‘Mirzapur’ season 3 co-director Anand Iyer calls the female characters in the show ‘strong’ and says he draws inspiration from the women in his life. In an exclusive interview with IndiaToday.in, he spoke about the response the series has received this season, especially from people who miss popular characters like ‘Munna Bhaiya’. Iyer said his show is not about any one character but about ‘Mirzapur’.

The co-director further confirmed that Season 4 is coming sooner than expected. He refused to give more details about the new season but said that the power dynamics and relationships are definitely going to attract more interest. Excerpts from the interview:

Mirzapur Season 3 has received mixed reactions. How do you see it?

The reactions are mixed, as most shows get. A lot of people are loving the way the story is progressing. However, some ardent fans are expressing their reactions emotionally. These reactions are mainly about the characters and not the show in general. And there are constant discussions about Season 4 as well, which somehow leads me to believe that the show is being widely loved.

Fans really missed Munna’s character this season. How do you stay true to the script while meeting these expectations?

It is always a fine line. Everyone’s needs cannot be met. As in life, unexpected things happen in the show too. No one knows what is going to happen tomorrow. Similarly, characters come and go in the show too. It is all about Mirzapur, not about any one character. The show should keep going with new twists and turns.

I personally like how women are given prominence in the show. It’s almost like a ‘coming of age’ drama. Women are very strong and wonderful beings. I am inspired by my mother, who is a very strong woman, and my wife, who is a two-time cancer survivor. It’s time we gave them their due through these stories. We did that beautifullyITotally in tune with all the characters this season.

Do you find it more challenging when you’re directing a few episodes rather than an entire season?

I am surprised that you call it a challenge because honestly, it never felt like that. Here, the new person is me. Gurmeet is the showrunner because he has been there for the last two seasons. I have now joined this absolutely elite team. So, everything happens collaboratively. We discuss it, even with the actors, who understand their characters better. It is a very conscious thing that we do. Like before we shoot scenes, we talk enough about the arc of the characters who have been there since Season 1.

Can you give us an update on Season 4?

I am sure the new season will come. But, looking at the audience’s response, only time will tell more about it. Season 3 got delayed due to Covid, but with the love we have received now, we are ready for Season 4.

Mirzapur stars Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Vijay Verma, Isha Talwar, Rasika Duggal and Shweta Tripathi in pivotal roles. Season 3 of the show is currently streaming on Prime Video.