Actor Vijay Varma Discusses the Massive Popularity of ‘Mirzapur’ and His Character’s Journey

Vijay Varma, who has become a household name with his performances in projects like “Darlings”, “She” and “Dahaad”, recently spoke about his experience working on the popular crime drama series ‘Mirzapur’. Varma, who plays the role of twin brothers Bharat and Shatrughan Tyagi in the show, said that the show’s fandom is simply “unparalleled.”

Varma, 38, joined ‘Mirzapur’ in the second season and is now gearing up for the show’s third season, premiering on July 5 on Prime Video. He remembers watching the first season as a fan himself and being instantly hooked by the show’s dark and gripping world.

‘Mirzapur’ Gave Actors Unmatched Love and Recognition

“It’s unparalleled (the show’s popularity),” Varma said in an interview. “I can’t tell you how much this show gives us because even people who haven’t seen anything else have seen ‘Mirzapur’. So, that’s the kind of love and reach… It’s like you’re not worried about what the critics will say. It’s a good feeling.”

Varma credits ‘Mirzapur’ for giving its actors a great deal of “love and reach.” He feels the show’s immense popularity allows actors to focus on the story and characters, rather than worry about critical reception.

The Show’s Impact and Varma’s Return

Varma vividly remembers the impact the first season’s final episode had on him. The episode featured a violent showdown during a wedding ceremony, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next season.

“I watched the first season of ‘Mirzapur’ as an audience. I was hooked,” he said. “The way they ended the first season was so disturbing and gripping. It left you thinking, ‘I want to watch this story, I want to know what happens next’.”

Varma feels ‘Mirzapur’ is a one-of-a-kind series, pioneering a new wave of gritty and action-packed shows alongside projects like ‘Sacred Games’. He was thrilled to be offered a role in the second season and is excited to be back for the third.

Slipping Back into Character and Upcoming Projects

Varma finds it easy to slip back into his character on ‘Mirzapur’ thanks to the show’s consistent visual style. The same lighting, sets, props, and costumes are used throughout the seasons, creating a familiar and immersive environment.

“I just wear that one white shirt, and brown waistcoat and those pants,” he said. “(I wear) the same shoes, ring and ponytail. So, I feel like I’m back to where I was… It feels easy. It’s just that the task is to crack this particular season and your emotional arc for this particular season,” he explained.

Varma is known for playing complex and often negative characters. However, he enjoyed portraying the “naivety, the happy-go-lucky nature, and the lightheartedness” of one of his twins in ‘Mirzapur’.

Vijay Varma is excited about the upcoming release of his projects, “Matka King” and “Suriya 23”. “Matka King” is a period gangster drama directed by Nagraj Manjule, while “Suriya 23” is a Tamil language film starring Suriya.

Varma feels fortunate to be working on such diverse projects and collaborating with talented filmmakers. While he wouldn’t mind a lead role in a movie someday, he is content with the opportunities he’s getting and the chance to work with inspiring directors.

Season 3 of ‘Mirzapur’ premieres on Prime Video on July 5.

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