After the blockbuster success of Hanu-Man, actor Teja Sajja is back on the big screen with another ambitious project – Mirai. Directed by cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Karthik Gattamneni, this fantasy adventure hit theatres on September 12, 2025. With grand visuals, thrilling action, and a mix of mythology and modern-day storytelling, Mirai has created a lot of buzz even before release.
So, does the film live up to expectations? Let’s find out in this detailed review.
Story of Mirai
The story begins centuries ago with Emperor Ashoka, who, after witnessing the destruction of the Kalinga war, seals the secret of immortality inside nine sacred books. These books are given to trusted guardians to keep them safe for generations.
In the year 2000, we meet Ambica (Shriya Saran), a protector of the ninth book. She foresees the rise of Mahabir Lama a.k.a. The Black Sword (Manchu Manoj), a dangerous villain who wants to collect all nine books, gain immortality, and rule the world. Mahabir begins his dark mission, and despite Ambica’s efforts, he manages to get hold of a few books.
In her attempt to stop him, Ambica connects the fate of Vedha Prajapathi (Teja Sajja), a carefree orphan from Hyderabad, with the destiny of the sacred books. From here, Vedha’s journey begins — from a simple youth to a chosen hero who must protect the world.
The film raises many questions:
- Can Vedha defeat Mahabir Lama?
- What is the true secret behind the books?
- Who is Vibha (Ritika Nayak), and how is she connected to the mystery?
- And most importantly, what exactly is Mirai?
The answers unfold in an epic battle of good versus evil, where mythology meets fantasy adventure.
Performances
- Teja Sajja shines once again. After proving his skills in Hanu-Man, he carries Mirai on his shoulders with confidence. In the first half, he plays a cheerful, carefree boy, and in the second half, he transforms into a determined warrior. His performance is stylish, emotional, and magnetic.
- Manchu Manoj makes a grand comeback as the antagonist Mahabir Lama. With his intense expressions, commanding screen presence, and powerful dialogue delivery, he is one of the strongest points of the film.
- Shriya Saran is a surprise package. She gets a solid role and adds emotional depth to the story. Her graceful presence and strong acting elevate several important scenes.
- Ritika Nayak, as Vibha, looks good but her character is not explored enough. She could have been given more importance.
- The supporting cast, including Jagapathi Babu, Jayaram, and Getup Srinu, perform well in their roles. Getup Srinu provides comic relief, while Jayaram and Jagapathi Babu bring weight to the story.
Highlights (Plus Points)
- Vedha’s identity reveal is one of the biggest high points.
- Pre-interval block keeps viewers glued to their seats.
- Manoj’s “book of sound” sequence is thrilling and creative.
- Train action scene and Siddha Kshetram fight deliver breathtaking spectacle.
- The film smartly uses mythological references like Lord Rama’s divine appearance and the Sampati bird sequence, giving goosebumps to audiences.
- Technically, the film is top-class with rich visuals and stunning background score.
Drawbacks (Minus Points)
- The first half feels predictable, though it moves at a fast pace.
- The climax is a bit weak compared to the rest of the film. For such a big story, the ending could have been more powerful.
- Ritika Nayak’s role is underdeveloped and her lip-syncing looks off in some scenes.
- The comedy track involving directors Venkatesh Maha and Kishore Tirumala feels forced and breaks the serious tone.
Technical Brilliance
On the technical side, Mirai is a winner.
- Music: Gowra Hari’s background score is electrifying. It lifts action sequences and gives goosebumps.
- Cinematography: Director Karthik Gattamneni also handles the camera and delivers beautiful visuals with grandeur.
- Editing: Sreekar Prasad keeps the film sharp, though trimming a few second-half scenes would have improved the flow.
- VFX: Despite being made on a controlled budget, the visual effects are polished and rival bigger-budget productions.
Verdict
Mirai is a fantasy adventure worth experiencing on the big screen. It combines mythology, action, and emotional drama in a stylish way. Teja Sajja once again proves he is a rising star with his magnetic performance. Manchu Manoj is terrific as the villain, while Shriya Saran adds emotional depth.
The film’s visual spectacle, thrilling sequences, and strong mythological elements make it a treat for fans of fantasy cinema. Though the first half is slightly predictable and the climax feels weaker than expected, the overall package is engaging and entertaining.
👉 If you loved Hanu-Man, you will definitely enjoy Mirai. It’s a grand, visually stunning, and ambitious adventure that blends tradition with modern storytelling. Watch it in theatres for the full impact of its magical world!
Rating: 3.5/5
