Mirzapur, the popular Indian crime thriller series, returns after four years with its third season, featuring Ali Fazal and Ali Fazal reprising their roles as Guddu Bhaiya and Kaleen Bhaiya.
While the show ramps up the bloodshed and gore, it struggles with a weak storyline and an overabundance of characters, despite some exceptional performances and an engaging first half.
The series, known for introducing violence and gore to the Indian OTT space, takes it up a notch this season. At its core, Mirzapur narrates a tale of violence in the Hindi heartland, intersecting with Indian politics and law enforcement.
The power games, sex, drugs, death, conflicted relationships, and betrayals form the crux of this gripping series.
What's exciting this season?
The third season picks up where the second ended. Guddu Bhaiya (Ali Fazal) and Golu (Shweta Tripathi Sharma) revel in their newfound power after claiming the Mirzapur throne. Kaleen Bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi) grieves the loss of his son Munna (Divyenndu) after narrowly escaping death himself.
Directors Gurmmeet Singh and Anand Iyer utilize locations to enhance realism. Symbolic scenes, like the breaking of Kaleen Bhaiya’s statue, depict the shackling of his control over Mirzapur.
Madhuri (Isha Talwar) stepping in to light Munna’s pyre adds depth to the narrative.
The use of elaborate graphics to illustrate the expanding map of the Mirzapur universe, spanning Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Northern Bihar, and Nepal, adds to the series' visual appeal.
The bloodshed that follows is depicted with stark intensity.
Performance-wise, Ali Fazal, Shweta Tripathi Sharma, and Anjum Sharma excel as Guddu, Golu, and Sharad. Their tension, conflict, and vengeance resonate with the audience.
Anjum and Vijay Varma stand out, showcasing layers of dark ambitions and emotional vulnerabilities.
Harshita Shekhar Gaur, Rajesh Tailang, and Sheeba Chadha provide strong support, elevating the flat screenplay with their emotive performances.
The third season delivers on gore and variety, with twists and turns that keep viewers engaged.
Turnoff point?
The season introduces numerous fresh characters alongside the existing ones, making it challenging to connect all the dots. The slower pace of the plot, however, aids in this complex narrative.
Isha Talwar impresses as Chief Minister Madhuri, though her acting occasionally falters for an otherwise powerful character.
Some scenes are reminiscent of Game of Thrones, with shock value that might unsettle viewers.
Fans eagerly awaited a faceoff between Kaleen Bhaiya and Guddu Bhaiya, but it remains absent.
Pankaj Tripathi’s character seems to take a backseat, allowing younger generations and new rivalries to dominate.
While Rasika Dugal shines as Beena Tripathi, her character feels underwritten. Priyanshu Painyuli’s Robin also seems underutilized despite a promising entry in season two.
The finale feels underwhelming without the anticipated fireworks, leaving viewers questioning the build-up.
The relentless rhythm of the series might have wasted the promise of the world it created, leaving some loose ends. Yet, the series offers a fun binge-watching experience, best enjoyed with friends.
Mixed bag of entertainment
Mirzapur 3 brings high stakes, high risks, and high drama, but the flair is low. Despite a predictable storyline, the season deserves a watch for its performances, direction, and moments of horror soaked in blood.
Produced by Excel Media and Entertainment, Mirzapur season 3 is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video from July 5.
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