Buckle up, masala lovers, because Criminal Justice Season 4: A Family Matter is back on JioHotstar with our favorite desi lawyer, Madhav Mishra (Pankaj Tripathi), spinning a web of courtroom chaos, family secrets, and a murder mystery that’s as spicy as a Mumbai vada pav! Directed by Rohan Sippy and brought to life by Applause Entertainment and BBC Studios India, this eight-episode saga dives into the messy world of love, betrayal, and justice. But does it deliver the full Bollywood-style courtroom thriller we crave, or does it leave us wanting more masala? Let’s break it down!

The Plot: A Tangled Tale of Love and Lies

Picture this: Dr. Raj Nagpal (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub), a suave surgeon, is caught in a stormy divorce with his fiery wife, Anju (Surveen Chawla), while co-parenting their neurodivergent daughter, Ira. Enter Roshni (Asha Negi), Raj’s mistress and a nurse with secrets of her own, whose murder sets the stage for a high-voltage whodunit. As accusations fly between Raj and Anju, our jugaadu lawyer Madhav Mishra steps in to untangle the truth. From shady alibis to courtroom showdowns, this season serves up a heady mix of family drama, infidelity, and moral dilemmas that’ll keep you glued to your screens.

The Good: Pankaj Tripathi Steals the Show (Again!)

If there’s one reason to hit play, it’s Pankaj Tripathi. As Madhav Mishra, he’s the sher of the courtroom, blending small-town charm with razor-sharp wit. Whether he’s cracking a quirky one-liner or outsmarting his rivals with a twinkle in his eye, Tripathi is pure gold, making every scene feel like a masterclass in acting. Surveen Chawla brings the heat as Anju, her raw emotions hitting you like a monsoon downpour. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub nails the conflicted Raj, while the supporting cast—Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Barkha Singh, and Kalyanee Mulay—adds spice to the mix.

The writing (Harman Wadala, Sandeep Jain, Sameer Mishra) keeps the mystery tight, with twists that’ll make you gasp louder than a saas-bahu serial cliffhanger. The show’s focus on real issues—like parenting a neurodivergent child and mental health struggles—adds depth, making it more than just a courtroom circus. The cinematography and moody soundtrack crank up the tension, giving you that edge-of-the-seat vibe we love in a good thriller.

The Not-So-Good: A Few Missed Beats

As much as we love the masala, this season doesn’t always keep the flavor consistent. The pacing drags in the middle episodes, like a Bollywood song sequence that goes on too long. Subplots involving Barkha Singh and Kalyanee Mulay feel like undercooked side dishes, adding little to the main course. The weekly release schedule (three episodes initially, then one per week) is a buzzkill for binge-watchers, breaking the story’s rhythm like an ill-timed ad break. And while the climax delivers a satisfying twist, it lacks the jaw-dropping dhamaka of earlier seasons, leaving some fans craving a bolder finale.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

Criminal Justice Season 4 isn’t perfect, but it’s a rollercoaster ride packed with drama, suspense, and heart. It’s like a spicy courtroom biryani—flavorful, layered, and oh-so-satisfying, even if a few grains aren’t fully cooked. The show’s exploration of family dynamics and moral gray areas feels relatable, while Pankaj Tripathi’s performance is the ghee that binds it all together. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the franchise or a newbie looking for a desi thriller with soul, this season has enough tadka to keep you hooked.

Masala Mirror Verdict

Rating: 3.5/5
Streaming on: JioHotstar
Watch it for: Pankaj Tripathi’s unbeatable charm, a twisty murder mystery, and family drama with a desi heart.
Skip it if: You hate slow burns or want a non-stop thrill fest.

So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and dive into Criminal Justice Season 4 for a dose of courtroom masala that’s equal parts gripping and emotional. Pankaj Tripathi fans, this one’s a no-brainer—stream it now!