Anand Iyer, an ad filmmaker turned director for Mirzapur Season 3, discusses his journey from ardent fan to essential creator of the critically acclaimed crime thriller in an exclusive interview with The Pioneer. Anand explores the evolution of the series, character interactions and the intense anticipation surrounding the upcoming season while thinking back on his inspirations and challenges. Come along as we reveal the behind-the-scenes knowledge that molds Mirzapur’s compelling story.
Aarti Sreenath
“Welcome to the club; I’m also a big fan of the show!” Anand Iyer greets us with an enthusiasm that mirrors our own. This mutual admiration for Mirzapur is exactly what drew him to be part of the show. As we settle in for the interview, the excitement is palpable.
When asked what inspired him to create this gritty, action-packed crime drama and what message he hoped to convey, Anand reveals, “Basically, I’m a huge fan of Mirzapur. I was a spectator for the first two seasons, just like you. Joining the team was more about fandom than inspiration.”
Anand’s background as an ad filmmaker for nearly two decades provided a unique perspective on storytelling. “The opportunity to tell a story in a longer format, where you aren’t fighting for time or frames, is superb. You have the freedom to let the actors fully express themselves. In ad films, you have to pack so much into a short span, often struggling with constraints like, ‘pack it like this, do it that way, you only have two seconds.’ Here, it’s different. The actors’ expressions carry the weight and you can hold onto those moments, letting them convey more than words ever could.”
Mirzapur has become synonymous with the raw essence of Purvanchal. Balancing authenticity with storytelling demands is no easy feat. “The show has its own template set by the first two seasons,” Anand says. “I’m the newest entrant, so there wasn’t much setting up to do. The cast and crew are like a well-oiled machine, each playing their part seamlessly. Things are already established—the character arcs, the setting. My role was more about nudging the plot gently, making subtle adjustments here and there.”
Adjusting to the established team was surprisingly smooth for Anand. “It wasn’t difficult to bond because the whole soul of the show comes from the camaraderie between everyone. They accepted me with open arms and I just went with the flow. It’s a bunch of lovely people and the respect and affection they have for each other translate on screen. The spirit of collaboration makes the whole process incredibly rewarding.”
Season 2 ended with a cliffhanger, leaving fans eagerly anticipating Season 3. While Anand remains tight-lipped about specifics, he teases, “The throne is empty and everyone is vying for it. This season is about how each character tries to claim the “Gaddi”. The cliffhanger at the end of Season 2, with its massacre, left many questions unanswered. The contenders for the throne are scattered and now everyone is plotting and planning. The central theme is power—the quest for it and the lengths to which people will go to obtain it.”
Directing Mirzapur came with its challenges, particularly the statue-breaking sequence shot in Banares. “It was hot and crowded, but the locals were very cooperative, being huge fans of the show themselves. We managed to shoot the entire sequence smoothly. Initially, we planned to shoot one axis in Banares and the reverse axis in Mumbai, but we couldn’t figure out how to manage crowd control. Eventually, we shot everything in Banares. The fans were eager to be part of the process, yet very respectful when we asked them to step aside.”
Anand also had to navigate unexpected weather conditions while filming on the ghats of Banares. “It rained and water levels rose, altering our plans. We had designed shots of characters arriving by boat, but with water covering the steps, we had to improvise. The shoot got extended by a day due to these conditions, but the team’s dedication made it all work out. These challenges are part of the filmmaking journey and overcoming them brings a unique satisfaction.”
To the passionate fanbase of Mirzapur, Anand has a simple message: “Just wait for Season 4 and give as much love as you can. The fans’ intense and passionate connection to the show is what drives us. Their love and anticipation fuel our creativity and commitment to deliver an even more gripping story.”
The strong and complex women in Mirzapur defy stereotypes. “Women are intrinsically strong, often stronger than men. Portraying them in powerful roles was a natural choice. The characters, like Beena and Golu, are written with layers and depth. Beena embodies cerebral strength, while Golu represents physical resilience. These varied portrayals reflect the multifaceted nature of strength in women. It’s not about navigating their portrayal; it’s about recognising and showcasing their inherent power.”
Regarding character development in Season 3, Anand explains, “A story must evolve. Characters like Golu and Chote Tyagi had to grow. Each season brings new challenges and growth for them. The script has a life of its own, and the characters evolve with it. If people expect the same dynamics from Seasons 1 or 2, they might be surprised. Growth is essential for both the story and the characters. It’s about reaching new heights and exploring new facets of their personalities.”
Balancing action sequences with character development is crucial. “Season 3 involved a lot of planning and plotting. One memorable action scene was the jail sequence. The show doesn’t need constant, high-octane action; it’s about when the story needs it. The sporadic but impactful action scenes add to the narrative without overshadowing the character arcs. For instance, the head-chopping scene in the first episode sets the tone without overwhelming the story’s progression.”
Anand Iyer’s passion for Mirzapur is perceptible. As he ends the conversation on a sweet note, it’s clear that this collaboration between a fan and a creator has only deepened the dark allure of Mirzapur. The journey of Mirzapur is far from over and with Anand at the helm, fans can expect more gripping tales from the dark heart of Purvanchal.
