Pankaj Tripathi on 'Mirzapur: The Movie': Bigger Screen, Same Craft

Pankaj Tripathi's portrayal of Kaleen Bhaiya has once again resonated with audiences as 'Mirzapur: The Movie' enjoys a successful theatrical run. The film marks the popular franchise's transition from a streaming series to a cinematic release.

Tripathi noted that this shift brings a new landscape and a larger scale. He observed that the viewing experience has changed from individual screens, ranging from five inches to 100 inches, to a communal one where 400 to 500 people watch together on a 20 to 30-foot screen.

Despite the change in format, the actor believes the fundamental approach to his craft remains unchanged. Having played Kaleen Bhaiya across three seasons, he feels the character is familiar territory. For an actor, he explained, the work is to understand the demands of the screen, whether it is for OTT or cinema. However, he acknowledged that transforming a story for a bigger screen involves significant changes in the technical aspects, writing, and visuals.

Beyond the film, Tripathi spoke about the importance of staying connected to one's roots amidst Western cultural influences. He compared cultural roots to a plant's roots, stating that if they weaken, the plant falls. Describing people as "moving plants," he said that while we travel and experience other cultures, our own roots remain essential.

Tripathi also expressed curiosity about the influence of television and digital media on children, noting a trend of teaching English with American or British accents in Indian cities. He questioned this practice, pointing out that India has its own English and accent.

'Mirzapur: The Movie' continues the saga of the battle for the Mirzapur throne. It features Pankaj Tripathi, Divyenndu, and Ali Fazal reprising their roles. Directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna, the film is presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment. Trade analysts report that the film has had a strong box-office performance since its release on September 4, with collections indicating a positive audience response.