Ali Fazal Excited for Mirzapur: The Movie and New Series Raakh
Ali Fazal recalls his initial apprehension about joining the world of Mirzapur, a crime drama series that has gained a massive following and is now transitioning to the big screen.
In Mirzapur: The Movie, Fazal reprises his role as Guddu Pandit, a bodybuilder turned gangster, and he is thrilled about the excitement surrounding this cinematic adaptation. The film will delve into an unexplored storyline from the first season while reintroducing several beloved characters.
Fazal expressed, "This is a groundbreaking moment in India, as we are transforming a series into a film. It’s a national-level experiment, and we are eager to share all promotional materials with our audience."
Since its debut in 2018, Mirzapur has become one of India's most acclaimed streaming series, known for its raw depiction of crime, politics, and power dynamics in Uttar Pradesh. The show has since released two additional seasons, both of which received critical acclaim.
Fazal shared the screen with a talented ensemble cast, including Pankaj Tripathi, Divyenndu, Shweta Tripathi, and others, under the creative direction of Puneet Krishna and Karan Anshuman.
The 39-year-old actor revealed that his director from Fukrey, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, recommended him to the Mirzapur producers at Excel Entertainment.
Initially, Fazal faced skepticism from others who advised him to avoid the project, leading to his fears about the unknown format. He recounted, "I was apprehensive because I was unsure of what to expect. Many filmmakers questioned my decision to join the series, suggesting I focus on films instead."
Having experience in international cinema, Fazal recognized the evolving landscape of the industry, which encouraged him to accept the role.
He noted, "I witnessed the emergence of OTT platforms and felt a revolution was on the horizon. The script by Puneet Krishna and the world he created in Mirzapur were truly impressive. I had heard stories about the hinterlands, but I had never seen them portrayed in this manner."
Reflecting on his experience, Fazal believes the series allowed him to showcase his strengths. "No one envisioned me in this role, and it has been quite a journey," he added.
The official teaser for Mirzapur: The Movie was released recently, promising to expand the narrative on a grander cinematic scale. Alongside Fazal, Divyenndu and Pankaj Tripathi will reprise their iconic roles as Munna Tripathi and Kaleen Bhaiya, respectively. Jitendra Kumar will take on the role of Bablu Pandit, previously portrayed by Vikrant Massey, while Ravi Kishan joins the cast as a significant new character.
When asked if Mirzapur has set a high standard for other hinterland dramas, Fazal acknowledged that such is often the case with successful projects. He referenced Anurag Kashyap's cult classic Gangs of Wasseypur as an example.
Fazal remarked, "Gangs of Wasseypur became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring many filmmakers to create memorable characters. I even met my wife, Richa Chadha, through that film, but that's a different story. Mirzapur has had a similar impact, with audiences forming strong attachments to its characters."
As he anticipates the release of Mirzapur: The Movie on September 4, Fazal is also garnering acclaim for his role in the new series Raakh, directed by Prosit Roy.
This eight-episode crime drama, set in the 1970s and inspired by the real-life case of murderers Ranga-Billa, features Fazal as Jayprakash Jatav, a dedicated police sub-inspector struggling against systemic challenges while seeking justice for two murdered teens.
Fazal described the series as a challenging endeavor, emphasizing the emotional toll such crimes take on families. He aimed to portray his character as someone who feels diminished by the weight of his responsibilities.
He explained, "There are numerous ways to approach this character. I wanted to delve into the human experience behind the uniform, exploring how societal pressures shape an individual. Even though my character is physically imposing, he feels almost invisible in society."
Set in Delhi during the post-Emergency era, Fazal highlighted the importance of authenticity in capturing the politically charged atmosphere of the time. "This series is a study of that period... The dialogue was crafted to reflect the strong language of the time, and I found those details fascinating, especially given the lack of technology and shortcuts back then," he noted.
Fazal praised his co-stars Ramandeep Yadav and Akash Ahuja for their compelling portrayals of the murderers, stating, "Their performances are extraordinary and serve as a valuable lesson for aspiring actors. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them."
While Raakh could have centered on his character, the creators ensured that the focus remained on the victims and their families. Fazal remarked, "The makers have paid tribute to the victims, presenting a poignant 'what if' scenario that truly resonates."