Mirzapur: The Movie Clears CBFC with Changes, Set for September Release
Mirzapur: The Movie, the theatrical extension of the popular crime drama series, has received its certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) ahead of its release. The film has been certified 'A' with a final runtime of 197 minutes and 19 seconds, as reported by ThePrint. According to Outlook India, the film is scheduled to release in theatres on September 6, though ThePrint specifies September 4.
Certification Process and Changes
The CBFC has ordered modifications to the film, as detailed by ThePrint. Two intimate sequences have been reduced by 50 per cent, resulting in 35 seconds being cut. Cuss words have been muted at four points and replaced at six others. A dialogue beginning "Galey se lag kar…" has been modified, the word "Kamar" replaced in another dialogue, and "Lanth" altered elsewhere. A caste reference has also been changed. Additionally, the CBFC has asked the makers to increase the duration of the film's disclaimer and add a voiceover, as well as insert anti-alcohol, anti-drugs, and anti-smoking messages wherever applicable.
In contrast, Outlook India, citing a source close to the film, reported that the certification process involved "hardly any modifications." The source said reports claiming around 35 seconds had been removed were incorrect and that there were no cuts to the film. "This means audiences will get to experience the much-awaited theatrical adaptation exactly the way the makers intended it to be seen, retaining its raw, unfiltered essence on the big screen," the source said.
Cast and Crew
Mirzapur: The Movie is directed by Gurmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna, according to ThePrint. However, Outlook India lists Pulkit as the director. The film brings back Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyenndu, and Rasika Dugal from the series, as reported by both outlets. Jitendra Kumar, popularly known as Jeetu Bhaiya from Kota Factory, takes over the role of Bablu Pandit, previously played by Vikrant Massey. Ravi Kishan joins the franchise in a new role, as per both reports.
Pankaj Tripathi on the Theatrical Experience
Pankaj Tripathi, who returns as Kaleen Bhaiya, spoke to Hindustan Times (as reported by Outlook India) about the shift to theatres. He described the communal nature of watching the franchise in cinemas as a different experience, saying Mirzapur had earlier been a 'leave me alone' kind of watch but was now entering 'party mode.' According to the actor, the characters and world remain familiar, but the story is new and the overall experience is expected to be much grander.
Social Media Reaction
The CBFC's decision to make cuts despite giving the film an adult certificate has drawn derision on social media, as reported by ThePrint. Many questioned why cuts were needed once the film had been certified 'A'. X user @ADfanatic_ posted, "Doing all these cuts despite A certificate is totally unnecessary," while others said the changes would 'dilute' the film. X user @decku357291 posted, "I just dont know how dhurandhar was passed with minimal cuts compared to something like toxic or now mirzapur."
Background
Mirzapur: The Movie takes forward the world of the crime drama series that began streaming in 2018 and became known for its violence and profanity even as it got critical acclaim. The trailer does not shy away from violence, with scenes including a character losing an arm in graphic detail, as reported by ThePrint.
As the film prepares for its theatrical release, the debate over the necessity of cuts for an 'A'-rated film continues. Whether audiences will experience the film as intended or with modifications remains a point of contention between the filmmakers' claims and the CBFC's listed changes.