Mirzapur. The name itself conjured images of a ruthless gangster world, dark alleys filled with gunshots, and power struggles that would leave you breathless. The first season roared onto our screens in 2018, introducing us to the lawless underbelly of Mirzapur, a fictional town brimming with ambition, violence, and the unforgettable Akhandanand Tripathi, aka Kaleen Bhaiyya (Pankaj Tripathi).
Season 2, while not quite capturing the explosive energy of the first, maintained a steady pace. We saw the Tripathis facing threats from all sides, both within their own walls and from the ever-rising Guddu Pandit (Ali Fazal) and his sharp-tongued companion Golu (Shweta Tripathi Sharma). It was a season filled with blood, betrayal, and the ever-present question: who will emerge victorious?
So, with all this hype and anticipation, season 3 landed… and well, let’s just say it didn’t quite live up to the legacy it was trying to uphold.
Watch Mirzapur Season 3 – Official Trailer Here
Video credit: youtube
Where Did the Fire Go?
Remember the first season? The constant tension, the unpredictable twists, the dialogues that left you both entertained and terrified? Season 3 feels like a pale imitation. The initial episodes are a slow burn, reacquainting us with the characters and their current situations. Fair enough, it’s been a while. But that initial spark is missing. The show seems to rely heavily on familiarity, both in terms of characters and locations.
As you trudge through the ten, hour-long episodes, you find yourself constantly waiting for something, anything, to happen. The thrill factor that was so central to the first two seasons seems to have fizzled out. The brutality, a staple of the genre, feels more routine than shocking. It’s like the writers sprinkled in violence just to jolt you awake from the monotony of endless “chai-nashta-aur-baatcheet” (tea-snacks-and-conversations).
Characters Lost in the Shuffle
Sure, there are a couple of unexpected deaths, but the surprise factor has worn thin. The season heavily relies on Ali Fazal’s portrayal of the conflicted Guddu, but even his terrific acting can’t quite salvage the repetitive storylines and dialogue that feels more flowery than impactful.
Shweta Tripathi Sharma’s Golu gets a lot of screen time this season, but it’s a mixed bag. When she’s not trying too hard to be a hardened gangster, she shines. However, lines like “ab hum challenger nahin contendor hain” (We’re not challengers anymore, we’re contenders) feel forced and inauthentic coming from her character.
Pankaj Tripathi’s Kaleen Bhaiyya, the man whose mere presence once commanded the screen, is sorely missed. His absence creates a void that the remaining characters simply can’t fill. We see glimpses of Beena Tripathi (Rasika Dugal), but she’s mostly relegated to taking care of a wailing infant, her potential for cunning barely explored.
The supporting cast fares no better. Isha Talvar’s chief minister Madhuri feels like a wasted opportunity. Her character, aiming for a “bhay-mukt pradesh” (fear-free state) while profiting from dirty money, could have been a fascinating exploration of hypocrisy. Similarly, Vijay Verma’s surviving twin and Priyanshu Painyuli’s mysterious character fall flat.
Missed Opportunities and a Glimmer of Hope
The season does attempt to introduce some political undertones, hinting at the connection between rampant lawlessness and political maneuvering. However, these glimpses are fleeting and lack the depth needed to truly resonate.
The endless “baithaks” (meetings) of the bad guys become tedious, offering little to move the plot forward. The constant barrage of “offers,” “deals,” and “control” becomes a monotonous drone.
Despite its shortcomings, there is a tiny spark of hope for the future. The last few episodes see a slight upward trend, hinting at potential conflicts and alliances to come. Here’s where a strong season 4 could redeem Mirzapur. We need a season that reignites the fire, brings back the unpredictable twists, and reminds us why we fell in love with this dark and thrilling world in the first place.
If the makers can recapture the essence of what made the first two seasons so captivating, season 4 could be an epic comeback. But for now, Mirzapur 3 leaves us feeling like we just witnessed the embers of a once-raging fire.
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