Mirzapur Season 3 Review: Ali Fazal and Anjum Make Sure 'Bhaukal Thamega Nahi', Pankaj Tripathi Returns with a Bang

Mirzapur Season 3 Review: The long-awaited moment has arrived. After four years, the creators return with Mirzapur Season 3, promising heightened intensity and violence. Starring Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, Shweta Tripathi, Rasika Dugal, and Anjum Sharma in pivotal roles, the stage is set for the ultimate battle for supremacy.
About Mirzapur Season 3
Mirzapur Season 3 Review: "Bhool toh nahi gaye humein?" asks Kaleen Bhaiya (played by Pankaj Tripathi) in a pivotal moment we've all been waiting for. The season opens with Madhuri Yadav (played by Isha Talwar) clad in white, performing her husband's electric cremation before reentering the political arena. The series, known for its themes of vengeance and redemption, starts off slowly but gains momentum as it builds towards settling scores, particularly against Munna (Munna ko maarne ka badla liya jaega).
This season delves deeper into violence, revenge, power struggles, and the relentless pursuit of the throne, notably by Guddu Pandit (played by Ali Fazal) and Sharad Sharma (played by Anjum Sharma). Four years since the events of season two, where Guddu killed Munna (played by Divyendu) and Sharad rescued the injured Kaleen Bhaiya, the narrative keeps viewers on edge. Despite Kaleen's survival, the burning question remains: Can he reclaim his throne?
Mirzapur Season 3 Review: Plot
In the previous season, we saw the end of the Tripathis' reign in Purvanchal. Guddu and Golu (portrayed by Shweta Tripathi) assume control of the empire, emerging as formidable contenders for the throne. The latest season picks up where it left off, with Kaleen Bhaiya now aligning forces with Sharad.
This sparks a power struggle in Mirzapur, with each character striving for dominance. Guddu, Kaleen, Sharad, Beena, Golu, and Shatrughan all compete for power, resulting in intense conflicts and confrontations. However, it's evident that the world of Mirzapur has become even bloodier than in the second season.
Mirzapur 3 Review: Direction
Driven by revenge and a thirst for power, the directors uphold the authenticity of the show. This season is packed with significant developments; each episode unveils new twists. The spotlight remains firmly on the Tripathis, Shuklas, and Yadavs, while the Maqbools, Lalas, Shabnams, and Zarinas contribute important yet subdued roles, maintaining the moral equilibrium of Mirzapur.
There were a few scenes subtly hinting at a theme of understated feminism. In one instance, Shabnam Lala approaches Guddu Pandit to negotiate an illicit deal, needing someone to seal it with outsiders. Golu agrees to meet them, asserting her role in the business. However, Beena (portrayed by Rasika Dugal) remarks, "Woh log aapse kyu milna chahenge, woh log usse milna chahta joh gaddi par baitha, usse nhi jo bagal mai khada hai".
This doesn't deter Golu from taking initiative in other matters. Even without Guddu's assistance, she spearheaded the search operation for Kaleen Bhaiya. In a series where males are consumed by power and violence, it's natural for women to step out from the shadows, asserting themselves discreetly yet powerfully.
This is precisely what the directors and writers aimed to depict, not in a flashy manner but subtly. Whether it's a politician coping with her husband's death and still inaugurating a park adorned with his party symbol, or Beena courageously saving her child and maintaining her dignity.
Mirzapur Season 3 Review: Performances
This season features Ali Fazal, Anjum Sharma, and Shweta Tripathi as its stars. Of course, Pankaj Tripathi is not overlooked. However, Ali Fazal truly embodied the menace required for Guddu Pandit. He portrayed the role with absolute mastery, capturing the character's essence flawlessly. From his physicality to his nuanced portrayal, Ali Fazal impeccably immersed himself in Guddu's persona, knowing precisely when to assert Guddu's trademark style.
Shweta Tripathi brings Golu to new heights with a portrayal marked by unwavering determination and a revitalized character arc. Anjum Sharma, driven by a thirst for vengeance over his father's death, maneuvers like a wounded lion holding a potent card - Kaleen Bhaiya. He patiently awaits the opportune moment to strike and seize his chance.
Pankaj Tripathi, despite limited screen time, commands attention with every appearance, offering profound insights into his character. He adeptly maintains control of the narrative, subtly reshaping Purvanchal's history alongside Sharad Sharma.
While we dearly missed the compelling presence of characters like Munna Tripathi, actors like Rasika Dugal, Vijay Varma, Sheeba Chaddha, Harshita Gaur, Rajesh Tailang, and others leave a lasting impact with their exceptional performances.
Mirzapur 3 Review: Final Verdict
This season surpasses the second one in many aspects. While we missed Munna Tripathi's brilliance and humor, Ali Fazal's performance keeps you captivated throughout. You may think you've figured everything out until the last episode surprises you. The stellar cast and gripping plot twists strive to do justice to the story.
In summary, Mirzapur Season 3 kept us on the edge of our seats, proving that 'Bhaukaal thamega nahi.' As Kaleen Bhaiya wisely said, "Saavdhan rehna chahiye humein ki kispe bharosa kar rahe hai, kabhi-kabhi farishte ke roop mai shaitaan mil jaatein hai." (Translation: We should be careful who we trust, sometimes we meet devils in the form of angels.)