Karthik Gattamneni who has written and directed Mirai does a good job in creating solid back stories for both Teja Sajja and Manchu Manoj. How their respective pasts shape up the present timeline is good. The solid visuals coupled with the performances specially the hero and the antagonist help the movie tide through some weak comedic gags. Rana Dagubbati appearing in the post credit sequence also has a blast.
Starcast: Teja Sajja, Manchu Manoj, Shriya Saran, Jagapathi Babu, Karthikeya and others
Genre: Fantasy/action
Story, screenplay and direction: Karthik Gattamneni
Additional writer: Manibabu Karanam
Producers: T G Vishwa Prasad and Krithi Prasad
Cinematographer: Karthik Gattamneni
Music: Gowra Hari
Running time: 2 hours and 49 minutes
The 2024 movie Hanuman was a huge game changer for both Teja Sajja and the director Prashanth Verma. Much like the protagonist the film was also an underdog. The expectations weren’t high, but the movie surprised one and all beating Sankranti biggies like Saindhav, Guntur Kaaram etc. Teja Sajja established himself as a potential young star. Mirai also follows a similar trajectory in terms of the hero’s characterization. Here too the hero is a ruffian unaware of his destiny. He ends up fighting a force that’s way above his league but succeeds with determination and some help. In spite of a not so novel storyline Mirai mostly hits the right chords specially for those who are into the genre of devotion with fantasy.
Protagonist Teja Sajja
The broad storyline of Mirai involves Emperor Ashoka’s sacred books. The nine scriptures have the power of turning any mortal human being into a deity. Teja Sajja’s Vedaa is a young warrior unaware of his past. Vedaa’s life undergoes a huge change with the arrival of Ritika Nayak as Vibha. Guided by Vibha and others Vedaa must understand his true role which is protecting the scripture. The film pits Vedaa opposite the more powerful Mahabir Lamba (a commanding Manchu Manoj). Shriya Saran plays Vedaa’s mother, and a divine soul connected to protecting the scriptures.
A strong aspect of Mirai is the visual department. Director Karthik Gattamneni who has also handled the cinematography department does an excellent job in creating some big screen worthy moments. These portions include a sequence involving a bird called Sampathi. Also, a high-octane moment on the train is a visual delight.
The CGI involving the bird as well as the climatic fight between Teja Sajja and Manchu Manoj is brilliant to say the least. The Ramayana connection with the magical stick will also be a treat for the devotees.
Apart from the cinematography Gowra Hari’s background score also deserves a specific mention. It amplifies the high voltage moments adding to the immersive experience.
Mirai also works because of some solid acting specially the leads. Teja Sajja’s role of an underdog shares more than one similarity with Hanuman. Still, he pulls of Vedaa’s transformation from a carefree youngster to a determined force with ease. The actor is especially good in conveying the vulnerabilities making the protagonist a grounded character in spite of the fantasy world.
Manchu Manoj as Mahabir Lamba also makes for a powerful antagonist. The fiery eyes coupled with the commanding dialogue delivery making him a very worthy rival. Manoj particularly shines in the sequence where he talks about his past. The anguish of a young boy facing societal rejection due to caste hierarchy has come out in an impactful manner. Karthikeya playing the younger version of Manoj is also excellent.
Shriya Saran also shines in spite of the limited screen time. Shriya lends an emotional depth with her nuanced acting. She brings in the required divinity as well as a strong inner strength. Jagapathi Babu as one of the protectors too lends in the required gravity during his conversations with Teja Sajja.
A major problem with Mirai is the unnecessary comic stretches involving police officers’ team. Venkatesh Maha and Kishore Tirumala are reduced to mere buffoons producing more groans than laughs. Ritika Nayak as the sanyasini has a good presence but her character could have been better utilized instead of a typical damsel in distress trope.
Final word: Mirai is worth watching for the stunning visuals and if you are into the devotional genre.
