Mirai (2025) Review: Teja Sajja’s Mythological Superhero Film Gets the VFX Right
Mirai stands out as a bold attempt in Telugu cinema, bringing together talented actors like Teja Sajja, Manchu Manoj, and Ritika Nayak. Directed by Karthik Gattamneni, this fantasy action film mixes mythology with superhero storytelling in ways we don’t often see in Indian cinema.
Released on September 12, 2025, the film marks Teja’s comeback after his Hanu-Man success. Produced by TG Vishwa Prasad and Krithi Prasad on a 50-crore budget, it creates a unique blend of science fiction, action, and mythological themes.
Story and Plot
The film follows Vedha Prajapati, an orphan who survives by pickpocketing on the streets. Everything changes when Vibha, played by Ritika Nayak, enters his life. She tells him about his real destiny as the protector of nine sacred scriptures with godlike powers.
Vedha must keep these manuscripts safe from those who want to misuse them. His main enemy is Mahabir, played powerfully by Manchu Manoj, who wants the scriptures for himself. The story moves between mystical worlds and real-world challenges, building toward a clash between good and evil.
Acting and Performances
Teja Sajja handles the lead role well, showing both physical strength and emotional range. His transformation from street thief to warrior feels earned rather than rushed. I found his action scenes well-executed and his emotional moments convincing enough to keep me invested.
Manchu Manoj makes a lasting impact as the villain. His portrayal of Mahabir brings intensity to every frame he appears in. The black sword element tied to his character creates a memorable visual. Ritika Nayak plays Vibha with grace, giving the character depth beyond what the script offers.
What Works Well
The visual effects impress considering the budget constraints. The fantasy sequences create worlds that feel tangible and lived-in. The interval block stands out as a high point that got strong reactions from theater audiences when I watched it.
The action choreography pairs well with the visual effects. Karthik Gattamneni’s direction shows ambition, particularly in presenting mythological concepts for modern viewers. Removing songs from the flow keeps the story tight and focused where it matters most.
Areas That Need Work
The first half drags in places, spending too much time setting things up. While context matters, some sequences feel stretched beyond their purpose. The story follows superhero formula patterns that feel overly familiar and reduce the element of surprise.
The comedy bits break the momentum instead of adding to it. These moments pull you out of the story just when things start getting interesting. The romantic angle between Vedha and Vibha lacks the chemistry needed to make their relationship feel genuine or necessary.
Critics and Audience Response
Times of India awarded 3.5 stars, pointing out strong performances and visuals but noting screenplay weaknesses. IMDb users gave it 8.1 out of 10, reflecting solid audience approval. People connected with how the film uses Indian mythology to tell a superhero story rather than copying Western formulas.
Social media reactions lean positive, with viewers calling it a fantasy film that pushes Telugu cinema forward. The quality of visual effects surprised many who expected lower production values. Some viewers did mention the pacing issues in the first half that critics also noted.
Final Thoughts
Mirai proves that Telugu cinema can handle large-scale fantasy projects effectively. The film entertains through strong performances from Teja and Manoj, supported by solid technical execution. The real achievement here is showing that Indian superhero films can deliver without copying Hollywood’s expensive blueprint.
The movie provides enough excitement and visual appeal to justify watching it in theaters. It demonstrates potential for creating superhero stories rooted in our own culture and mythology. For those who enjoy fantasy action, Mirai offers a worthwhile experience even with its flaws.
Rating: 3.5/5
