Movie: Mirai
Director: Karthik Gattamneni
Cast: Teja Sajja, Manoj Manchu, Ritika Nayak, Shriya Saran, Jayaram & Jagapathi Babu
Run Time: 169 minutes
Where to watch: Theaters
Release Date: 12 Sep 2025
Rating: 4 stars
Mirai is a fascinating attempt at merging age-old mythology with a contemporary story, told through two intertwining timelines. The narrative begins in the era of Emperor Ashoka, who, despite his many conquests, is haunted by remorse. Out of his guilt are born nine sacred scriptures, carrying immense power and wisdom. Cut to the present day, these very texts hold the key to humanity’s survival. Here enters Mahabir Lama (Manoj Manchu), a man who seeks the scriptures not for destruction alone, but to claim godlike strength and control. Opposing him is Veda (Teja Sajja), a young man whose personal scars slowly evolve into a mission of protecting the world.
The strength of Mirai lies in how it paints its characters with shades of grey rather than keeping them one-dimensional. Mahabir Lama’s thirst for power has reasoning behind it, which makes his presence more intriguing.
Veda isn’t portrayed as a ready-made hero
Veda, on the other hand, isn’t portrayed as a ready-made hero—his journey is marked by emotional conflicts, including the truth about his mother Ambika (Shriya Saran) abandoning him. Vibha (Ritika Nayak) plays an important role in grounding him, urging him to rise above his pain and embrace responsibility. The film’s spiritual depth is enhanced through references to Lord Rama and other mythological parallels, giving the story a universal resonance. And yes, the post-credit scene is worth staying for—it opens doors for something bigger ahead.
Screenplay moves briskly
On the technical side, director Karthik ensures the film is visually immersive. The screenplay moves briskly for the most part, though a tighter edit would have kept the momentum sharper. The background score deserves special mention—it heightens drama and emotional beats effectively. Dialogues are engaging, often peppered with witty nods to other films that elicit chuckles. The VFX works well in most sequences, although a handful of shots don’t quite match the grandeur the story demands.
Teja Sajja proves why he is emerging as a bankable star
When it comes to performances, Teja Sajja once again proves why he is emerging as a bankable star. After Hanuman, he carries the weight of Mirai with effortless charisma, balancing youthful energy with the aura of a destined savior. Manoj Manchu makes for a competent antagonist, though the role could have been fleshed out further. Ritika Nayak charms in a simple yet effective performance, while Shriya Saran delivers emotional gravitas. Veterans like Jayaram and Jagapathi Babu add authenticity to the ensemble.
Overall, Mirai is not just another good-versus-evil saga; it’s a myth re-imagined for today’s audience. With strong performances, striking visuals, and a gripping narrative, the film stands tall as an engaging big-screen experience.