The much-anticipated third season of The Family Man has finally dropped on Amazon Prime Video, but does it live up to the high standards set by its previous installments? While the show continues to feature stellar performances from its lead cast, this season struggles with writing issues and a plot that loses steam midway.
Return to North Eastern Conflict Zone
The Family Man Season 3 picks up right where Season 2 left off, with top TASC agent Srikant Tiwari, played by the brilliant Manoj Bajpayee, finding himself embroiled in an escalating crisis in Nagaland. The stakes are higher than ever as serial bombings claim numerous lives, threatening the high-profile 'Project Sahakar' - an initiative close to Prime Minister Basu's heart, portrayed by Seema Biswas.
This peace initiative, meant to address long-standing grievances in the North East and promise lasting prosperity, hangs in the balance as various forces work against it. The picturesque North Eastern landscapes provide a breathtaking backdrop for the action, similar to what we saw earlier this year in Pataal Lok Season 2.
Strong Cast Hampered by Weak Writing
The acting talent remains this show's strongest asset. Manoj Bajpayee continues to be the beating heart of the series, delivering another nuanced performance as the fumbling family man and expert spy. He's ably supported by Sharib Hashmi as his trusty second-in-command JK, and Priyamani remains equally watchable as his wife Suchi.
However, the writing fails to match the actors' capabilities. The dialogue often feels forced and filmy, with characters spouting lines that undermine their credibility. Even seasoned performers like Seema Biswas struggle with dialogue that includes cringe-worthy lines like 'yeh kursi meri hai, aur meri hi rahegi' from a head of state.
Overstuffed Plot Loses Momentum
The season starts with a bang but gradually slackens as it progresses through its seven episodes. New entrants include Jaideep Ahlawat as drug lord Rukma Bhai, who serves as the local contact for global weapons cartel representatives played by Jugal Hansraj and Nimrat Kaur.
The plot incorporates multiple threads: a slain Naga leader's son gathering forces along the Indo-Myanmar border, dark mutterings about China and Pakistan in the PM's office, covert military operations, and the ever-present question of who the mole inside TASC might be.
Despite all these elements - agents on the run, moles, explosions, kidnappings, and chase sequences - Season 3 ultimately runs out of steam. The insertion of family drama in the middle of dangerous operations feels forced, and none of the antagonists, including Ahlawat with his straggly man-bun or Kaur in her power suits, manage to feel genuinely menacing.
What Works and What Doesn't
The family dynamics between Srikant, Suchi, and their children Dhriti and Atharv provide some relatable moments, though the strain in the couple's relationship continues from previous seasons. The move to a new house offers potential for fresh beginnings, even as Srikant continues his awkward attempts to be a 'cool dad.'
Supporting characters include Gul Panag as Srikant's ex-flame and current on-ground partner, Shreya Dhanwantry as a conflicted agent, and Harman Singha as a man on a mission. Regulars from previous seasons like Vipin Sharma and Aditya Srivastava also return.
Unfortunately, the season misses the steely presence of Samantha Ruth Prabhu, whose performance elevated Season 2. Brief appearances by minor characters provide momentary relief, but can't compensate for the overall lack of tension and suspense.
The show's trademark explanatory dialogues become even more pronounced this season, with characters often stating the obvious rather than showing through actions. An interlude where Srikant confesses his profession to his children turns into a jokey moment rather than the emotional revelation it could have been.
While The Family Man Season 3 delivers stunning visuals and maintains its core cast's strong performances, it ultimately disappoints with its frantic yet obvious plotting and weak dialogue. The 2.5-star rating reflects a season that had potential but failed to capitalize on the strong foundation built by its predecessors.
The Family Man Season 3 is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, featuring Manoj Bajpayee, Sharib Hashmi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Priyamani, and an ensemble cast directed by Raj & DK, Suman Kumar, and Tusshar Seyth.
