Criminal Justice has carved a niche for itself with its engaging storytelling, and so has Pankaj Tripathi with his effortless acting style. When the two come together, fans know they’re in for a treat. The latest season, backed by Applause Entertainment, once again delivers gripping drama and a tightly-woven mystery. Although only 3 episodes are currently available on JioCinema (formerly Disney+ Hotstar), the full 8-episode series has been reviewed here.

Story

This season centers around Dr. Raj Nagpal (Mohammad Zeeshan Ayub), a dedicated father to a special needs daughter. Estranged from his wife Anju (Surveen Chawla), they live in separate flats across the same apartment complex. Dr. Raj hires nurse Roshni Saluja (Asha Negi) to look after his daughter, and soon, a romantic affair begins between them. But things take a dark turn when Roshni is found murdered. The case becomes murky, and defending Dr. Raj in court is none other than the unorthodox but brilliant lawyer Madhav Mishra (Pankaj Tripathi). What follows is a suspense-filled courtroom drama and investigation.

Series Analysis

The series is gripping from the very first episode. The murder mystery unfolds layer by layer, keeping viewers constantly on edge. The absence of melodrama is refreshing—everything has been kept realistic and to the point. The narrative is well-paced, the twists are timely, and each new character adds depth to the mystery. The writing is the show’s strongest pillar, with clever turns that maintain suspense while adding emotional depth.

Even though only three episodes have been released, they build a strong foundation. The well-crafted cliffhangers ensure audiences eagerly await each new Thursday release.

Performance Review

Pankaj Tripathi once again proves that subtlety is powerful. His portrayal of Madhav Mishra is filled with charm, wit, and authenticity. His dialogues are not forced punchlines but situationally humorous, making them more impactful. His expressions, body language, and timing make this character truly unforgettable.

Mohammad Zeeshan Ayub fits well in his role as Dr. Raj. While the character has limited emotional range due to the nature of the storyline, Ayub brings sincerity to it. Surveen Chawla shines with her layered performance, convincingly transitioning through the changing shades of her character.

Asha Negi is a standout. Despite being part of flashbacks, her presence is strong and memorable. Khushi Bhardwaj as Ira, the daughter, delivers a heartfelt performance. Khushboo Atre, Mita Vashisht, and Kalyani Mule support the story strongly with their roles. However, Shweta Basu Prasad deserves special mention. As a fierce lawyer, she holds her ground in court scenes against veterans like Tripathi and Vashisht.

Writing & Direction

The story is penned by Harman Wadala, Sandeep Jain, and Sameer Mishra, while Rohan Sippy handles the direction. The writers succeed in creating a realistic, tightly-knit narrative without over-the-top dramatization. The dialogues are crisp, and the emotional beats feel genuine.

Rohan Sippy’s direction ensures there are no unnecessary scenes or fillers. Every frame adds value to the storytelling, making the series immersive and engaging throughout.

Criminal Justice Season 4 is a compelling watch for fans of crime thrillers and courtroom dramas. With a gripping plot, strong performances, and intelligent writing, the show proves that you don’t need exaggeration to create impactful storytelling. And with Pankaj Tripathi leading the way, it’s difficult to look away.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
A well-written mystery backed by powerful performances—worth watching.