Wondering whether you need to revisit all three seasons of Mirzapur before watching Mirzapur: The Movie? The answer is no. While the film is closely connected to the world of the hit OTT series, you do not have to binge all three seasons to understand or enjoy the story. However, there is one part of the series that could make the theatrical experience even better.
Do You Need To Watch Mirzapur Before The Movie?
According to the makers and cast, Mirzapur: The Movie has been designed to work for both dedicated fans and viewers who are entering the world of Mirzapur for the first time. The film is not a straightforward continuation of Season 3. Instead, it explores an untold chapter from the franchise’s original timeline.
The movie is set in 2018, between Season 1 Episodes 6 and 7. This also explains why several characters who later die in the series appear in the film. So, if you have never watched Mirzapur, you can still watch the movie without having to catch up on every season.
How Much Mirzapur Should You Watch Before The Movie?
While watching all three seasons is not necessary, there is a shortcut for viewers who want some context before heading to the theatres.
Ali Fazal has suggested that fans watch at least the first six episodes of Season 1. Those episodes establish the major characters, their relationships and the conflicts that shape the world of Mirzapur.
Watching until Episode 6 also takes viewers right up to the point where the movie’s story fits into the timeline. In other words, you don’t necessarily need a three-season binge. Season 1 Episodes 1-6 should give you enough background to appreciate the film on a deeper level.
What Did Shweta Tripathi Say About The Movie?
Shweta Tripathi, who returns as Golu Gupta, has also stressed that the film should not be viewed simply as a recreation of the first season. Speaking with Hindustan Times, she compared the movie to taking a different route from the familiar Mirzapur highway.
In her words, “It is definitely not a redux of season one. So agar aap highway pe ja rahe ho, aur aap ek bypass le lete ho. Toh yeh woh hai (If you are going on a highway and you take a bypass route, it is that). We have kept everything the audience liked and introduced new elements. So, we have Pankaj (Tripathi) ji, Ali (Fazal), Divyenndu and the others returning, but we also have the man of the moment, Ravi (Kishan) ji. So it’s like a thaali, where the ingredients have been tweaked a bit. Ingredients mein masaale thode faraq kar diye hain, thali wahi hai (It’s the same buffet, but some spices have been added).”
Where Does Mirzapur: The Movie Fit In The Timeline?
The film’s timeline is perhaps the biggest reason why fans may want to revisit Season 1. Rather than picking up after Season 3, Mirzapur: The Movie takes place between Episodes 6 and 7 of Season 1. It therefore functions as a previously unexplored chapter within the original story.
The movie also brings back several familiar faces, including Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyenndu and Shweta Tripathi. There is, however, one major casting change. Jitendra Kumar takes over the role of Bablu Pandit, originally played by Vikrant Massey.
Why Was This Story Not Part Of The Series?
The movie is not simply an extended episode of Mirzapur. The story reportedly required considerably more time and scale to tell properly. With its theatrical format, the makers were able to expand the storyline and explore the relationships between the sons of Purvanchal and their respective fathers in greater detail.
Can You Watch Mirzapur: The Movie Without Watching The Series?
Absolutely. If you are completely new to Mirzapur, you can watch the movie as a standalone entry into the franchise. But if you want the characters, rivalries and emotional stakes to carry more weight, watching Season 1 Episodes 1-6 beforehand is the better option.
