‘The Family Man 3’: A Highly Anticipated Sequel Divides Fans as Vijay Sethupathi Steals the Spotlight

New Delhi, November 21, 2025: The return of India’s most beloved spy, Srikant Tiwari, in the much-awaited third season of The Family Man was expected to be a triumphant event, following the monumental success of its predecessors. However, early word on the digital streets, particularly across the platform X (formerly Twitter), suggests a surprisingly mixed reception. While the star power of veteran actor Manoj Bajpayee remains undeniable, the overall sentiment among netizens leans heavily toward disappointment, citing pacing issues and a diluted plot. Yet, in a twist that has set the internet ablaze, the brief but powerful appearance of South Indian superstar Vijay Sethupathi has emerged as the consensus highlight, single-handedly salvaging the viewing experience for many.

The excitement for The Family Man Season 3 was palpable. Created by the powerhouse duo Raj & DK, the series had masterfully blended high-octane espionage with the relatable, middle-class drama of a man struggling to keep his professional and personal lives afloat. Seasons 1 and 2 set a towering benchmark for Indian streaming content, characterized by their taut scripts, authentic dialogue, and unforgettable supporting characters. Fans expected a seamless continuation of this legacy, especially given the promise of a story dealing with an escalating regional threat, often speculated to be centered around events in the Northeast or potentially China’s involvement.

The Plot Thins: Disappointment Takes Hold

Unfortunately, the collective reaction from the digital audience indicates that the show did not quite stick the landing. The primary critique leveled against the new season is a noticeable dip in the writing quality and overall narrative coherence. Many viewers felt the highly complex geo-political storyline—the very foundation of the suspense—was rushed and underdeveloped, failing to create the high stakes tension that defined the previous seasons.

“It felt like the writers tried to fit two seasons of plot into one,” commented one popular X user. “The tension was manufactured, not earned. Srikant was less the quick-witted operative and more the perpetually stressed-out dad, but without the underlying humour.”

The delicate balance between Srikant’s TASC mission and his chaotic home life—a hallmark of the series—appears to have swung too far into the domestic realm. While the family drama has always been essential, many viewers expressed frustration that the subplot involving Suchi and the children felt repetitive and took valuable screen time away from the core intelligence operations. The villain, a crucial element for any spy thriller, was also deemed lackluster, lacking the chilling menace of previous antagonists like Moosa or the calculated ruthlessness of Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Raji.

The Silver Lining: The ‘Makkal Selvan’ Magic

The actor, often referred to as ‘Makkal Selvan’ (People’s Treasure), made an extended cameo appearance, reportedly spanning a crucial two-episode arc. While details of his role were kept tightly under wraps prior to release, it has since been revealed that Sethupathi portrayed a rogue intelligence operative named ‘Naren,’ whose motives blur the lines between patriotism and personal vendetta. His character was introduced late in the season, operating in a gray area that challenged Srikant’s black-and-white approach to espionage.

Fans have lauded Sethupathi for bringing a burst of electrifying energy and unpredictability that the season sorely needed. His screen presence, coupled with his trademark idiosyncratic delivery and subtle body language, instantly elevated every scene he was in.

“Sethupathi’s intro was the single best moment of the entire season,” wrote an enthusiastic fan. “The chemistry between him and Manoj Bajpayee was explosive. In just two episodes, he managed to create a more memorable and complex character than the season’s main antagonist. He carried the weight of the plot for that brief time and made every minute count.” Hashtags like #NarenSpinOff and #SethupathiTheFamilyMan quickly began trending, underscoring the demand for more of his character.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

The early social media chatter presents a critical challenge for Raj & DK and Amazon Prime Video. The Family Man 3 will undoubtedly draw massive viewership purely based on brand loyalty and the stellar cast, but the reviews from the loyal, invested fanbase suggest a critical misstep. The disappointment stems not from a poor show overall, but from one that failed to meet its own impossibly high standards.

Manoj Bajpayee, as Srikant Tiwari, remains the emotional core of the series. Even critics acknowledge that Bajpayee delivers a performance that is both nuanced and deeply committed, but his brilliance alone could not fully compensate for the structural weaknesses in the script.

Ultimately, The Family Man 3 appears to be a mixed bag—a highly ambitious project that was perhaps weighed down by the mammoth expectations it generated. It serves as a stark reminder that even the most established and adored franchises must consistently innovate. While netizens are disappointed with the journey Srikant Tiwari took this season, the resounding success of Vijay Sethupathi’s cameo provides the perfect blueprint: sometimes, a fresh, powerful, and unexpected element is all it takes to remind the audience of the exceptional quality they crave. The question now remains whether Raj & DK will listen to the feedback and bring back the magic (and perhaps more of Naren) in a potential Season 4.