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Mandala Murders Review:  A Grim, Unsettling Puzzle That’s More Than Just a Crime Story Image Source- Times Now We’ve all seen murder mysteries before. The cop chases clues, the killer stays a step ahead, and we get that final gotcha moment. But Mandala Murders , now streaming on Netflix, isn’t just trying to solve a crime; it wants to haunt you a little. It doesn’t rush. It doesn’t shout. It creeps in. This isn’t your usual fast-paced thriller; this one is all about dread, silence, and the weight of everything people don’t say out loud. Created by Gopi Puthran (of Mardaani 2 fame), the show wraps its central mystery in layers of history, myth, and memory. It plays out like a psychological slow dance, unfolding in pieces that don’t quite make sense at first but hit hard when they do. If you’re into shows that rely on atmosphere and character more than jump scares or chase scenes, Mandala Murders might just be your kind of unsettling. Plot: A City Cloaked in Fog, Secrets, and Symbo...

Criminal Justice Season 4 Review: Madhav Mishra Fights a Case That Hits Too Close To Home

Image Source- True Scoop

When a high-profile murder rocks Mumbai’s elite circles, the headlines are brutal: a nurse found dead, a respected doctor arrested, and whispers of infidelity everywhere. But underneath the surface, Criminal Justice: A Family Matter reminds us that the real drama doesn’t unfold in public; it unravels in living rooms, broken relationships, and courtroom silences.

Now that all eight episodes are streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, this season delivers more than just a mystery. It’s a layered, emotional ride that blurs the line between guilt and grief, and questions whether justice always has space for the truth. At the heart of it all? Madhav Mishra, the lawyer you’d never expect to root for, yet somehow always do.

This isn’t just another season. It’s a story that digs into how personal the law becomes when family is involved and what’s left behind when everything unravels.


A Murder, a Marriage, and a Messy Truth

Season 4 begins with the sudden and brutal death of Roshni Saluja (Asha Negi), a nurse who’s found murdered in the upscale apartment of Dr. Raj Nagpal (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub). What makes it messier? Raj claims to barely know her, but evidence says otherwise, and within hours, he’s behind bars, suspected not just of infidelity but of murder.

Raj isn’t your typical accused. He’s a respected pediatrician and a full-time caregiver to his teenage daughter, who’s on the autism spectrum. His life seems calm and put together, but behind the white coat and social polish lies a man with secrets, ones that come unraveling the moment Roshni’s name is connected to his.

And then there’s Anju (Surveen Chawla), Raj’s estranged wife. The couple has been living separately for years, but her sudden involvement in the case raises eyebrows and emotions. She walks into the story not as a grieving ex but as someone carrying silent rage, guarded pain, and knowledge that no one else seems to have. Her presence turns the case from a simple who-done-it into a deep dive into emotional betrayal and broken promises.

As Madhav Mishra (Pankaj Tripathi) steps in to defend Raj, it becomes clear that this isn’t just another courtroom battle. The real conflict lies in the fragile lines between guilt and responsibility, between what happened and what was allowed to happen. And as witnesses take the stand and past decisions come to light, the story shifts from a legal thriller into a raw, emotional drama, one that asks whether truth and justice can really co-exist when family is involved.


The Cast That Carries the Case

Let’s be honest, Pankaj Tripathi is the heart of this series. At this point, Madhav Mishra feels more like an old friend than a fictional character. He’s still charming, still calm, and still way smarter than he lets on. Tripathi brings that same quiet magic, never over-the-top, always grounded. That said, it might be time to give him something a little different in a future season, just for the thrill of it.

Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub plays Dr. Raj with a kind of quiet panic that really works. He’s subtle, intense, and keeps you second-guessing is he's guilty, misunderstood, or just completely lost? His scenes with his daughter are beautiful in their stillness. You feel his confusion, guilt, and desperation, sometimes all at once.

Surveen Chawla as Anju is fierce. She’s carrying heartbreak, anger, and pride in every look and line. The courtroom format suits her; she doesn’t play it big, she plays it real. Whether she’s quietly pushing back or emotionally fraying, she owns it.

And Asha Negi, even with limited screen time, leaves a strong impact. As Roshni, she’s the silent force behind all the chaos. Her presence haunts the season not in a ghostly way, but through the emotional weight she leaves behind. She brings vulnerability and mystery in just the right balance.

There’s also a quiet strength in the supporting cast. Khushboo Atre, who plays Ratna (Madhav's wife), continues to be an anchor in his life, her warmth and gentle sarcasm offering just the right dose of normalcy in the middle of chaos. Rajesh Sharma as Ratna’s brother adds charm and comic relief without taking away from the show’s seriousness.

And the defense team this season, especially the sharp, polished lawyers who try to outmaneuver Madhav, brings real tension to the courtroom. Their presence reminds us that Madhav isn’t just fighting the system; he’s fighting smarter, slicker opponents who often underestimate him.


Final Verdict – A Quiet but Meaningful Finish

Now that all eight episodes are out, I can safely say this is one of the better seasons in the Criminal Justice series. Not because of big twists or over-the-top drama, but because it stays grounded. The writing by Harman Wadala, Sandeep Jain, and Sameer Mishra leans into the emotion rather than the theatrics. Especially in the last two episodes, the show doesn’t try to shock you; it just tells the story honestly.

Sure, a few side characters still feel a little half-baked, and the pacing could’ve been tighter in places. But it all comes together in the end. The final courtroom scenes don’t scream for attention; they land quietly, but powerfully. Madhav Mishra stays true to who he is, and it’s that calm, persistent honesty that makes him (and the show) so watchable.

This season isn’t just about crime or justice. It’s about family, pain, and how the truth isn’t always neat or satisfying. The case is closed, but it definitely leaves you thinking.

If you’re into intense character-driven stories that dig deep into human choices, you might also enjoy my take on Squid Game Season 3.
It’s a very different world, but the emotional stakes? Just as high.
👉 Read the full review here

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