Actors Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, and Shweta Tripathi have successfully completed the Varanasi shoot for the movie adaptation of “Mirzapur.”
Pankaj Tripathi on Varanasi
Pankaj, who portrays the iconic Kaleen Bhaiyya, expressed a profound connection to the city. “This city has a rhythm of its own—it’s spiritual, raw, and alive. Shooting Mirzapur: The Movie here reminded me why this world feels so real to all of us. Kaleen Bhaiya was born here in spirit, and every time I step into his shoes, it’s like revisiting an old chapter with new meaning. The warmth and curiosity of people here always make the experience special,” he shared.
Ali Fazal’s Reflection
Ali, reprising his role as Guddu Pandit, remarked on the unique energy of Banaras. “And that madness is a big part of Guddu’s journey too. Being back here felt nostalgic yet fresh. We’ve lived with these characters for years, but every new story brings a new challenge.” He noted the positive atmosphere, saying, “It’s inspiring to see how deeply Mirzapur has connected with people across generations.”
Shweta Tripathi Sharma’s Insights
Shweta Tripathi Sharma shared her thoughts on the significant role of Banaras in her acting journey. “Banaras has given me so much as an actor—it’s almost poetic that I keep finding myself here for roles that define me. Golu’s journey has been one of transformation and inner strength, and shooting in Banaras makes that emotion feel real.” She added, “The people here treat Mirzapur as their own story, and that’s such a rare and beautiful thing to witness. This schedule was intense, emotional, and full of gratitude. Now I’m looking forward to taking that same energy to our next schedule in Mumbai.”
About the Series
The crime-thriller series “Mirzapur” tells the story of Akhandanand “Kaleen” Tripathi, a crime boss and businessman who rules the Mirzapur district in the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh, India. The first season features a notable cast, including Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyendu Sharma, Vikrant Massey, Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rasika Dugal, Harshita Gaur, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda.
The second season retains most of the main cast, omitting Vikrant and Shriya, while introducing new faces such as Vijay Varma, Isha Talwar, Lilliput, Anjum Sharma, Priyanshu Painyuli, Anangsha Biswas, and Neha Sargam.
Filming for the series primarily took place across Uttar Pradesh, with locations including Mirzapur, Jaunpur, Azamgarh, Ghazipur, Lucknow, Raebareli, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi. The film adaptation is reportedly set for release in 2026.