Mirai Movie Review: Teja Sajja’s Mythological Fantasy Ride
Telugu cinema is clearly enjoying its tryst with superheroes and larger-than-life storytelling. After the roaring success of Hanu-Man, Teja Sajja returns with another ambitious project, Mirai, which attempts to blend mythology with a futuristic fantasy world. The result is a film that is visually daring, packed with energy, but also weighed down at times by predictable writing and uneven pacing.
Storyline and Setup
The film begins on a grand note with echoes from the past. After the bloodshed of Kalinga, Emperor Ashoka chooses to lock away the secrets of immortality in nine sacred texts, entrusting their guardianship to loyal warriors. Centuries later, the story shifts to the present, where Ambica (played by Shriya Saran) foresees a dangerous force rising. Enter Mahabir Lama, a menacing warlord portrayed by Manoj Manchu, who seeks the hidden texts to gain absolute power.
The responsibility to counter him unexpectedly falls on Vedha Prajapathi (Teja Sajja), an orphaned youngster from Hyderabad. At first carefree and detached, Vedha soon finds himself caught in a battle much larger than he ever imagined. His journey to understand destiny, responsibility, and the mysterious power of the texts forms the heart of Mirai.
Performances and Characters
Teja Sajja delivers a sincere performance, balancing the carefree charm of a street-smart youngster with the seriousness of a destined hero. He proves once again that he can carry a fantasy film on his shoulders. His transformation through the narrative feels organic, even when the screenplay dips.
Manoj Manchu, on the other hand, steals the spotlight whenever he appears. As Mahabir Lama, he brings menace, controlled aggression, and an aura of unpredictability. His voice, dialogue delivery, and screen presence create a villain that genuinely challenges the hero, a rarity in recent Telugu films.
Shriya Saran is elegant and brings emotional gravitas despite limited screen time. Her character Ambica adds layers to the mythological backdrop and makes the early portions more engaging.
Ritika Nayak, however, doesn’t get enough scope. Her role as Vibha feels underwritten, and the emotional connection between her and Vedha never fully takes off. The comedy track inserted for lighter moments doesn’t sit comfortably with the otherwise serious tone of the film.
Technical Strengths
One of Mirai’s biggest selling points is its technical ambition. The visual effects are impressive by Telugu cinema standards, especially in large-scale sequences involving mythological imagery and futuristic battles. Director Karthik Gattamneni, who also handled cinematography, frames the action with grandeur, using wide landscapes and striking color palettes to build a distinct fantasy world.
The background score by Gowra Hari adds punch. In critical sequences, the music elevates the tension and creates a sense of scale. Editing by Sreekar Prasad is mostly sharp, though the first half could have been tighter. A few stretched sequences reduce the momentum before the interval, but the second half recovers with better pacing.
Strengths vs Weaknesses
What works well:
- Teja Sajja’s consistent performance and ability to lead a fantasy film.
- Manoj Manchu’s impactful villainy.
- High-quality VFX and strong production design.
- Engaging mythological premise mixed with modern storytelling.
- Background score that amplifies emotions and action.
What falls short:
- Predictable narrative turns in the first half.
- Underdeveloped female lead.
- Misplaced comedy that breaks immersion.
- A climax that feels safe rather than groundbreaking.
Final Verdict
Mirai is a bold attempt to push Telugu cinema further into the fantasy-adventure genre. While the film isn’t flawless, it succeeds in creating a world that feels grand and visually engaging. Teja Sajja grows into his role with conviction, while Manoj Manchu delivers one of the strongest villain acts in recent memory.
For audiences who enjoy mythological spectacles, larger-than-life battles, and superhero-like narratives, Mirai offers a satisfying ride. For those seeking tight storytelling and deep emotional drama, it may leave some gaps.
Overall, Mirai earns its place as a solid, entertaining fantasy adventure. It may not redefine the genre, but it certainly reinforces the growing appetite for such ambitious projects in Telugu cinema.