Mirzapur 3 Director Reflects On Mixed Responses And Teases Season 4

Mirzapur 3: After much anticipation, Mirzapur season 3 began streaming on Amazon Prime Video on 5th July 2024. Despite high expectations, it has garnered mixed reactions from both critics and audiences. Directed by Gurmeet Singh and Anand Iyer, Filmibeat recently spoke with Iyer about the series' reception, Pankaj Tripathi's reduced screen time as Kaleen Bhaiya, plans for season 4, and more.

Are you feeling relieved that now people won't come and ask you when is Mirzapur season 3 coming?

It is kind of a relief. It is almost like you had a baby, it is that kind of a relief. It's been a constant question for the last year now, ever since the shooting got done. We were all giving everyone tentative dates, but it was getting pushed for various reasons, then finally it happened, so the wait is over.

There were a lot of expectations from Mirzapur 3, but the reviews and the word of mouth have been quite mixed, so what do you have to say about that?

The thing is that each season has its own flavour. It is the story that had to take its course. It is impossible for everyone to like something. So, in this case, a lot of people have liked the story in terms of how each character has been fleshed out and what is happening with each character. Whatever little issues they have had is that maybe certain characters were not around.

Pankaj Tripathi's character Kaleen Bhaiya has been the central character in season 1 and 2, but in season 3 he has been missing a lot. So, what made you guys decide to have him in the later episodes and not throughout?

Season 2 ended with a massacre which happened, and he was gravely wounded. So, he had a presence, but this season is more about planning, plotting, what is going to happen because you always had him at the helm of the throne and suddenly there's no one. There's a question who is going to sit next on the throne, and Kaleen Bhaiya was recovering from the injury, so that is what this whole season is about, and that's why you see less of him.

Managing Screen Time Among Actors

Mirzapur has so many actors, so how do manage everyone on the set that no one should feel bad about each other's screen time or character?

They have been there since season 1; they have known each other well. Each actor understands their role and feels secure in their contribution. There isn't any insecurity regarding screen time among them; everyone remains content with their part.

Views on OTT Censorship

From the time OTT has started doing well in India, there has always been a debate about OTT censorship. What's your take on it?

Where do stories come from? People derive that from reality. I am not saying it is a bad world, but everything can't be fantasy kind of a thing. You need to derive things from reality; people need to identify for them to be a part of the story. The reason why people identify with Mirzapur is because somewhere they see a part of themselves in it; in one of the characters maybe. So I feel somewhere you could take it easy in terms of censorship. Yes, you can put parental guidance like 'this is for 18+'. But I just feel we should stop at that rather than trying to be moral police.

Future Plans: Mirzapur Season 4

Though Mirzapur 3 has received a mixed response, are you guys planning a season 4?

The way it has ended with a cliffhanger; yes of course there will be a season 4.

Anand Iyer's Genre Preferences

As a director what genre would you like to explore?

I would love to explore crime thrillers or dark comedies. Horror I am not too sure about but crime thrillers and dark comedies for sure!

A Dream Collaboration

Do you have an actor in mind you wish to direct?

I am a huge fan of Malayalam films. I love them for their simplicity and core ideas. I really admire Fahadh Faasil and would love to work with him someday. Malayalam cinema holds a special place for me.