Cast: Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Shweta Tripathi Sharma, Vijay Varma, Rasika Dugal, Isha Talwar, Anjumm Shharma

Director: Gurmmeet Singh and Anand Iyer

Rating: ***

Mirzapur fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief! After a long wait of four years, the creators have unleashed the third season of the show. Once again, it's brimming with carnage, violence, and gumption, filled with the scent of gore and gunpowder. But does this mean the series has hit it out of the park again? Unfortunately, not quite. While the previous two seasons became cornerstones of modern pop culture and meme fests, the latest season feels underwhelming. This might be an exaggeration, but high expectations can sometimes lead to disappointment.

Missing the Spark: The Impact of Absent Characters

The absence of Munna Bhaiya and the quasi-absence of Kaleen Bhaiya leaves Mirzapur season three lacking its previous spark, spunk, and spectacle. The season starts off slowly and doesn't gain momentum or captivate until the third episode. However, loyal fans might stick around out of allegiance to the franchise. So, Mirzapur fans, give it some time to get into the drama and almost feisty abandon.

Spoiler Alert: A Heartbreaking Beginning

Season three begins with a scene that finally puts an end to all speculations and fan theories. Yes, Munna Bhaiya, who epitomized sigma, alpha, and screamed thug life, is no more. He's incinerated, and sadly, none of his loved ones attend his cremation except his wife Madhuri, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. It's a tragic end to a king-sized life.

Empowering Women: A New Dawn in Mirzapur

When a priest asks for a male family member to light the funeral pyre, Madhuri steps up, reversing gender roles and setting a precedent for every woman in the show. While violence and politics may be a man's domain, this season, the women step forward like never before. Golu comes into her own, matching shoulders with Guddu, taking on the role of Bablu as the brain to Guddu's brawn. Beena continues to be a catalyst amid local political chaos, using her sexuality as a powerful weapon. Dimpy undergoes a significant mindset shift, transitioning from silence to something more substantial and strategic. Shabnam, Lala's daughter, takes over his business while he is behind bars.

Behind the Scenes: Credit to the Creators

The creators-producers Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, directors Gurmmeet Singh and Anand Iyer, and writer Apurva Dhar Badgaiyan-deserve credit for giving ambitious layers to the women in the show. This effort, coming from men, is refreshing and groundbreaking.

Unanswered Questions and New Alliances

Season two ended with Kaleen Bhaiya severely injured and saved by his nephew, Sharad Shukla. For four years, fans wondered why Sharad saved Kaleen Bhaiya. This season finally provides answers. Many believe Kaleen Bhaiya is no more, raising numerous questions about his disappearance.

Ramakant Pandit, who killed SSP Maurya to protect Guddu, is arrested after deciding to punish himself. His family's efforts to change his decision fail. Guddu, Golu, and Beena feel Guddu is the rightful heir to the Mirzapur throne but face resistance from other 'baahubalis'. The series focuses on the conflict between Sharad and Guddu, vying for the 'gaddi'.

Madhuri's Mission: A 'Bhay Mukt Pradesh'

Amidst corruption, murders, and power struggles, Madhuri is determined to create a 'bhay mukt Pradesh' and continue her father's legacy, despite little support from her cabinet ministers. She boldly declares her goal to end the throne, once again donning a white saree. Ironically, Munna Bhaiya had proposed to her saying white didn't suit her and offered to fill her life with colors during an election campaign.

A Season Falling Short: Lacking Humor and Drama

Despite being set for another hard-hitting and explosive season, it fails to soar. Known for its dark humor, the show lacks the same this time, with many moments making viewers check the clock for a dramatic twist. However, the Tyagi twin's character arc is interesting and leaves viewers guessing. While the performances are superb, the screenplay doesn't do them justice. John Stewart Eduri's background music deserves a mention for elevating the action.

Stellar Performances: Highlights of Mirzapur 3

Mirzapur 3 belongs to Ali Fazal, Shweta Tripathi Sharma, and Anjumm Shharma, who give it their all. The tension between Guddu and Golu is palpable, adding depth to their dynamic. Anjumm as Sharad is a revelation. Vijay Varma shows excellent restraint amidst atrocities, dark ambitions, and emotional pangs. Isha Talwar as the authoritative CM is equally impressive, maintaining her femininity even in a male-dominated position.

The Missing Pieces: Characters We Miss

Pankaj Tripathi doesn't get to showcase the suavity and menace of Kaleen Bhaiya as expected. His scenes with Beena and Munna Bhaiya are missed. For the most part, he manipulates from behind the scenes. Rasika Dugal, Harshita Shekhar Gaur, Rajesh Tailang, Sheeba Chadha, and Priyanshu Painyuli support the primary cast well, filling the screenplay's voids with nuanced performances.

A Near-Miss: Almost There but Not Quite

A little more drama, flair, and panache could have made Mirzapur 3 a winner. Despite a flat and predictable screenplay, it has moments that stay true to the essence of a world where heartland violence intersects with polity, emotion, and the desire for justice. The collective strength of 'control, power aur ijjat' keeps viewers hooked despite its lack of binge-worthy quality. Mirzapur is almost there but fizzles out occasionally.

The Missing Superman: Munna Bhaiya

Throughout, viewers might find themselves hoping against all odds for Munna Bhaiya's return to bring back the much-needed flashiness and eccentricity to the plot. He was truly a superman without a cape, wielding a gun, unapologetic in his advances, and always ready to hurl expletives. In short, what's Mirzapur without him and his lackeys screaming, 'Laal phool, neela phool, Munna Bhaiya beautiful!'