Movie Name : Mirai
Release Date : Sep 12, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 3.5/5
Starring : Teja Sajja, Manoj Manchu, Ritika Nayak, Shriya Saran, Jayaram, Jagapathi Babu
Directors : Karthik Gattamneni
Producers : T.G. Vishwa Prasad, Krithi Prasad
Music Director : Gowra Hari
Cinematographer : Karthik Gattamneni
Editor : Sreekar Prasad
Related Links : Trailer
Following the massive success of Hanu-Man, Teja Sajja returns with Mirai, an action-adventure fantasy brimming with thrills and spectacle. Cinematographer-turned-director Kartik Gattamneni helms this ambitious project, bringing his signature visual flair to the big screen. Releasing worldwide today amid growing anticipation, Mirai has already created a buzz, and here is our review.
Story:
Centuries ago, Emperor Ashoka, devastated by the bloodshed of the Kalinga war, sealed the secret of immortality into nine sacred books and entrusted them to his most loyal guardians. Generations later, in the year 2000, Ambica (Shriya Saran), blessed with foresight and protector of the ninth book, foresees the rise of Mahabir Lama, also known as The Black Sword (Manchu Manoj), a ruthless man determined to claim the books, attain immortality, and rule the world. Despite her efforts, Mahabir seizes a few of them and continues his pursuit of the rest.
In a desperate attempt to stop him, Ambica makes a fateful choice that ties the destiny of Vedha Prajapathi (Teja Sajja), a carefree orphan from Hyderabad, to the legacy of the books. The story then raises many questions: Can Vedha rise to stop Mahabir? Are the books truly as powerful as they seem? Why does Mahabir crave them? Who is Vibha (Ritika Nayak), and how does she connect to the mystery? Most importantly, what is Mirai? A book, or something far greater? The answers lie in a gripping tale where mythology collides with modernity, and the age-old battle between good and evil takes centre stage.
Plus Points:
After proving his mettle in Hanu-Man, Teja Sajja steps into Mirai with remarkable ease and confidence. He looks stylish, carries the film on his shoulders, and adapts seamlessly to his character’s two shades. In the first half, he charms as a carefree youngster. In the second, he transforms into a determined force once he realises his destiny. In both versions, Teja is magnetic and delivers one of his career-best performances.
Manchu Manoj makes a powerful impression as the antagonist. His fiery eyes, commanding voice, and impactful dialogue delivery make him a perfect fit for Mahabir Lama, also known as The Black Sword. The film allows him to unleash his menace, and he commands the screen every time he appears.
Shriya Saran is a pleasant surprise. Contrary to assumptions that her role would be short, she enjoys solid screen time and plays an important part in the narrative. She lifts crucial scenes with her grace and intensity. Her controlled performance and expressive range add emotional depth to the story.
The film is filled with standout moments. Vedha’s identity-reveal sequence is gripping, and the pre-interval block is executed with breathtaking precision. Manoj’s track involving the “book of sound” is staged brilliantly, the train sequence is thrilling, and the Siddha Kshetram fight between Teja and the villains is pure spectacle.
The mythological flourishes are striking. The divine appearance of Lord Sri Rama, the Sampati bird sequence, and several other mythic beats inject grandeur and excitement into the narrative.
Technically, the film soars. Gowra Hari’s background score is electrifying, turning several scenes into goosebump-inducing experiences. The VFX is astonishingly polished, especially considering the budget, and the visuals enhance the storytelling with remarkable scale.
Among the supporting cast, Getup Srinu provides laughs, Jayaram leaves an impression despite limited screen time, and the rest perform their parts effectively.
Minus Points:
The first half of the film feels predictable, with familiar beats that are easy to guess, though the brisk screenplay prevents it from becoming dull. The second half is much stronger, offering unpredictable turns and a more engaging narrative.
Ritika Nayak, as Vibha, is adequate but underutilised. Her role could have been written with more weight, especially in the latter half. Her lip-syncing also feels inconsistent.
The comedy track featuring directors Venkatesh Maha and Kishore Tirumala as policemen feels misplaced. It disrupts the serious flow and comes across as unnecessary.
The climax is also a drawback. For a film mounted on such scale, the ending feels tame and conventional. A more impactful conclusion would have elevated Mirai further.
Technical Aspects:
On the technical front, Mirai excels. Gowra Hari’s thunderous score powers the film with relentless energy. Cinematographer Karthik Gattamneni delivers stunning visuals that balance grandeur with intimacy. The VFX, impressively achieved on a modest budget, delivers a spectacle that rivals bigger productions.
Writers Karthik Gattamneni and Manibabu Karanam succeed in crafting a screenplay that smartly blends mythology with modern elements. Editor Sreekar Prasad maintains sharp pacing, though a few second-half scenes could have been trimmed for even greater impact. Production values are lavish, and the richness of the film is evident in every frame.
Verdict:
On the whole, Mirai is a thrilling fantasy adventure that seamlessly blends mythological grandeur with modern storytelling. Teja Sajja anchors the film with a magnetic performance. Manchu Manoj dominates the screen as Mahabir, exuding menace and intensity, while Shriya Saran adds emotional depth that elevates crucial moments. The technical brilliance, including Gowra Hari’s electrifying score, Karthik Gattamneni’s stunning cinematography, and polished VFX, turns several sequences into spectacular cinematic set pieces. While the first half is somewhat predictable and the climax feels underwhelming, Mirai more than makes up for it with racy storytelling, high-voltage action, and mesmerising mythological sequences that keep viewers hooked throughout. From Vedha’s identity reveal to the Siddha Kshetram showdown and the Sampati bird sequence, the film delivers multiple breathtaking moments that justify the big-screen experience. Ambitious, visually stunning, and packed with fantasy and spectacle, Mirai is a memorable adventure that fans of mythology and epic storytelling cannot afford to miss. Experience it in theatres and witness the magic of Mirai like never before!
123telugu.com Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team