Mirzapur: The Movie has taken the box office by storm, scoring a blockbuster opening following its worldwide theatrical release on September 4. Transitioning from a cult streaming show to the big screen, the crime thriller pulled off a massive surprise by netting Rs 24.75 crore in India on Day 1. On Day 2, it continued its box-office run, recording a 40 per cent increase in collections over Day 1.
Director Gurmmeet Singh, who helmed all three seasons of the original hit series, takes the franchise to the big screen in this theatrical adaptation. He talks about the challenge of bringing Mirzapur to theatres, revisiting its iconic characters and what could lie ahead.
What made you take up the challenge of bringing such a beloved series to the big screen?
Mirzapur Season 1 premiered at the MAMI Film Festival in 2018, and we got a chance to watch two episodes in a theatre. The response was unbelievable. Since then, there was always a thought at the back of our minds that Mirzapur could be taken to the big screen. It deserved a community viewing experience. Finally, in 2024, writer Puneet Krishna cracked an idea that we felt could do justice to the big-screen adaptation.
Did you have moments of doubt when you felt you were biting off more than you could chew?
Absolutely. Every film journey is laden with doubt, and this was no different. How the audience would react to the narrative changes we had made for the film was a big question mark for us. Fingers crossed, they are responding!
How did you approach the beloved characters, and which of them were your favourites?
Taking the iconic characters back a decade was an interesting challenge. A lot of credit must go to the actors themselves because, without a doubt, the show is blessed with an amazing cast. They are not only immensely capable but also professional and a dream to work with. They make the director’s job a picnic. Our role was simply to give them clarity. The magic they brought to their characters came effortlessly. It is so difficult to answer who my favourite is, so I always choose the least controversial option. My favourite is Bauji — our evergreen Kulbhushan Kharbanda!
Mirzapur seems like a new beginning for you?
This is actually my fifth feature film, after Warning 3D, What The Fish, Sharafat Gayi Tel Lene and Phone Bhoot. But yes, this is probably the first that is receiving such mass love. I have been fortunate enough to direct all three seasons of the Mirzapur series before this, and the film was our celebration of that journey.
Can we expect a sequel?
Very, very early days. But I will never say never!
