The wait is finally over for fans of the high-octane crime drama universe, as the big-screen adaptation of Mirzapur finally hit theaters on September 3, 2026, and the verdict from the audience on social media is already pouring in. Directed by Gurmmeet Singh, the film has become the talk of the town on Twitter (X), with netizens offering a mixed but largely passionate response to the 197-minute saga that brings the bloody power struggle of the Purvanchal region to the silver screen. While the TMDb rating currently sits at a modest 6/10, the chatter online suggests that the film is a must-see for its performances, even if its pacing has become a point of contention for some viewers.
The Return of the Kings
At the heart of the cinematic experience is the much-anticipated return of the legendary characters that defined the series. Pankaj Tripathi reprises his iconic role as Akhandanand 'Kaleen' Tripathi, the patriarch whose quiet menace continues to dominate the screen. Reviews on Twitter are unanimous in their praise for Tripathi, with many stating that his portrayal alone is worth the price of admission. Alongside him, Ali Fazal returns as a more hardened and desperate Guddu Pandit, seeking to carve out his own empire amidst the chaos. Fans have noted a palpable shift in Fazal’s performance, reflecting the character’s journey from a reluctant participant to a ruthless claimant of the throne. Divyendu Sharma’s Munna Tripathi remains as volatile as ever, while Jitendra Kumar’s Bablu Pandit brings a strategic, calmer counterpoint to his brother’s impulsive rage.
However, the buzz is not just about the old guard. The introduction of Ravi Kishan as Babban Babua, a ruthless businessman from Jaisalmer, has injected a fresh dose of danger into the narrative. Twitter reviews are particularly effusive about Kishan’s screen presence, describing his character as a chilling new adversary whose ambitions stretch far beyond the local gang wars. His clash with the Tripathis provides the film with its most thrilling set pieces in the second half. The cast also features strong turns from Rasika Dugal as the ever-resourceful Beena Tripathi, Mohit Malik as the fierce Birju Lohar, and Sheeba Chaddha as Vasudha Pandit, ensuring that the female characters are not relegated to the sidelines but are active players in the deadly game of succession.
A Feast for the Eyes with a Heavy Heart
Visually, the film appears to be a grand upgrade from the web series. Director Gurmmeet Singh has utilized a cinematic canvas to expand the world-building, moving the action from the familiar lanes of Mirzapur to the sandy expanses of Jaisalmer. The production values are being lauded as top-notch, with slick cinematography and a background score that amplifies the tension. Early reactions suggest that the action sequences are brutal, choreographed with a raw energy that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The film’s genre classification as an Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller is well represented, as it seamlessly blends gut-wrenching violence with intense family drama and political maneuvering.
Despite the visual spectacle, the most common criticism circulating on Twitter concerns the runtime. Clocking in at 197 minutes, several viewers have expressed that the film feels overlong and that certain subplots could have been trimmed to maintain a tighter grip on the narrative. Some tweets suggest that while the first half establishes the chessboard effectively, the second half occasionally drags as it builds toward its climax. The pacing issue seems to be the primary reason behind the film’s middling critical score, with those who prefer a fast-paced narrative feeling slightly shortchanged even as they acknowledge the film's ambition.
Loyalty, Betrayal, and the New Order
The story, which pits the Tripathis against enemies from both the past and the present, explores themes of loyalty and ambition with the gritty realism that the franchise is known for. The central conflict is no longer just about who controls the gun trade, but about the legacy of the empire itself. As old enemies resurface to challenge the current power structure, Guddu and Bablu find themselves fighting not just for survival but to establish their own identity and claim in the blood-soaked hierarchy of Mirzapur. The reviews indicate that the screenplay does justice to its core theme: that in the quest for power, no relationship is sacred, and every bond is a potential weapon to be used against you.
The entry of Babban Babua is more than just a new villain; it represents an external threat that forces a temporary, uneasy alignment among the existing players. This dynamic has been highlighted by fans as a standout element of the plot, creating unexpected twists and shocking betrayals that have kept the audience guessing. While the film is undeniably a continuation of the story, the director has framed it as a satisfying standalone feature that answers some lingering questions while opening new can of worms, presumably setting up a future installment.
Final Verdict from the Fans
Overall, the Twitter mood is largely celebratory, with the film trending for most of the day since its release. Fans of the franchise are overwhelmed with nostalgia and thrill at seeing their favorite characters get the big-budget treatment they deserve. The chemistry between the cast, especially the confrontations between Tripathi and Fazal, has been singled out for high praise. Many users are recommending the film for the sheer star power and the powerful dialogues that will undoubtedly become fan favorites.
In conclusion, while the film may not be flawless in its execution, it appears to be a worthy addition to the Mirzapur universe. The performances, particularly from Pankaj Tripathi and the new entrant Ravi Kishan, are the biggest takeaways. If you are a fan of the franchise, the overwhelming consensus is that this is a theatrical experience designed for the big screen. For those new to the world, the film might feel a bit dense, but the sheer intensity of the drama serves as a compelling entry point. With a standard rating of 6/10 reflecting the mixed reviews, one thing is certain: the battle for Mirzapur’s throne is far from over, and the conversation about this movie is just beginning.
Source: Filmibeat Telugu
