The third season of Mirzapur picks up from where the explosive second season left off. Ali Fazal’s Guddu Pandit has overthrown the Tripathis and claimed the throne of Mirzapur. However, Guddu’s reign is immediately challenged. A “baithak” or council of regional crime lords from across Uttar Pradesh emerges to question his legitimacy. This gathering aims to determine whether Guddu is worthy of the title or if his rival, Shukla (played by Anjumm Sharma), is a better fit. Notably absent is any mention of Pankaj Tripathi’s Kaleen Bhaiya, leaving his fate a mystery.
Expanding Beyond Mirzapur
The narrative broadens its horizons, extending beyond Mirzapur to cities like Prayagraj and Varanasi. This expansion raises the stakes, intensifies competition, and amplifies the violence. The prize, however, remains the same: control of Mirzapur. As Shukla aptly puts it, “khel aj bhi wahi hai, bas mohre badal gaye hain” (it’s still the same game, only the pawns have changed). The show continues to feature guns, gore, and shifting loyalties, driven by the relentless pursuit of power and ambition across ten episodes.
Overstuffed Screenplay Mars Seasoned Performances
While the third season is an improvement over its predecessor, it still struggles with overburdened and overstretched writing. The show repeats some mistakes from the second season, with numerous subplots that bloat the episodes. Although these subplots might serve as necessary background for future seasons, they currently add little value to the storyline, other than extending the runtime for die-hard fans.
One particularly questionable scene involves Zaheera (Anangsha Biswas), a former Bhojpuri dancer-turned-politician, promoting a government scheme for women. She is met with lewd demands from men who want her to dance. Instead of addressing this objectification, she performs a raunchy dance in exchange for 100 women signing up for the scheme, a choice that feels out of place and regressive.
The season finale also includes a sultry scene that seems unnecessary and disconnected from the plot. While Mirzapur has never shied away from bold scenes, they previously added depth to the story, unlike the gratuitous inclusion here.
Mirzapur’s Characters Remain Its Strength
Despite the stretched writing, some sequences capture the original essence of the show, particularly those featuring Guddu Bhaiya. In the second episode, Guddu’s maniacal laughter after a kill harks back to the first season, reminding viewers of his transformation into a bloodthirsty henchman.
Shweta Tripathi’s portrayal of Golu is another highlight. Once an idealistic college topper, Golu is now a dangerous tobacco-chewing thug, imparting wisdom to the hotheaded Guddu, much like her late brother Bablu (Vikrant Massey).
Other characters also show significant development. Shukla is more cautious, Beena has regained her confidence, Dimpy (Harshita Gaur) has become assertive, and Madhuri Devi (Isha Talwar) is determined to end the violence by uprooting the concept of “Mirzapur ki gaddi.” The most drastic change is seen in Kaleen Bhaiya, who has transformed from a ruthless gangster to a grieving father, his limited screen time creating a void for fans.
Ali Fazal Steals the Show
Ali Fazal stands out with his portrayal of Guddu Bhaiya. He seamlessly embodies the character’s dual personalities, showcasing a range of emotions from ruthless aggression to internal conflict. In one memorable scene, Guddu is horrified by his own actions, demonstrating Fazal’s ability to convey complex emotions convincingly.
Subtle Power Shifts and Social Commentary
The season also subtly shifts power dynamics from patriarchal figures to powerful women, highlighting characters like Isha Talwar’s chief minister and Golu’s new gangster persona. These female characters are given agency and authority, adding a refreshing layer to the narrative.
The show doesn’t shy away from satirical takes and dark humor. A politician’s mispronunciation of “karuna” (compassion) as “corona” and the ensuing chaos, along with conchs and temple bells ringing during violent scenes, add a touch of irony and humor.
