Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Gurmmeet Singh Explains Jitendra Kumar’s Mirzapur Casting Change
Mirzapur: The Movie brought back many characters from the television series.
Several actors returned to play their familiar roles.
Jitendra Kumar played Bablu Pandit in the movie.
Vikrant Massey had played Bablu in the first season of Mirzapur.
Some viewers said they missed Vikrant’s version of the character.
Because of this, Jitendra’s performance received mixed reactions.
Director Gurmmeet Singh said creative decisions should not restrict or affect casting.
The movie also featured actors including Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyenndu and Rasika Dugal.
Jitendra Kumar replaced Vikrant Massey as Bablu Pandit in Mirzapur: The Movie.
Vikrant Massey played Bablu Pandit during the first season of Mirzapur.
The film retained characters from the popular Prime Video series.
Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyenndu and Rasika Dugal reprised their roles.
Jitendra Kumar’s performance received a mixed response from audiences, while director Gurmmeet Singh defended the casting process.
- Who
- Jitendra Kumar replaced Vikrant Massey as Bablu Pandit; director Gurmmeet Singh discussed the decision.
- What
- The casting change for Bablu Pandit in Mirzapur: The Movie prompted mixed audience reactions.
- When
- After the release of Mirzapur: The Movie.
- Where
- In an exclusive interview with Zoom.
- Why
- The article says Singh believes creative processes should never limit or impact casting.
Audience Criticism
Director’s Perspective
Jitendra Kumar’s casting
Audience Criticism
A section of the audience missed the depth Vikrant Massey brought to Bablu Pandit and reacted mixedly to Jitendra Kumar’s performance.
Director’s Perspective
Gurmmeet Singh said creative processes should never limit or impact casting, indicating that casting decisions should be evaluated independently of such constraints.
- Film
- Mirzapur: The Movie
- Recast role
- Bablu Pandit
- Film actor
- Jitendra Kumar
- Original series actor
- Vikrant Massey
- Director
- Gurmmeet Singh
- Audience response
- Jitendra Kumar’s performance received a mixed response.
- Returning cast
- Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyenndu and Rasika Dugal reprised roles.