Mirzapur (Seasons 1 & 2) series depicts the brutal battle to control the powerful throne and ill-got money. The focus of this series is on the criminal strongmen (Bahubali–log) of Uttar Pradesh. Please note that it is a fictional tale about the flourishing criminal and political nexus. And, it is set in a real Uttar Pradesh town.
It is worth mentioning that most of us have heard innumerable stories about how the Bahubali-log controls the levers of power in India. These strongmen brazenly use crimes to control and dominate almost all the regions of Uttar Pradesh state. We have explained below who is considered the Bahubali in India.
Please note: This series is based on a fictional story. Although, a portion of this tale draws its inspirations from the real-life incidents that has taken place in the Northern states of India.
Deadly & Cut-Throat Battle To Control An Underworld Throne
Spoiler-Free Review: Mirzapur (Season 1/2018 & Season 2/2020) Series
The synopsis (official summary)
| Season (S1/2018) One | The iron-fisted Akhandanand Tripathi (Pankaj Tripathi) is a millionaire carpet exporter and the mafia don of Mirzapur. His son, Munna (Divyenndu), is an unworthy, power-hungry heir who will stop at nothing to inherit his father’s legacy. An incident at a wedding procession forces him to cross paths with Ramakant Pandit (Rajesh Tailang), an upstanding lawyer, and his sons, Guddu (Ali Fazal) and Bablu (Vikrant Massey). |
| Season (S2/2020) Two | In Mirzapur, revenge runs darker than blood. There is one title, the King of Mirzapur, but many takers. Munna (Divyenndu) feels invincible after escaping from the wedding massacre. Guddu (Ali Fazal) and Golu Gupta ~ Gajgamini Gupta (Shweta Tripathi) are nowhere to be found. Akhandanand’s (Pankaj Tripathi) ambitions soar as he eyes political power. Going beyond Purvanchal to the power corridors of Lucknow and the streets of Bihar, there’s one question – who will rule Mirzapur? |
A pioneering series about the secret world of criminals and politics in India
It is an Indian crime thriller series that is considered one of the pioneering series to take an unfiltered gaze into the much-talked-about world of Babubali-log (criminal strongmen) and Rajneeti (Politics) in the UP state. In other words, this story is located in the heartland of India. This place is notorious for its brazen lawlessness and the criminalisation of politics. Many political commentators in India have talked about the chaos and anarchy prevailing in the said state. Yet, we have never witnessed a series dealing with this fascinating topic, realistically.
Then, this series came out in November 2018, and since then, it has tried to pull down the veil from the face of the criminalisation of politics.
At that time, like a breath of fresh air, this pioneering and breakthrough series had many novel factors.
However, since then, many series (set in Uttar Pradesh and other states of North India) have come up with similar storytelling styles.
Focus on the criminalisation of politics – reality check
Well, Bāhubali refers to political figures who possess “dhanbal” (wealth), “janbal” (people’s support) and “buddhibal” (political acumen) in addition to their capacity for violence. We are sharing an excerpt from an article that talks about the criminalisation of politics and this show.
These terms have been explained in detail in the said article.
“From Bihar to Uttar Pradesh, there are sociological reasons why gangs thrive. Lawlessness and joblessness are endemic and industrial growth stunted. A successful don begins by executing a few murders for a price, possibly to grab land, starts getting Public Works Department contracts to build roads and provides the muscle for a politician. This continues until the don becomes a politician himself and joins whichever party is in power.“
Saba Naqvi: Does ‘Mirzapur’ defame UP? If you’d met the dons I have, you’d know how bad it really is | Scroll(dot)in
Criminals, gangsters, police and politicians dominate
But with its gripping storyline, this series remains an original and quintessential series that brought together the dangerous worlds of criminals and gangsters with that of police and politicians in the big bad land of Uttar Pradesh. Many people have said Uttar Pradesh is unofficially the proverbial rough wild West of India. The opening scene (and many other scenes, too) of this series proves just that. Usually, weddings are supposed to be happy occasions. However, it is not in this show. In the opening scene of this series, we witness a most shocking incident.
A shooting happens, and someone is killed in broad daylight by the members of the Babhubali family, so to speak. Thus, this horrific and shameful event at a crowded wedding procession with so many eyewitnesses leads to a series of events that allow us into the lives of families and their members in this lawless city.
Has amazingly talented cast members
This series has amazingly talented cast members – Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Shweta Tripathi, Rasika Dugal, Divyendu Sharma, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Harshita Gaur, Shaji Chaudhary, Rajesh Tailang, Sheeba Chaddha, Anjum Sharma, Shriya Pilgaonkar, etc. All of them with their acting calibre have brought alive this interesting world where criminal, political and business ventures thrive. Its cinematography has portrayed the raw beauty and the unique lifestyle of a small town in UP compellingly and engagingly. Besides, it has well-choreographed action scenes.
The conclusion
An interesting bit of information about this series – Season one started with a wedding scene and ended with another wedding scene. Both of these scenes prove that marriage is not really for the weak-hearted in the U.P.
This great crime drama series is worth watching, as many of its ambitious characters are willing to go to extreme lengths to grab the levers of power in this dreaded town of Uttar Pradesh.
Mirzapur Season 3 News Update
According to the buzz, season 3 is likely to be released in 2023. However, there has been no announcement about its date and month of release, so far. With only four months left in 2023, viz., September, October, November and December, the time of its release is narrowing down. We think its release will be announced soon, unless there are official hurdles.
Ratings: Mirzapur (Season 1/2018 & Season 2/2020) Series
| Seasons | FM’s Ratings |
|---|---|
| Season (S1) One | 4.25/5 |
| Season (S2) Two | 4.15/5 |
Key Details: Mirzapur (Season 1/2018 & Season 2/2020) Series
| Genre | Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller, Suspense |
| Original language | Hindi (India) |
| About Title | Mirzapur is a town in Uttar Pradesh state, India. |
| Creators | Puneet Krishna & Karan Anshuman |
| Seasons & Episodes | First Season (S1) – 2018 – Nine (9) Episodes Second Season (S2) – 2020 – Ten (10) Episodes |
| Cast | Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Shweta Tripathi, Rasika Dugal, Divyendu Sharma, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Harshita Gaur, Shaji Chaudhary, Rajesh Tailang, Sheeba Chaddha, Anjum Sharma, Shriya Pilgaonkar, etc. |
| Taglines | Become what you fear (S1) |
| Network | Amazon Prime Video |
First Season of the Mirzapur (S1/2018) Series
The Poster
The Trailer
Spoiler-Alert: Summary of its 9 Episodes (S1)
Peek into the 9 Episodes of Season 1
Jhandu (S1, E1) | 53 minutes
A shocking incident at a wedding procession ignites a series of events entangling the lives of two families in the lawless city of Mirzapur.
Jhandu (झंडू) ~ This is a colloquial term used to describe someone who talks nonsense. The word "jhandu" means "fast-tempered."
Godda (S1, E2) | 45 minutes
Guddu and Bablu have a life-altering choice to make. Munna gets a lesson in loyalty. A new, diabolical contender for Mirzapur emerges.
Godda (गोड्डा) ~ A town in Jharkhand.
Wafadar (S1, E3) | 43 minutes
A generation-old rivalry is rekindled.
Wafadar (वफादार) ~ Loyal & dutiful.
Virginity (S1, E4) | 43 minutes
Akhandanand tests the boys’ moral fibre, leading them down a path of no return. And Sweety must choose between Munna and Guddu.
Bhaukal (S1, E5) | 49 minutes
Guddu and Bablu hatch an ambitious plan to increase the gun trade, but for this, both the cops and criminals of Mirzapur must cooperate.
Bhaukal (भौकाल) ~ status, position, arrogance or swag.
Barfi (S1, E6) | 47 minutes
A meeting of the mafia heads of Purvanchal masquerading as a Holi party leads to a fracas that threatens to transform all equations.
Barfi (बर्फी) ~ is an Indian sweet. But in this series, it is a code word for the illegal drugs business.
Lions of Mirzapur (S1, E7) | 53 minutes
Guddu and Bablu have come into their own in their private and professional lives as gangsters. But is it time for a rethink?
Tandav (S1, E8) | 47 minutes
Tempers reach a head between Guddu and Bablu while they’re in exile. And it’s time for the Mr. Purvanchal contest.
Tandav (तांडव) ~ is a dance of fury.
Yogya (S1, E9) | 47 minutes
Three generations of Tripathis show the world who they really are.
Yogya (योग्य) ~ is an able and eligible person.
Second Season of the Mirzapur (S2/2020) Series
The Poster
News Update about actor Ali Fazal:- He acted in a Hollywood movie and did a good acting job in it too, the Kandahar movie.
The Trailer
Spoiler-Alert: Summary of its 10 Episodes
Peek into the 10 Episodes of Season 2
Dhenkul (S2, E1) | 1 hour
The Gorakhpur wedding massacre is a thing of the past for Akhandanand Tripathi. His focus is now on the present – the business and conquering larger territory to remain the King of Mirzapur. Everyone who survived that violent night has come out a different person.
Despite horrific memories, they know that survival is their only option.
Dhenkul (ढेंकुल) ~ Seesaw.
Khargosh (S2, E2) | 49 minutes
The Tripathis, still unaware that Guddu and Golu are alive, continue to form new alliances. Munna impresses Bauji and Akhandanand with the way he has handled a negotiation. Akhandanand helps the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh close the wedding massacre chapter.
Guddu, Golu and Dimpy who are still in hiding, reunite with a loyal partner and set their sights on Mirzapur.
Khargosh (खरगोश) ~ Rabbit.
Viklang Quota (S2, E3) | 39 minutes
Akhandanand’s woes in the bedroom lead him to the doors of a sexologist. Beena continues to be gripped by the traumatic incident she endured, but finds a compelling reason to survive. Guddu has to push himself to think beyond his physical strength, while Golu has to learn the ropes of the trade.
They make use of Dimpy’s past friendship and end up sending the Tripathis a strong message.
Viklang Quota (विकलांग कोटा) ~ Disabled Quota.
Bhaymukt (S2, E4) | 59 minutes
Guddu and Golu are still not a threat to Akhandanand, but Munna thinks differently. Akhandanand assigns Munna to take charge of youth canvassing in the state along with the CM’s daughter, Madhuri Yadav. Beena safeguards a big secret.
Guddu and Golu’s alliance with Lala begins to affect Akhandanand’s business. Golu decides to get Robin’s expertise. Sharad’s emotions overpower his thought process.
Bhaymukt (भयमुक्त) ~ free from fear.
Langda (S2, E5) | 52 minutes
Akhandanand reprimands Munna and Sharad for their impulsive actions. Bablu’s diary becomes a key in learning secrets about the Tripathi family for Golu. To impress Akhandanand Tripathi, Sharad introduces him and Munna to one of Bihar’s most powerful business families, the Tyagis.
A fortunate coincidence triggers an unexpected alliance between parties that have a common goal.
Langda (लंगड़ा) ~ limp, limping.
Ankush (S2, E6) | 53 minutes
There has been a huge setback in the Tripathi family’s business. Akhandanand smells a rat but uses this setback to his advantage. Munna is coerced into taking a big step in his life which makes the Tripathis’ political alliances stronger. Ramakant is surprised to find an unexpected ally.
Golu makes a business proposition to Shatrughan, but it falls through. The elections come to an end.
Ood Bilaav (S2, E7) | 49 minutes
Guddu and Golu are growing from strength to strength. Guddu strives to become the Bahubali of Balia.
On the personal front, Guddu is getting closer to Shabnam, who asks him to let go of the past. Shatrugan doesn’t have the same influence in his family as his elder brother, a fact that Golu notices and uses to her advantage. The wheels of an Adventuristic political coup are set in motion.
Ood Bilaav (ऊदबिलाव) ~ Beaver.
Chauchak (S2, E8) | 57 minutes
Sharad Shukla and JP Yadav successfully manage to dent Akhandanand’s political aspirations. JP Yadav then calls for a debauched celebration with Zarina in private. After suffering a significant personal loss, Guddu takes upon an unexpected responsibility and Shabnam agrees to help.
Golu doesn’t take this too well as she feels Shabnam will come in the way of their larger objective.
Chauchak (चौचक) ~ wonderful, fantastic, or astonishing.
Butterscotch (S2, E9) | 56 minutes
Beena gives birth to a boy and is worried about the safety of the child. Lala is unhappy with Guddu’s closeness to Shabnam. Golu herself is in immense pain, questions what she has become. Maurya is frustrated with constant setbacks and decides to meet with the IG.
Munna takes matters into his own hands when Maqbool’s lies resurface. Loyalties are at stake as a result of Munna’s actions.
King of Mirzapur (S2, E10) | 1 hour 5 minutes
Beena confronts the horrors of her past, leaving the Tripathi household in chaos. Munna’s newfound power through Madhuri leads him to a drastic confrontation with Akhandanand. Dadda calls for a meeting with Mama, Shatrughan and Bharat. Ramakant is forced to confront his own beliefs.
Guddu and Golu assure Beena of the promise they made. Sharad looks to bring his plan to a conclusion.
Also, read about other series and movies that subtly (and not so subtly) raise the contemporary issue of the criminalisation of politics in India. They are crime dramas.
However, unlike the series and movie mentioned here
Paatal Lok series, Kaalkoot series, and Kathal movie.
So, many times, the art imitates life.
Awards won by this Indian series about UP’s Bahubali
| Names of the Awards | Details of Awards Winners |
|---|---|
| Filmfare OTT Awards – 2021 | Winner Critics Choice Award Best Series Season 2 |
| IWM Digital Awards – 2019 | Most Popular Web Series – Winner Popular Award Sanjay Kapoor – Winner Jury Award – Best Cinematography in a Web Series – |
| Indian Television Academy Awards, India – 2021 | Winner Technical Award Best Dialogue (OTT) Puneet Krishna, Vineet Krishna – Season 2 |
| Indian Film and Television Awards, India – 2021 | Divyendu Sharma – Winner OTT Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series Rasika Dugal – Winner OTT Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Series |
Featured & Other Images: Mirzapur | Amazon Prime Video.
