Criminal Justice Season 4: Pankaj Tripathi Shines, but Netizens Slam Jio Hotstar’s Three-Episode Release

The much-anticipated Criminal Justice Season 4: A Family Matter premiered on Jio Hotstar on May 29, 2025, bringing back the beloved advocate Madhav Mishra, played by the ever-charismatic Pankaj Tripathi. Directed by Rohan Sippy and produced by Sameer Nair, this legal drama has once again captivated audiences with its gripping storyline, stellar performances, and courtroom thrills. However, the excitement has been dampened by Jio Hotstar’s decision to release only the first three episodes, sparking a wave of frustration among fans. Let’s dive into the buzz surrounding the show and why netizens are up in arms.

A Gripping Start to Season 4

Criminal Justice Season 4 delves into a complex murder case involving Dr. Raj Nagpal (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub), accused of killing a nurse, Roshni Saluja (Asha Negi), with whom he allegedly had an extramarital affair. His wife, Anju (Surveen Chawla), also finds herself entangled in the legal mess, adding layers of drama, betrayal, and moral dilemmas. The ensemble cast, including Shweta Basu Prasad as public prosecutor Lekha Agastya, Mita Vashisht, Khushboo Atre, and Barkha Singh, elevates the narrative with their compelling performances.

The first three episodes have been widely praised for their engaging plot and well-crafted twists, with Pankaj Tripathi’s portrayal of Madhav Mishra stealing the show. Fans have lauded his ability to blend sharp wit with emotional depth, making every courtroom scene a masterclass in acting. As one viewer noted on X, “First 3 episodes were on the lighter side but still had twists. It’s gonna get intense from here #PankajTripathi delivers a great performance again bringing the comedy touch to this legal thriller.” The writing by Harman Wadala, Sandeep Jain, and Sameer Mishra has been commended for keeping viewers hooked, though some felt a deeper exploration of Asha Negi’s character could have added more depth.

Netizens’ Frustration: Why Only Three Episodes?

Despite the positive reviews, the release strategy has left fans fuming. Jio Hotstar’s decision to drop just three of the eight episodes, with new episodes promised every Thursday, has not sat well with binge-watchers. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been flooded with complaints. One user vented, “Absolutely bizarre to release only 3 episodes of shows like #CriminalJusticeSeason4 @JioHotstar You want to give the audience a binge watch. There are no two ways about it.” Another declared, “Are there only 3 episodes of Criminal Justice? I’ll watch it only when all the episodes are uploaded #CriminalJustice4.”

The frustration stems from the growing expectation for OTT platforms to release full seasons at once, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the story without interruptions. Fans argue that the staggered release disrupts the momentum of a tightly-wound legal thriller like Criminal Justice. One netizen even warned, “Why do U people want your platform to lose subscribers? Why do U want a show like Criminal Justice to flop? You are harming yourself by releasing a few episodes.” This sentiment reflects a broader dissatisfaction with Jio Hotstar’s approach, with some comparing it unfavorably to competitors like Netflix and Prime Video, which often release entire seasons at once.

Pankaj Tripathi: The Heart of the Series

Despite the release controversy, Pankaj Tripathi’s performance remains the undisputed highlight. His portrayal of Madhav Mishra, the unassuming yet brilliant lawyer, continues to resonate with audiences. Tripathi himself described the role as a “homecoming,” stating, “Madhav isn’t just a character I play–he’s someone I carry with me. And with each chapter, that bond only grows stronger.” His natural charm, witty one-liners, and ability to navigate complex cases with ease have solidified Madhav Mishra as a cult favorite.

The supporting cast also shines. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub delivers a nuanced performance as the troubled Dr. Raj Nagpal, while Surveen Chawla’s portrayal of Anju adds emotional weight to the narrative. Shweta Basu Prasad’s Lekha Agastya provides a formidable counterpoint to Madhav Mishra, setting the stage for intense courtroom battles.

Is the Release Strategy Hurting the Show?

The decision to release episodes weekly is not new for Jio Hotstar, but it seems particularly ill-suited for a show like Criminal Justice, which thrives on its suspenseful pacing and intricate plotting. Critics argue that the staggered release could dilute the show’s impact, especially in an era where binge-watching has become the norm. One review noted, “The hipe made me excited to watch #CriminalJustice first few episodes were living up to the hipe. But then it went downhill. The only thing kept me glued was #PankajTripathi he was tremendous.” This suggests that while the content is strong, the release strategy risks alienating viewers who prefer to consume the story in one go.

Should You Watch Criminal Justice Season 4?

If you’re a fan of courtroom dramas, Criminal Justice Season 4 is a must-watch. The first three episodes deliver a potent mix of suspense, emotional depth, and stellar performances, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense season. However, if you’re a binge-watcher, you might want to wait until all episodes are available to fully immerse yourself in the story. The series is available exclusively on Jio Hotstar, requiring a subscription, and is offered in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, and Marathi.

Final Thoughts

Criminal Justice Season 4 proves why it remains one of India’s top legal dramas, with Pankaj Tripathi leading the charge in a tale of love, betrayal, and murder. While the show’s quality is undeniable, Jio Hotstar’s three-episode release has sparked a debate about OTT platform strategies in the age of instant gratification. Will the weekly releases build anticipation or drive viewers away? Only time will tell. For now, fans can enjoy the gripping start and hope the remaining episodes live up to the hype.

What are your thoughts on the release strategy? Are you Team Binge or Team Weekly? Drop your comments below, and let’s discuss! Stay tuned to kishanbaraiya.com for more updates on your favorite shows and movies.

Sources: Oneindia News, Times of India, Filmibeat, India TV News, The Indian Express