The streets of Varanasi recently buzzed with the energy of the ‘Mirzapur’ team as actors Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Shweta Tripathi Sharma wrapped up the city’s schedule for the much-anticipated movie adaptation of the hit crime-thriller series.
Pankaj Tripathi, who returns as the feared yet magnetic Kaleen Bhaiyya, described the experience as deeply personal.
“Every time I step into Varanasi, I feel at home. The city has a rhythm of its own. It is raw, spiritual, alive. Shooting here for ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ reminded me why this world feels so real. Playing Kaleen Bhaiyya is like revisiting an old chapter, yet every time it brings new meaning,” he said.
He also praised the locals’ warmth adding that their curiosity and support always make the experience special.
Ali Fazal, reprising his role as Guddu Pandit spoke about the city’s unique energy. “Banaras has its own kind of madness,” he said. “That chaos is a big part of Guddu’s journey too. Coming back here felt nostalgic, yet refreshing. We’ve lived with these characters for years, and every new story challenges us differently.”
Ali also highlighted the fans’ love, sharing that the streets were filled with people eager to catch a glimpse of the cast and the filming process. “It’s inspiring to see how ‘Mirzapur’ has connected with so many people across generations,” he added.
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Shweta Tripathi Sharma who plays Golu reflected on the city’s impact on her craft. “Varanasi has given me so much as an actor,” she said. “Shooting here is almost poetic, especially for roles that define me. Golu’s journey is about transformation and inner strength, and being in Varanasi makes every emotion feel real.”
For fans of the original series, ‘Mirzapur’ follows the life of Akhandanand “Kaleen” Tripathi, a powerful crime boss ruling over the eponymous district in Uttar Pradesh’s Purvanchal region. The series became a phenomenon, thanks in large part to its gritty storytelling and ensemble cast.
The first season starred Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyendu Sharma, Vikrant Massey, Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rasika Dugal, Harshita Gaur, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda. Season two largely retained the main cast while introducing new characters played by Vijay Varma, Isha Talwar, Lilliput, Anjum Sharma, Priyanshu Painyuli, Anangsha Biswas, and Neha Sargam.
The series was filmed across multiple locations in Uttar Pradesh including Mirzapur, Jaunpur, Azamgarh, Ghazipur, Lucknow, Raebareli, Gorakhpur and Varanasi. The film adaptation promises to bring the same intensity and local flavour with a reported release set for 2026.