Pankaj Tripathi again returns as Madhav Mishra in Criminal Justice 4 (streaming May 22 on JioHotstar), supported by a star cast that includes Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Surveen Chawla, Mita Vashisht, Asha Negi, Shweta Basu Prasad, Khushboo Atre, and Barkha Singh.
While the cast promises electrifying performances, the courtroom drama threatens to get stuck in familiar patterns. Earlier seasons were able but not innovative, tending to favour murder mysteries over systemic commentary.
The genre’s recent shift from exposing legal loopholes to formulaic thrillers has diluted its edge. Criminal Justice 4’s teaser hints at a “torrid love affair and unforeseen murder,” suggesting a focus on sensational twists rather than nuanced legal battles.
Pankaj Tripathi’s Mishra remains the show’s backbone-his everyman charm and sharp wit anchoring the drama. Yet, without fresh storytelling, even his charisma may struggle to offset the monotony of recycled tropes.
The challenge is to balance entertainment with substance. If the writing explores the nuances of India’s justice system-pointing out procedural weaknesses, moral issues, or socio-political slants-the show may be able to transcend its predecessors.
Otherwise, even with the brilliance of the cast, Criminal Justice 4 may end up being another procedural swept up in the true-crime wave, trading depth for suspense. There’s potential, but execution will determine whether this season lives up to the hype.
