Pankaj Tripathi emerges as the standout performer in Mirzapur The Movie, while weak music, stretched portions, forced romance, and predictability hold back an otherwise powerful theatrical entertainer.
WEBDESK – MEDIABITES
MUMBAI, Sept. 4, 2026 — Mirzapur The Movie has received a strong 4.0/5 rating from Bollywood Hungama, with the review calling it a full-on “paisa-vasool” entertainer powered by performances, mass moments, sharp dialogues and a rousing climax.
Among the cast, Pankaj Tripathi emerges as the strongest performer, delivering what the review describes as a “supreme performance” as Akhandanand Tripathi, popularly known as Kaleen Bhaiyya. From the opening sequence, Tripathi reportedly establishes the character’s authority and firmly presents him as the powerful ruler of Mirzapur.
Ali Fazal is another major highlight, with the review calling his performance terrific and describing it as his “massiest performance to date.” He reportedly handles the film’s larger-than-life moments without going overboard.
Divyenndu also makes a strong impression, particularly in his mass-oriented scenes and an emotional sequence early in the film. Ravi Kishan also receives praise, with the review noting that the makers have made effective use of his growing popularity, particularly during the finale.
Jitendra Kumar faces the difficult task of stepping into a role previously associated with Vikrant Massey and is praised for effortlessly slipping into the character. Supporting performers, including Pramod Pathak, Sheeba Chaddha, and Rasika Dugal, also leave an impact despite limited screen time.
The film’s biggest weakness, however, appears to be its music and certain writing choices. The review says the songs largely fail to register, with “Ghoom Ghoom” standing out primarily for its picturization and placement. The background score by John Stewart Eduri fares considerably better and strengthens several sequences.
The screenplay also loses momentum in the middle portions of the second half. The film runs for more than three hours, and while the review says it never becomes boring, some sections feel stretched. The romantic sequences are described as forced, while several female characters have limited material.
Another weakness is the film’s predictability. Since the story is positioned between Episodes 6 and 7 of the first season, viewers familiar with the series already know the eventual fate of several characters. That reduces the impact of certain supposedly dramatic moments.
The review also questions Babban Yadav’s motivation for targeting Kaleen Bhaiyya, calling his decision to eliminate him unconvincing because the character lacks a sufficiently strong motive.
Despite those flaws, the review praises director Gurmmeet Singh for successfully transferring the Mirzapur universe from streaming to the big screen without losing its identity. Powerful confrontations, whistle-worthy dialogues, cinematic action and a rousing finale reportedly give the film the mass appeal needed for a theatrical release.
With a reported strong opening at the box office and the review projecting a possible Rs. 100 crore opening weekend, Mirzapur The Movie appears positioned for a significant theatrical run, with Rs. 200 crore described as being within reach.
Verdict: Best — Pankaj Tripathi. Weakest factor — Music, followed closely by stretched and predictable writing.
