‘Authenticity has no borders’: Pankaj Tripathi explains why ‘Mirzapur’ continues to connect with audiences worldwide as the crime drama features in popular entertainment review aggregator’s top 10 popular shows list NINE times since its 2018 premiere
‘Mirzapur’ has emerged as one of India’s most enduring streaming franchises, consistently attracting audiences since its premiere in 2018. The Prime Video crime drama has featured in IMDb’s annual list of the top 10 popular shows nine times, according to the platform’s report, 10 Years of Streaming in India. Pankaj Tripathi, who plays the formidable Kaleen Bhaiyya in the series, believes its sustained popularity stems from the authenticity of its Indian setting and the universal appeal of its characters and conflicts.
Pankaj Tripathi says ‘Mirzapur’s authenticity has helped it connect with global audiences
Reflecting on the show’s popularity to Mid Day, Tripathi explained that its strength lies in the way it portrays a recognisable Indian world while exploring emotions and ambitions that transcend geographical boundaries.“These are characters and conflicts that emerge from a recognisable Indian setting, yet their ambitions, relationships, and struggles connect with audiences across geographies. When a story rooted in a specific place travels across the country and finds viewers around the world, it shows that authenticity has no borders,” the actor said.Created by Puneet Krishna and Karan Anshuman, ‘Mirzapur’ revolves around gang wars, power struggles and criminal rivalries in Uttar Pradesh. Its gritty setting, morally complex characters and volatile relationships have helped it establish a distinct identity in India’s streaming landscape.
‘Mirzapur’ has featured in top 10 popular shows list nine times
According to the popular entertainment review aggregator’s report, 10 Years of Streaming in India, ‘Mirzapur’ has featured in the platform’s annual top 10 popular shows list nine times since its 2018 premiere. Although the series topped the yearly rankings only once, in 2024, its repeated appearances underline its remarkable consistency over the years.The franchise has also expanded beyond streaming. Earlier this year, ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ reportedly earned over Rs. 225 crore in India, further highlighting the commercial appeal of the property across formats.The series’ continued presence in the rankings places it among the most persistent titles in the report, which tracks popular shows across a decade of streaming in India.
Pankaj Tripathi calls Kaleen Bhaiyya an iconic character
Playing Kaleen Bhaiyya has given Tripathi one of the defining roles of his career. The character, a powerful figure at the centre of ‘Mirzapur’s criminal world, has become a recognisable part of Indian pop culture.However, the actor was quick to acknowledge that the character’s popularity is not the achievement of one performer alone.“A character becomes iconic because of the collective effort behind it. This recognition belongs to the entire cast, writers, directors, and every member of the team,” Tripathi said.
‘Mirzapur’ Season 4 update
The fourth season is officially in development, with director Gurmmeet Singh confirming that scripting is underway. Shweta Tripathi, who plays Golu Gupta, has expressed her eagerness to return to the character and explore how her experiences continue to shape her. According to a previous Mid-Day report published on October 18, 2026, the production timeline is expected to be finalised by early 2027. However, an official release date has not been announced yet.
