Mirzapur season 3 review: The battle intensifies but progress is stagnant

After a four-year hiatus, the intense world of Mirzapur returns with its third season, bringing back the drama of gang wars and power struggles. The season continues to follow the aftermath of the violent events from the previous season, where Munna Tripathi (Divyenndu) met his demise, and his father, Kaleen Bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi), was severely wounded. Golu Gupta (Shweta Tripathi) and Guddu Pandit (Ali Fazal) are now focused on strengthening their control over Purvanchal.

The new season, spanning ten episodes, oscillates between chaos and confusion, with characters entangled in a web of ambition, angst, and brutal conflicts. Guddu, who has declared himself the new King of Mirzapur, and Sharad Shukla (Anjumm Sharma), who forms a strategic alliance with Madhuri Yadav, are the main contenders for dominance. The narrative also explores the psychological and emotional complexities of the characters as they navigate their tumultuous lives.

Ali Fazal's portrayal of Guddu showcases a character grappling with inner turmoil and external pressures. Guided by Golu, Guddu’s journey from a reactive to a more calculated player is compelling, highlighting his transformation and inner conflict. Meanwhile, Pankaj Tripathi’s Kaleen Bhaiya makes a subtle yet impactful comeback, demonstrating his resilience and shrewdness, albeit less prominently than before.

Shweta Tripathi's Golu also evolves, taking on a more substantial role this season. The Pandit family’s dynamics shift as Guddu’s father, Ramakant Pandit (Rajesh Tailang), undergoes a transformation during his imprisonment, adding a refreshing layer to the otherwise relentless brutality of the series. The subplot involving Shatrughan Tyagi (Vijay Varma) impersonating his deceased twin Bharat provides an intriguing yet occasionally frustrating twist.

Madhuri Yadav, now the widowed Chief Minister, played by Isha Talwar, navigates her new role in a patriarchal society with a quiet determination. However, Rasika Dugal’s Beena remains on the fringes, plotting and caring for her child without getting a moment to shine.

The writing team—Apurva Dhar Badgaiyan, Avinash Singh Tomar, Vijay Narayan Verma, and Avinash Singh—packs the season with action and complex character arcs. However, the lengthy episodes and overemphasis on individual conflicts sometimes detract from the plot’s momentum. Directors Gurmmeet Singh and Anand Iyer expand the narrative, but the season's pacing feels sluggish, making it seem more like a tribute to loyal fans than a progression of the story.

Much like Game of Thrones, Mirzapur engages viewers with its unpredictable character arcs and high-stakes violence, often leading to the demise of key players. Despite the heavy body count in this season, the introduction of new characters hints at the potential for renewed storytelling vigor.

In conclusion, while Mirzapur Season 3 brings back the familiar intensity and conflict, it struggles with pacing and character development, leaving viewers hoping for a more focused and dynamic continuation in the future.