The Family Man Season 3 Review: Manoj Bajpayee’s tightrope act and Jaideep Ahlawat’s cold precision keep this drama on edge

The Family Man Season 3 Review: Manoj Bajpayee’s tightrope act and Jaideep Ahlawat’s cold precision keep this drama on edge

‘The Family Man,’ Season 3, directed by Raj & DK, Tusshar Seyth, and Suman Kumar, began streaming on Prime Video from 21st November and stars Manoj Bajpayee, Jaideep Ahlawat, Nimrat Kaur, Priyamani, Sharib Hashmi, and Shreya Dhanwanthary.

A new shift in power and place

The third season turns the show in a new direction: the one who usually chases now becomes the one being chased. That single shift shapes the mood and movement of the story. The story may drift into preposterous territory at times, but the show still moves with clarity and control. The setting moves away from the South and settles into the layered, rain-soaked hills of the Northeast, giving the season a quieter but more intriguing backdrop. The familiar rhythm between Shrikant and JK is intact, the unspoken distance between Shrikant and Suchitra remains, and the family’s daily chaos continues in its own uneven way. With older children, shifting equations inside TASC, and a more complex threat, the season feels renewed without trying too hard. The makers now understand their characters deeply enough to let them wander into unpredictable spaces without forcing anything.

A valley meant for peace, pulled into chaos

The plot opens in Kohima, Nagaland, where the calm is suddenly broken by a bomb blast. The government machinery swings into action, and we see Kulkarni Sir (Dalip Tahil) working on Project Sahakar—a defense-and-development initiative in the Northeast. The project also doubles as a classified mission designed to counter China’s Project Guan Yu, which has led to the mushrooming of several phoenix villages along the Indo-Myanmar border. To bring scattered rebel groups into a single dialogue, Kulkarni Sir, along with Shrikant (Manoj Bajpayee), travels to Kohima to meet David Khuzou, a respected local figure who has offered to help unite the factions. But the visit spirals into violence. Rukma (Jaideep Ahlawat), a local drug smuggler, kills both Kulkarni and Khuzou. Shrikant, though badly injured, survives the attack. Rukma works for Meera (Nimrat Kaur), a London-based fixer with ties to several global agencies. She wants to destabilise the region to fast-track a major weapons deal sought by billionaire Dwarakanath (Jugal Hansraj). Back in Mumbai, things get worse for Shrikant when suspicion falls on him for Kulkarni’s death.

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Voices, cultures and characters redefine the season

The familiar humour and warmth of the show continue, especially in the scenes involving the Tiwari family and JK’s easy back-and-forth with Shrikant. But this season also brings in personalities who shift the tone. Jaideep Ahlawat’s Rukma stands out because he does not shout or overplay; his stillness, sudden pauses, and flat expressions make him more unpredictable. Though seeing his character, one gets the feeling his character had more to offer, especially in the scenes with Bobby, the kid. The show settles well into the culture and rhythm of the Northeast instead of forcing the region to match the show’s usual style. Local actors add detail and authenticity, and the writing makes space for real-world references—like the ban on Chinese apps and ongoing tensions with China—without feeling forced. Since the region’s politics involves several groups, old disagreements, and the army’s involvement, the story needs attentive viewing, or certain strands may momentarily feel scattered.

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Ahlawat and Nimrat Kaur shine

Manoj Bajpayee continues to bring an easy honesty to Shrikant Tiwari. His shift from tired parent to someone suddenly under suspicion feels natural. His scenes with his children carry a quiet tenderness, while his sense of unease when the system turns against him shows in small gestures rather than dramatic moments. But he isn’t as convincing once he’s out there with a gun, meant to look like a field operative. Priyamani’s Suchitra, though not central to the mission, stays strong and collected—especially in the TV debate where she refuses to be cornered. Sharib Hashmi’s JK adds humour without ever breaking the flow of the narrative. Jaideep Ahlawat and Nimrat Kaur make the opposition side of the story equally layered. Their phone exchange—where she refuses to be rattled by his attempts to overwhelm her—is one of the sharpest scenes of the season.

Unfinished business

Like earlier seasons, some moments may seem exaggerated or slightly unlikely, but the storytelling moves quickly enough that nothing lingers long enough to distract. The Northeast setting gives the show a new tone and a sense of space it hasn’t explored before. The writing continues to balance personal conflict, workplace pressure, and national stakes without slipping into melodrama. By the end, the season feels steady, uncluttered, and sure of its voice. It quietly reminds you why Shrikant Tiwari remains such a compelling presence on screen. It shows that the series still has room to grow without repeating itself. And it leaves enough threads open to make you curious about where the story might head next.

Rating: 3.5/5