Mirai - Review
14 Sep 2025
270 BC, Emperor Ashoka, haunted by the carnage of the Kalinga war, safeguarded the secret of immortality within nine sacred books, entrusting them to his most loyal guardians. In the year 2000, Ambica (Shriya Saran), a seer and protector of the ninth book, foresees the rise of Mahabir Lama, aka The Black Sword (Manchu Manoj), a ruthless warlord hell-bent on collecting the books to achieve immortality and dominate the world. Despite her resistance, Mahabir seizes several books, intensifying his hunt for the rest.
In a desperate bid to thwart him, Ambica's pivotal decision intertwines the fate of Vedha Prajapathi (Teja Sajja), a spirited orphan from Hyderabad, with the books' ancient legacy. The narrative unfolds with gripping questions: Can Vedha rise to defeat Mahabir? What is the true power of the books? Why is Mahabir obsessed with them? Who is Vibha (Ritika Nayak), and what role does she play? Above all, what is Mirai—a mere book or something far greater? This tale of mythology clashing with modernity delivers a thrilling battle between good and evil.
Teja Sajja, fresh off his success in Hanu-Man, shines as Vedha with effortless charisma. He seamlessly transitions from a carefree youth in the first half to a resolute hero in the second, delivering a career-defining performance. His charm and intensity make him the film's heartbeat, anchoring every scene with magnetic energy.
Manchu Manoj is a revelation as Mahabir Lama. With piercing eyes, a commanding voice, and chilling dialogue delivery, he embodies the menacing Black Sword with terrifying conviction. Every frame he occupies crackles with intensity, making him a formidable antagonist.
Shriya Saran defies expectations with a substantial role that carries emotional weight. Her grace, intensity, and nuanced performance elevate key moments, proving her character is far more than a cameo. She brings depth and heart to the story, making Ambica a standout.
Ritika Nayak, as Vibha, is competent but underserved by the script. Her character lacks depth in the second half, and inconsistent lip-sync slightly hampers her impact. Supporting actors like Jagapathi Babu and Jayaram leave a mark, while Getup Srinu provides comic relief, though some gags feel forced.
Mirai dazzles with unforgettable sequences. Vedha’s identity-reveal moment is electrifying, the pre-interval block is a masterclass in tension, and the Siddha Kshetram showdown between Vedha and the villains is a visual spectacle. The “book of sound” arc involving Mahabir is brilliantly staged, and the train sequence delivers edge-of-the-seat thrills. Mythological elements, like the divine appearance of Lord Sri Rama and the majestic Sampati bird, infuse the narrative with awe-inspiring grandeur.
The technical craftsmanship is exceptional. Gowra Hari’s pulsating background score amplifies every scene, evoking goosebumps during high-stakes moments. Karthik Gattamneni’s cinematography captures both intimate emotions and epic scale with breathtaking clarity. The VFX, crafted on a modest budget, rival big-budget productions, immersing viewers in a vivid world of fantasy and mythology.
The first half treads familiar territory, with predictable beats that may feel formulaic, though the fast-paced screenplay keeps it engaging. The comedy track featuring directors Venkatesh Maha and Kishore Tirumala as policemen feels jarring and disrupts the film’s tone. Ritika Nayak’s underdeveloped role is a missed opportunity, and the climax, while serviceable, lacks the explosive payoff expected from such an ambitious saga. A tighter edit in the second half could have sharpened the pacing further.
Writers Karthik Gattamneni and Manibabu Karanam weave a compelling blend of ancient mythology and contemporary drama, creating a narrative that feels both timeless and fresh. Editor Sreekar Prasad ensures a crisp pace, though trimming a few scenes could have heightened the impact. The lavish production design reflects the film’s ambition, with every frame exuding richness and care.
Mirai is a captivating fantasy epic that marries mythological grandeur with modern storytelling. Teja Sajja delivers a magnetic, career-best performance, carrying the film with charm and grit. Manchu Manoj’s menacing Mahabir Lama dominates as a chilling antagonist, while Shriya Saran adds emotional resonance with her powerful presence. Bolstered by Gowra Hari’s thunderous score, Karthik Gattamneni’s stunning visuals, and remarkably polished VFX, Mirai transforms into a cinematic spectacle.
In a desperate bid to thwart him, Ambica's pivotal decision intertwines the fate of Vedha Prajapathi (Teja Sajja), a spirited orphan from Hyderabad, with the books' ancient legacy. The narrative unfolds with gripping questions: Can Vedha rise to defeat Mahabir? What is the true power of the books? Why is Mahabir obsessed with them? Who is Vibha (Ritika Nayak), and what role does she play? Above all, what is Mirai—a mere book or something far greater? This tale of mythology clashing with modernity delivers a thrilling battle between good and evil.
Teja Sajja, fresh off his success in Hanu-Man, shines as Vedha with effortless charisma. He seamlessly transitions from a carefree youth in the first half to a resolute hero in the second, delivering a career-defining performance. His charm and intensity make him the film's heartbeat, anchoring every scene with magnetic energy.
Manchu Manoj is a revelation as Mahabir Lama. With piercing eyes, a commanding voice, and chilling dialogue delivery, he embodies the menacing Black Sword with terrifying conviction. Every frame he occupies crackles with intensity, making him a formidable antagonist.
Shriya Saran defies expectations with a substantial role that carries emotional weight. Her grace, intensity, and nuanced performance elevate key moments, proving her character is far more than a cameo. She brings depth and heart to the story, making Ambica a standout.
Ritika Nayak, as Vibha, is competent but underserved by the script. Her character lacks depth in the second half, and inconsistent lip-sync slightly hampers her impact. Supporting actors like Jagapathi Babu and Jayaram leave a mark, while Getup Srinu provides comic relief, though some gags feel forced.
Mirai dazzles with unforgettable sequences. Vedha’s identity-reveal moment is electrifying, the pre-interval block is a masterclass in tension, and the Siddha Kshetram showdown between Vedha and the villains is a visual spectacle. The “book of sound” arc involving Mahabir is brilliantly staged, and the train sequence delivers edge-of-the-seat thrills. Mythological elements, like the divine appearance of Lord Sri Rama and the majestic Sampati bird, infuse the narrative with awe-inspiring grandeur.
The technical craftsmanship is exceptional. Gowra Hari’s pulsating background score amplifies every scene, evoking goosebumps during high-stakes moments. Karthik Gattamneni’s cinematography captures both intimate emotions and epic scale with breathtaking clarity. The VFX, crafted on a modest budget, rival big-budget productions, immersing viewers in a vivid world of fantasy and mythology.
The first half treads familiar territory, with predictable beats that may feel formulaic, though the fast-paced screenplay keeps it engaging. The comedy track featuring directors Venkatesh Maha and Kishore Tirumala as policemen feels jarring and disrupts the film’s tone. Ritika Nayak’s underdeveloped role is a missed opportunity, and the climax, while serviceable, lacks the explosive payoff expected from such an ambitious saga. A tighter edit in the second half could have sharpened the pacing further.
Writers Karthik Gattamneni and Manibabu Karanam weave a compelling blend of ancient mythology and contemporary drama, creating a narrative that feels both timeless and fresh. Editor Sreekar Prasad ensures a crisp pace, though trimming a few scenes could have heightened the impact. The lavish production design reflects the film’s ambition, with every frame exuding richness and care.
Mirai is a captivating fantasy epic that marries mythological grandeur with modern storytelling. Teja Sajja delivers a magnetic, career-best performance, carrying the film with charm and grit. Manchu Manoj’s menacing Mahabir Lama dominates as a chilling antagonist, while Shriya Saran adds emotional resonance with her powerful presence. Bolstered by Gowra Hari’s thunderous score, Karthik Gattamneni’s stunning visuals, and remarkably polished VFX, Mirai transforms into a cinematic spectacle.
Despite a predictable first half, an underwhelming climax, and minor pacing issues, the film’s high-octane action, gripping mythology, and breathtaking set pieces—like the Siddha Kshetram fight and Sampati bird sequence—make it a must-watch. Ambitious and visually dazzling,
Mirai is a thrilling adventure that will captivate fans of epic storytelling and mythological sagas.
A big-screen experience that demands to be seen for its spectacle and heart!
A big-screen experience that demands to be seen for its spectacle and heart!
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