Pankaj Tripathi Recalls Criminal Justice Director Scolding Him For Adding Humor
Updated on: 29 May, 2025 11:37 AM IST |Shweta Shah
Pankaj Tripathi in Criminal Justice 4
Pankaj Tripathi is arguably one of the finest actors in Bollywood. When it comes to transforming oneself for a role or character, one thing that remains common in Tripathi`s technique is the common-man humour.
The actor reprises his iconic character of Madhav Mishra in Criminal Justice 4: A Family Matter. The fourth instalment of the crime thriller series released today, May 29, on JioHotstar.
Ahead of the release, Pankaj opened up about why he believes in inculcating a little humour and innocence in every character he plays. He also recalled director Rohan Sippy scolding him for the same reason.
Pankaj Tripathi on playing Madhav Mishra
The actor sat down for a candid chat with Screen and shared his gut instinct reaction on reading the script for the fourth season of the infamous series. He recalled when Sridhar Raghavan, who wrote season 1, came to narrate to him the first few episodes.
Also Read: Criminal Justice 4 Review - Watch or Skip?
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Pankaj said, "Sridhar Raghavan, who wrote season 1, had come and narrated to me the first few episodes. I said, “Ye toh kamaal hai!” Then he revealed it’s an official adaptation of a British show. Then I said, “Phir rehne do.” So he reasoned that it’s not a copy but an adaptation within the Indian judicial system. So then I didn’t watch the original show because once I do, I feel that experience is already complete."
Also Read: 5 Gripping Hindi Courtroom Dramas To Watch Before Criminal Justice 4
When asked about how Madhav Mishra loves mixing a little humour into even serious situations, the Mirzapur actor explained how his character has been an underdog since the first season and his humour is a way for him to survive through whatever life throws at him.
"Madhav Mishra has been an underdog since season 1. He has eczema and is fighting for survival. When you come from that section of society, then there’s a humour intact. He needs to survive but also have fun at that," Tripathi explained.
He further elaborated, "For instance, there’s a scene in which he’s supposed to rush into the court for a bail hearing. I asked director Rohan Sippy to make a junior artist stand next to me. As I enter, I hold his hand and take him along. He asks, “Kya chahiye?” I say, “Confidence.” When the judge asks him something, he just laughs. He has nothing else to say."
More about Criminal Justice 4
The much-anticipated fourth season of the infamous criminal thriller series released on May 29 on JioHotstar. Helmed by Rohan Sippy, the series is an Indian adaptation of the 2008 BBC series that goes by the same name.
Apart from Pankaj Tripathi, the series also features Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Surveen Chawla, Asha Negi, Khushboo Atre, Mita Vashisht and Shweta Basu Prasad in prominent roles.
Only three of an eight-episode series have been released today. New episodes are expected to drop every Thursday.
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