Published on: November 21, 2025 5:48 pm
‘The Family Man’ has been one of India’s most influential OTT shows, combining espionage, domestic conflicts and political commentary with a relatable emotional core. After two massively successful seasons, Season 3 arrives with the same energy, high expectations, and the familiar charm of Srikant Tiwari.
This time, Manoj Bajpayee is paired against Jaideep Ahlawat, a powerhouse performer known for intense, morally grey roles. Their clash brings weight to the season, but the writing occasionally leans on déjà vu.
The Return of Srikant Tiwari — A Man Still Torn Between Duty and Family
Manoj Bajpayee’s effortless brilliance
Manoj Bajpayee once again proves why Srikant Tiwari is one of the most beloved characters in Indian streaming. Season 3 finds him older, more tired, and more conflicted. Srikant wants a quieter life, yet trouble returns to his doorstep in ways he cannot escape.
Bajpayee balances seriousness and humour with his signature ease. His small emotional beats—frustration during family arguments, silent exhaustion after missions, or sarcastic exchanges with colleagues—are what hold the narrative together. The actor does not perform the role; he lives inside it, reminding viewers why Srikant is the backbone of the franchise.
Family drama continues to be a strength
Much like past seasons, Srikant’s family remains a crucial pillar. His wife, Suchi, continues navigating the complexities of their strained relationship. His children, now older, face dilemmas that reflect real modern households. These domestic arcs add heart to the otherwise high-stakes espionage narrative.
Even when action slows or the plot meanders, the emotional grounding of the Tiwari family keeps the viewer invested.
A New Opponent: Jaideep Ahlawat’s Cold, Calculated Menace
Ahlawat brings gravitas to the series
Introducing Jaideep Ahlawat to the universe of ‘The Family Man’ is one of the smartest narrative choices of Season 3. Known for his performances in Paatal Lok and Raazi, Ahlawat plays an antagonist who is calm, intelligent, layered, and dangerously composed.
Unlike loud villains relying on theatrics, Ahlawat’s character uses quiet intimidation. His presence lingers even when he is not on screen, and his clashes with Srikant feel like two chess players planning ten steps ahead.
A battle of equals
Season 3 frames Srikant and Ahlawat as mirror images—two men shaped by ideology, duty, and circumstances. This thematic parallel gives the season philosophical depth. Their interactions are not merely good-versus-evil confrontations but reflections of moral conflict.
Their chemistry enhances the show’s momentum, even during slower episodes, making their rivalry one of the season’s biggest attractions.
Season 3’s Plot — Bigger Stakes, Familiar Patterns
Story expands geographically
Season 3 takes the narrative beyond familiar urban settings. It explores India’s northeastern region, border complexities, rising tensions, and geopolitics. This expansion gives the show a fresh visual flavour and raises its stakes.
Drones, rural hideouts, insurgent networks, and cross-border intelligence play major roles. The world-building is strong, reflecting detailed research.
A gripping but predictable arc
While the scale is bigger, the overall structure feels familiar:
- A looming national threat
- Internal group politics
- Unexpected betrayals
- Srikant juggling personal problems
- A fast-paced climax
These elements still work, but long-time fans may predict the flow of events earlier than before. The screenplay occasionally repeats beats seen in previous seasons.
Multiple subplots — sometimes too many
Season 3 attempts to weave together:
- Regional political tension
- National intelligence strategies
- Srikant’s family issues
- JK’s comedic relief
- Ahlawat’s backstory
- New recruits and technology-driven missions
This ambition is admirable, but not all threads get equal justice. Some side characters feel underused. Certain plot turns feel rushed, especially in the final episodes.
The Writing of Raj & DK — Clever Dialogue, Uneven Pacing
Dialogue remains sharp and memorable
Raj & DK’s signature humour shines:
- JK’s witty one-liners
- Srikant’s sarcastic frustration
- Office banter between task force members
- Subtle political jabs
These moments provide relief in tense scenarios, helping maintain the show’s identity.
Pacing fluctuates
Several episodes start strong, slow down in the middle, and then explode in the last 10 minutes. While binge-watchers may enjoy the rollercoaster, individual episodes feel uneven.
The season could have benefitted from tighter editing, trimming a few repetitive sequences.
Emotional conflict remains the heart
The strongest writing continues to be in:
- Srikant’s conversations with his children
- Moments of doubt between Suchi and Srikant
- The bond between JK and Srikant
- Ahlawat’s silent, internal turmoil
These human elements elevate the show beyond a typical thriller.
Technical Excellence — Cinematography, Sound, and Production
Visual tone is darker and more grounded
Season 3 adopts a muted colour palette emphasizing realism. Whether it’s:
- Dense forests
- Dimly lit safe houses
- Urban surveillance rooms
- Crowded marketplaces
…the cinematography feels immersive without becoming overly stylized.
Action scenes remain effective
The show avoids superhero-style action and focuses on:
- Tactical raids
- Gritty hand-to-hand combat
- Compact gun battles
- Realistic chases
The grounded approach increases credibility and emotional impact.
Music and sound heighten tension
The background score is subtle yet impactful, used wisely in moments of looming danger. Sound design ensures every gunshot, footstep, and breath adds to the tension.
Performances — A Solid Ensemble
Sharib Hashmi as JK steals scenes
JK has always been a fan favourite, and once again Sharib Hashmi delivers warmth and humour. His camaraderie with Srikant offers balance to the show’s heavier portions.
Supporting cast adds depth
Actors playing intelligence officers, local operatives, and political leaders deliver believable performances. Even smaller roles feel purposeful, adding authenticity to the setting.
Strong female characters
Women in ‘The Family Man’ have never been mere accessories. In Season 3:
- Suchi gets emotionally complex scenes
- Srikant’s daughter continues to evolve
- Female officers in the task force show competence and agency
These subplots enrich the narrative.
Weaknesses — Predictability and a Rushed Finale
A sense of déjà vu
By Season 3, the “family man meets secret agent” formula starts feeling repetitive. Though it still works, long-time viewers may crave more risk-taking.
Some subplots lack closure
The final episodes wrap up the central conflict but leave several emotional and political threads hanging. Cliffhangers are effective marketing tools, but too many open ends reduce satisfaction.
Side characters needed more time
Some promising character arcs begin but don’t fully develop. Ahlawat’s backstory, especially, could have been a highlight with more screen time.
The Bigger Picture — What Season 3 Means for the Franchise
The show’s universe is growing
The introduction of new regions, geopolitical themes and characters hints at a larger narrative arc for future seasons. Season 3 feels like a bridge toward a more expansive universe.
Srikant’s journey is far from over
The closing moments indicate that:
- His family story remains unresolved
- His professional responsibilities may escalate
- New threats will emerge
Fans will likely remain invested in his character.
A blend of realism and entertainment
Few Indian shows balance humour, realism and cinematic thrill as effectively as ‘The Family Man’. Season 3 continues this tradition, even if not perfectly.
Final Verdict — A Strong Season with Familiar Flaws
‘The Family Man 3’ is a compelling and well-acted season, anchored by Manoj Bajpayee’s brilliance and Jaideep Ahlawat’s powerful presence. Though the plot occasionally feels predictable and the finale slightly rushed, the show still delivers gripping moments, emotional depth and engaging storytelling.
Fans of the franchise will not be disappointed. New viewers will find enough intrigue to get hooked. This season may not surpass the freshness of Season 1, but it stands strong as a mature, intense and entertaining chapter of Srikant Tiwari’s evolving saga.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)