Ali Fazal discusses his evolving career, the return of Guddu Pandit in 'Mirzapur: The Movie,' and his role in the investigative thriller 'Raakh.'
New Delhi, India Jul 6, 2026 ALN: Ali Fazal, an actor known for his versatility and commitment to diverse roles, has spent a decade and a half deliberately refusing to sit still in an industry that often seeks to pigeonhole its talent. His journey in the world of cinema has been shaped significantly by his upbringing, with his mother playing a pivotal role in exposing him to a wide array of world cinema from an early age. This exposure instilled in him a conviction that the film industry was much larger and more complex than what he had been shown in his formative years. As a result, Fazal has built a career that is as eclectic as it is impressive, designed to challenge not only his own limits but also the perceptions of what Indian actors can achieve on both national and international stages.
“I have to entertain myself first. I don’t think that’s a great feat, but I get bored of doing the same things,” Fazal articulates, highlighting his intrinsic motivation to seek out new experiences and roles that resonate with him on a deeper level.
Fazal is set to reprise his role as Guddu Pandit in “Mirzapur: The Movie,” a theatrical continuation of the acclaimed Prime Video crime drama that catapulted him into the limelight. The series has been a cultural phenomenon, known for its gritty portrayal of crime and power dynamics in the fictional town of Mirzapur. Fazal draws parallels between this cinematic venture and “Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man,” indicating that the franchise is attempting to carve out a unique space in Indian cinema.
“I think this is the first time India’s doing something like this, so very excited and also, I mean, it’s an experiment, but hoping to pull off and see if people come into the theaters,” he shares. This excitement is underscored by the inherent risks involved in venturing into uncharted territory for Indian cinema, where theatrical releases have faced challenges in recent years.
Interestingly, the film does not pick up where the series left off; instead, it rewinds the narrative, requiring Fazal to revisit the character’s earlier self. This process involved a significant emotional and psychological adjustment for the actor. “It was a bit of a memory washout that I had to deliberately do, because seasons almost behave like human memories,” he explains. He describes Guddu as one of India’s “unloved men,” a character archetype that reflects societal issues and the complexities of masculinity in contemporary narratives.
Fazal's reluctance to return to long-form storytelling almost deterred him from participating in “Raakh,” another significant project. This Prime Video investigative thriller is inspired by one of India’s most notorious real-life criminal cases and follows Sub-Inspector Jayprakash, a determined policeman navigating the treacherous waters of a case that spirals beyond his control. The role marks a departure from his portrayal of Guddu Pandit, allowing Fazal to explore a more nuanced character grappling with personal and professional conflicts.
“This story came at the right time because ‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ had gotten pushed, the shooting thing,” Fazal recalls. His initial apprehension was quickly replaced by enthusiasm as he delved into Jayprakash’s character, whose journey is intricately tied to his strained relationship with his father, a former police sergeant. This father-son dynamic adds layers to the narrative, presenting a compelling exploration of honor, integrity, and the burdens of legacy. While a second season for “Raakh” has not been confirmed, Fazal believes the creators have intentionally left the storyline open for further exploration.
“I think the makers are very excited. Amazon is very, very, very happy indeed, so I’m sure they will try and come back with one,” he remarks, hinting at the potential for continued storytelling that resonates with audiences.
Fazal’s career trajectory is marked by a diverse array of roles that span Indian mainstream cinema, independent films, and Hollywood productions. His credits include notable projects such as “Victoria & Abdul,” “Death on the Nile,” “Kandahar,” and “Furious 7,” showcasing his ability to navigate different genres and styles. This versatility has not only solidified his reputation as a talented actor but has also allowed him to engage with a global audience.
In addition to acting, Fazal has taken on a more active role in shaping the narratives that are brought to life on screen through Pushing Buttons Studios, the production company he co-runs with his wife, actor-producer Richa Chadha. Their debut production, “Girls Will Be Girls,” directed by Shuchi Talati, received critical acclaim, winning the audience award and a jury prize for its lead actor at the Sundance Film Festival. This venture reflects Fazal’s commitment to addressing gaps in the Indian film industry, particularly in areas such as documentary distribution and the support available for independent filmmakers.
Fazal’s upcoming projects include a cameo in the partition drama “Batwara,” produced by Aamir Khan and featuring stars like Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta. He is also involved in a segment of Netflix’s “Lust Stories,” directed by Shakun Batra, which showcases his continued engagement with contemporary themes and storytelling methods. Furthermore, he is set to shoot an untitled English-language film in London early next year, which he describes as a corporate drama that draws inspiration from classics like “Glengarry Glen Ross” while infusing it with modern sensibilities.
Despite his achievements, Fazal remains acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead for Indian cinema, particularly in terms of international collaboration. He emphasizes the need for a modernization of contracts governing Indian productions and the importance of fostering genuine connections that transcend personal networks. “We have to start championing each other,” he asserts, acknowledging the fragmented nature of the industry across different languages and the necessity for independent filmmakers to unite and advocate for shared interests.
While Fazal may not have all the solutions to the industry’s challenges, he is resolute in his approach to navigating his career. With two distinct roles on the horizon, a production company that is still finding its footing, and a plethora of scripts ready for production, he is determined not to wait idly for change but to actively contribute to the evolution of Indian cinema.
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