Actor Ali Fazal has described Mirzapur: The Movie as a “national-level experiment,” highlighting the unusual step of turning a successful Indian web series into a feature film for the first time.
Fazal, who reprises his role as Guddu Pandit, said he initially felt scared to enter the world of Mirzapur, which went on to become one of India’s most popular and influential OTT crime dramas.
The film is expected to explore an untold chapter from the first season while bringing back key characters from the series, including Kaleen Bhaiya and Munna Tripathi, played by Pankaj Tripathi and Divyenndu.
The ensemble cast also features Rasika Dugal, Vijay Varma, and others, with new additions such as Jitendra Kumar and Ravi Kishan.
The teaser released earlier has increased anticipation ahead of its theatrical release.
Fazal recalled that when he was first offered the role, several people advised him against joining OTT projects, as streaming platforms were still in their early stages in India.
However, he chose to take the risk, trusting the strength of the script and recognising the shift in the entertainment industry.
He said he sensed that a “revolution” in digital storytelling was about to begin, which influenced his decision to join the project.
He also revealed that his casting was helped by filmmaker Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, who recommended his name to the makers.
Reflecting on the show’s success, Fazal said Mirzapur gave him an opportunity to play a character that many initially did not associate with him, but which ultimately became one of his most recognised roles.
Comparing its impact to films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Fazal said such stories reshape audience expectations and create long-lasting characters that become part of popular culture.
He added that Mirzapur benefited from its strong writing and unique portrayal of the hinterland crime world in Uttar Pradesh, which had rarely been depicted in this way before.
The actor said the transition of Mirzapur from a streaming series to a big-screen film reflects how storytelling formats in India are evolving.
He called it an experiment in expanding a digital universe into cinema while retaining its core identity and fan appeal.
Apart from Mirzapur: The Movie, Fazal is currently earning praise for his performance in the crime drama series Raakh, set in 1970s Delhi and inspired by real-life events.
He is also part of upcoming projects including Batwara: 1947 and continues to work across films and OTT platforms, balancing mainstream and experimental roles. (PTI)
