
The numbers are out, and they're turning heads. Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal, the two pillars of the Mirzapur franchise, have reportedly signed on for the upcoming film adaptation with fees that reflect their television roots rather than big-screen stardom.
According to sources, Tripathi โ who plays the menacing Kaleen Bhaiya โ will take home around Rs 2 crore for the movie. Fazal, who portrays the vengeful Guddu Pandit, is set to earn roughly Rs 1.5 crore. The figures, while substantial, are a fraction of what top Bollywood actors command for a single film.
The Mirzapur film is not a typical big-budget theatrical release. It's an extension of the Amazon Prime Video series that became a cultural phenomenon after its debut in 2018. The show's ensemble cast โ including veterans like Tripathi and relative newcomers like Fazal โ has always operated on a different pay scale than mainstream cinema.
Trade analysts point out that the film's budget is likely moderate, given that the primary audience is already locked in through the streaming platform. The producers know the fan base will show up, but they're not betting on the kind of box-office spectacle that demands a Rs 50-crore lead actor.
Also at play is the sheer number of characters. Mirzapur thrives on its sprawling cast, with multiple storylines running parallel. That means fees are spread thinner across the board. Tripathi and Fazal may be the leads, but they share screen space with a dozen other actors, each with their own salary.
For context, a mid-level Bollywood star can easily charge Rs 5-10 crore for a solo lead role. Even character actors with strong recent track records have pushed their fees higher in the post-pandemic boom. Tripathi, despite his National Award-winning performance in Mimi, has rarely been the single headline act, and his fee reflects that positioning.
Fazal, meanwhile, has balanced Bollywood films with international projects, including his role in Victoria & Abdul. But his market value in India remains tied to the Mirzapur franchise, and the producers know it.
Neither the actors nor the production house has officially confirmed these numbers. Negotiations are often fluid, and bonuses linked to performance or streaming success could push the final payouts higher. But the reported figures give a rare glimpse into how streaming-to-theatrical transitions are priced.
The film, announced earlier this year, aims to wrap up loose ends from the third season of the series. The show's finale left fans with several cliffhangers, and the movie is expected to deliver a definitive conclusion โ or at least a dramatic new chapter.
With Tripathi and Fazal on board, the core dynamic of the show remains intact. The chemistry between Kaleen Bhaiya and Guddu Pandit has been the emotional and violent core of Mirzapur, and their return is non-negotiable for the franchise's credibility.
For the actors, the lower fees are a calculated trade-off. The franchise offers them something money can't always buy: a loyal audience and a character that has become part of Indian pop culture. That kind of visibility often leads to more lucrative endorsements and other film offers.
The film is slated for a theatrical release in 2026, with production expected to begin later this year. Fans are already speculating about the plot, but the makers have kept details under wraps.
As the project moves into production, all eyes will be on how the film balances the series' gritty tone with the demands of a cinematic format. Whether the reported fees hold or get revised upward, the bigger question is whether the movie can replicate the show's massive popularity on the big screen.