Actor Nitin Joshi opens up about reprising his role as Raja Bhaiya in Mirzapur: The Film

Nitin Joshi

Just like the audience, actor Nitin Joshi was caught off guard when the makers of Mirzapur announced in 2024 that the hit series would be extended into a feature film. Despite playing a key role in the show, Joshi wasn't sure he would return for Mirzapur: The Movie. The call, however, came within days, and Raja Bhaiya was back - this time on the big screen. "I met Guru [Gurmmeet Singh, director] sir and Puneet [Krishna, writer] sir at the Excel office and understood what their vision was. It was like reuniting with a family again," he tells mid-day.

Divyenndu in ‘Mizapur'

Since the film is set during the timeline of the first season, Joshi had to rediscover the OG Raja Bhaiya before he "lost his innocence". "A lot happens with Raja towards the end of season one, he loses his innocence and whimsy. In season two, he has just one purpose: to protect his child, which Beena tells him about. In the film, Raja is back with his mischievous smile and quirks," smiles Joshi. He adds that it took him a while to go back to the old Raja from the intense character which took form in the second instalment. "Guru sir had to remind me ‘Abhi tak tumhare sath woh sab khatarnak cheezein nahin hui hain,' we needed the ‘masoomiyat' back."

On reuniting with Divyenndu

"Divyenndu is someone I look up to and admire. He is such a pure soul and a co-actor who notices you and gives you back. He makes you feel loved"