Sep 22, 2026 5:00pm IST
‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ Actor Mohitt Maalik On Censorship: ‘An Actor And Creator Should Have Freedom’ (EXCLUSIVE)
“Mirzapur: The Movie” is running to packed theatres in its third week. Actor Mohitt Maalik, who essays the character of Birju Lohar, is overjoyed. However, he says he feels vulnerable. Maalik states, “It is yet to sink in. I am a bit uncomfortable because seeing my work getting acknowledged in this manner is a first for me.”
While shows like “Mirzapur” are cult hits, the violence, sexual content and abuse do not sit right with a certain section of the audience. Moreover, there has been talk of making it mandatory for films coming straight to streaming to be certified under the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The actor is father to Ekbir, who is now five. Sharing his views on the topic, Maalik says, “It is the responsibility of parents to filter what their kids are watching. An actor or creator should have their freedom. Your kids will be exposed to pop culture one way or another. Cinema is a reflection of society. If you are not making movies based on truths, then what are you doing? Most movies are made for pure entertainment. I strongly believe that cinema should be a mix of art and entertainment. I support the concept of grading movies and shows. India has so many stories, but sadly our top film industries and stars do not wish to serve art.”
Commenting on the trend of digital content creators increasing the competition for actors when it comes to landing projects, Maalik believes it’s pointless to lament about it, saying, “I feel such debates are just noise. You should keep working on yourself. Influencers are working hard as well…It's not easy, making reels/videos all day. Everyone needs to run their kitchen and we are no one to judge them. Today, even a filmmaker like Farah Khan is making YouTube videos. Actors, too, are making content videos…what is unfair about it? People crib about nepotism also, but life is unfair. You just have to keep hustling.”
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About his character in “Mirzapur: The Movie,” he shares that he was doubtful, despite the entire team telling him Lohar would be a hit with audiences. Maalik shares, “Ravi (Kishan) called me the day after the release and said, ‘There's a lot of love that is coming your way. I'm so happy for you. Our work together is a success.’ He told me that Birju is loved. I never expected this from him.”
He adds that even Pankaj Tripathi had faith in his character. “Before the film’s screening, he told me that Birju Lohar would work big time. Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani said the same. I was afraid to believe them. I was in denial. Maybe I wanted to see it myself," he adds.
Reflecting on the power of unrequited love on celluloid, Mohitt states, “It's very relatable. That's why Birju has hit home with viewers. Because everybody has failed in love at some time. My heart was broken. It is a very personal ache everyone has in their heart, which they might not reveal to others. When they see such characters, they become theirs. And that's what I do when I see such characters. Because somewhere in my heart, I am Birju. A person who's been a lover, who wants to love, but there are obstacles in their life.”
Maalik mulls over why female audiences would also like a character like Birju Lohar. He shares, “I think girls want a guy like Birju. Somebody who loves them so much that it almost feels divine. And it is just not love, it is ibadat (worship). Birju’s love is not physical, it is more spiritual. And it's not the worldly love which you see these days.”
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The recreated version of “Sanson Ki Mala” has also found a connect with the audiences. Maalik shares how it was an integral part of his childhood. He lets on, “As a kid, I remember, my mom used to always play it in the morning on cable TV. I would listen to the Gurbaani version by Bhai Harbans Singh Ji. I did not know one day it would be picturized on me. I think it's God's gift.”
Maalik reveals how his wife, Aditi Malikk, was left too overwhelmed after the screening, “She didn't speak to me. I didn't know what she was feeling. The next day she told me, ‘What a fabulous job you have done.’ She told me she was still taking in the film and the last scene. She is my biggest critic and I made her very happy.”
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