Mirzapur 3 Review: Action-Packed but Missing the ‘Bhaukal’; Where is Kaleen Bhaiya?
If Guddu Bhaiya says ‘Violence Unka USP Hai,’ it certainly gives us every reason to believe it.
Mirzapur Season 3 picks up right from where it was left. From the very first episode, viewers can immediately sense the shift in power dynamics in Mirzapur from the Tripathis to the Pandits. Guddu Bhaiya (Ali Fazal) exacts his long-awaited revenge on Munna Bhaiya (Divyenndu), but the audience is left in suspense as Kaleen Bhaiya’s (Pankaj Tripathi) fate remains uncertain. As the series unfolds, the significance of Kaleen Bhaiya’s survival becomes increasingly clear—his life is crucial for Guddu to claim the throne.
Performances
Its Ali Fazal’s show, where others are just reprising their characters and playing their roles. Ali has the major screen time, showing different shades of his character. While Guddu Bhaiya is someone who can wreak havoc and create ‘bhaukal,’ his other side reflects a sweet, normal guy whose affection toward little kid Lippi (Kiara Sadh) melts viewers’ hearts. Ali brings Guddu Bhaiya to life with a wide range of emotions. This season relies heavily on his talent.
Coming to Golu (Shweta Tripathi), her transformation from Gajagamini Gupta to Guddu Bhaiya’s right hand, has been remarkable. From the second season onwards, you see that Golu is no longer the sweet or sensible girl she once was; she has become ferocious, bold, and fearless. She is more intense and layered, showcasing her transformation from a grieving sister to a ruthless avenger.
Sadly, Kaleen Bhaiya becomes a showpiece throughout the series, and his presence is sorely missed. Most of the time, we see him in the series as a grieving father on a recovery bed, with fewer dialogues and even less power. Meanwhile, Chote (Vijay Varma) shine by skillfully portraying complex layers of dark ambitions and emotional vulnerabilities, whereas Bina Tripathi’s (Rasika Duggal) role felt limited in the third season. However, even in a small role, Rasika Duggal managed to turn heads and captivate an audience.
Guddu Bhaiya says ‘violence unka USP hai’
Mirzapur Season 3 Sneak Peek
Mirzapur Season 3 begins with a grim tone with Madhuri (Isha Talwar) performing the final rites of Munna Bhaiya, whereas Sharad Shukla (Anjum Sharma) manages to save the wounded Kaleen Bhaiya, providing him a safe haven to recover. A pivotal moment unfolds when Guddu Bhaiya shatters the statue of Kaleen Bhaiya, revealing the inscription ‘Tripathi Chowk’ beneath it, symbolizing his bid to establish dominance over Mirzapur.
However, as the series unfolds viewers understand that fight is for the entire ‘Pradesh,’ as ‘Pashchim’ demands more than Purvanchal. The series emphasises that the stakes are higher, focusing on the question: Who will emerge as the new Bahubali—Guddu Bhaiya or Sharad Shukla?
As the episodes unfold, it becomes clear that Guddu Bhaiya faces not just one enemy but an entire clan. Coming to other aspects of the series, a mystery which remains unsolved has to be about Bina Tripathi and her kid. Who is the father of the child – her father-in-law Satyanand ‘Bauji’ Tripathi (Kulbhushan Kharbanda) or the househelp Raja? IFYYK!
What Works and What Doesn’t
Things which worked for the series and pushed one to watch have to be the remarkable performances of the actors and the high-octane action scenes. Also, while the series occasionally pauses for reflection, its captivating production design ensures each scene is a visual delight. However, things which did not work out for Mirzapur season 3 are the absence of Pankaj Tripathi and his powerful dialogues. Also, There are times in the series when the storyline falls weak and becomes extremely predictable for the audience. Additionally, dramatic scene shifts can break the continuity and potentially cause a drop in viewer interest.
Verdict
This guns-and-goons political crime thriller revolves around relentless bloodshed, gore, and even moments of cheap thrills. Mirzapur Season 3 is similar to ‘Sacred Games’ in its delivery of intense, blood-boiling content on OTT platforms. Season 3 will leave you mind-boggled, and you’ll likely need to rewatch from the beginning to grasp the dynamic shifts fully. The verdict on Mirzapur Season 3 is clear: the stakes and action are higher than ever. However, the storyline lacks the expected flair and grip. Nonetheless, if you enjoy bloodbaths, the third season is worth watching for its stellar performances, direction, and chilling moments.
Rating: 2.5 stars
