrayals, and emotional turmoil. True to its legacy, the series keeps you hooked with unexpected twists and a legal showdown that holds your attention till the very last gavel falls.

The series begins with Madhav becoming a corporate lawyer with a prestigious firm, enjoying the perks of his new life. However, he soon finds himself in a dilemma of choosing between his heart and mind, when he has to take up a murder case which is in conflict with his working terms with the corporate company.

On the other hand is Dr Raj Nagpal (Zeeshan), his estranged wife Anju Nagpal (Surveen), their daughter Ira (Khushi Bharadwaj), and Raj’s girlfriend and Ira’s caretaker Roshni (Asha Negi). Raj and Anju have an arrangement in their marriage where they are separated, live in opposite houses, yet are not divorced. Roshni also stays at Raj’s residence throughout the day. Trouble storm hits the Nagpals when Roshni is found dead in a pool of blood and in the arms of Raj. Expecting his arrest in the case, Anju, who is also a lawyer but stopped practicing a decade ago to take care of her daughter with Asperger’s Syndrome, decides to hire Madhav to fight Raj’s case.

Writers Harman Wadala, Sandeep Jain, and Sameer Mishra, under the deft direction of Roshan Sippy, have crafted a narrative that stays true to its tagline — A Family Matter. The series is steeped in intense family drama, gradually peeling back layers of secrets that simmer beneath the surface. While the pace is deliberately unhurried, it never wavers in holding the audience’s attention. Like a slow-cooked dish, the script unfolds with patience and precision, rewarding viewers with multiple twists that add depth and intrigue to the unfolding legal saga.

The series' brilliance doesn’t stop at the writing—the talented ensemble cast is its next biggest triumph. When actors such as Pankaj, Surveen, and Zeeshan get on board a project, you know it’s nothing short of an acting class. Pankaj has maintained the innocence, the common man appeal, and the wit of a lawyer intact. Surveen’s character has many layers that are revealed with time, making her one of the most interesting characters. On some occasions, her portrayal of a mother will remind you of Naina Naidu from ‘Rana Naidu’, and you only fall in love with her character. Zeeshan brings Raj’s character to life. He expresses his vulnerability and has his own set of flaws. He also has beautiful moments in the series, and they don’t involve either Anju or Roshni, but his daughter, Ira.

Apart from its leading stars, the series is uplifted further by its able supporting cast. Aatm Prakash Mishra and Barkha Bisht as Madhav’s assistants Deep and Shivani, joined by Khushboo Atre as Madhav’s wife Ratna, form a solid legal team, depicting the amazing camaraderie the four hold. Their equation also brings humour to the table.

Shweta Basu Prasad, Mita Vashisht, and Kalyanee Mulay have also returned to the franchise as defence counsel Mandira, public prosecutor Lekha, and Inspector Gauri, respectively. They are good in their respective roles, but the attention continues to stay largely on Madhav and his team.

Overall, ‘Criminal Justice: A Family Matter’ is a compelling watch that is packed with secrets, betrayals, love, crime, and, of course, lots of drama. In all, it equally serves you legal drama alongside family chaos. Although the makers have released only the first three episodes so far, the eight-part series is worth your time.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars