Mirai, starring Teja Sajja and directed by Karthik Gattamneni, is an ambitious attempt to weave together Indian history, mythology, faith, and science fiction into a cohesive superhero saga. Building on the current trend in Telugu cinema of blending genres, the film boasts a wider canvas and a larger budget than comparable predecessors like Hanu-Man. However, this nearly three-hour cinematic endeavor is hindered by a meek, oversmart, and underwritten narrative that struggles to find a convincing balance between its disparate elements. The film attempts to rationalize faith with scientific concepts, even introducing the nonsensical term “spiritual physics,” which ultimately serves as a weak foundation for its story, making the pursuit of both logic and belief often feel strained. The film’s core premise, replacing the historical context of Emperor Ashoka’s shift to Buddhism with a fantastical plot about nine scriptures of immense power, feels like a diluted imitation of Western fantasy tropes, particularly reminiscent of the Harry Potter Horcrux concept.
Cinematographer-director Karthik Gattamneni, along with co-writer Manibabu Karanam, crafts a visually striking aesthetic. The film excels in its visual grandeur thanks to the efforts of production designer Nagender Tangala, art director Dasireddy Srinivas, and a skilled visual effects team. The animation used to establish the world and trace the story back to Ashoka shows initial promise. The climax, in particular, delivers a spectacle of visual invention. However, this spectacle often lacks a firm anchor. Despite imaginative sets like the dystopian “paradise scrapyard” and a major showdown location reminiscent of an amphitheater or Yogini temple, the world-building feels more like a staged set than a lived-in, immersive universe. The pacing is a significant issue; the narrative falters for over an hour as it struggles to build a convincing sense of urgency around the impending threat. Crucial character introductions and plot points, like the protagonist’s quest for the mystical staff, the Mirai, and his initiation by Agastya Rishi, are hurried and underwritten, denying the audience any real emotional investment. The editing, done by Gattamneni himself, cannot overcome the fundamental flaws in the script, resulting in a drudge that constantly snags at the viewer’s patience.
Acting
The performances in Mirai manage to provide some emotional weight, especially as the story progresses.Teja Sajja as Veda, the chosen one, brings an everyman appeal to the character, balancing strength and vulnerability. He excels particularly in the action sequences. However, the protagonist’s heroism is vaguely written, and initially, he lacks the inherent charisma or stature to be immediately convincing as the savior of the world.Manchu Manoj as the antagonist Mahabeer Lama, who leads the ruthless Black Sword group, possesses the requisite physical menace but is ultimately let down by an overwritten yet dull villainy. His presence is mild, and the quick-to-conclude backstory doesn’t provide the necessary depth to make him a truly terrifying existential threat.Shriya Saran is the film’s revelation, embodying the conflicted mother Ambika with compelling emotional weight, especially in the latter portions. Ritika Nayak as Vibha, the young sadhvi who tracks down Veda, becomes a largely peripheral presence. Her easy tracking of Veda feels implausible, and her character interactions are often perfunctory.Jayaram as Agastya Rishi and Jagapathi Babu as an elder guardian provide much-needed gravitas to their limited roles.
Music
Gowra Hari’s music forms a powerful component of the film, though its usage is sometimes a double-edged sword. The score successfully complements the moments of spectacle and wonder, such as the introduction of spiritual physics or the climactic clash. However, the score is also described as “ear-splitting” at times, often used to forcefully persuade the audience of Veda’s heroism even when the script fails to do so. Overall, the music enhances the film’s grandeur, but its relentless volume occasionally overcompensates for the narrative weaknesses.
Mirai Title Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4DkhLEWfAc
Mirai is an ambitious film that suffers from a schism between its grand visual execution and its thin, underdeveloped narrative. While it offers flashes of invention—such as the animatronic bird Sampati—and some strong performances, the movie’s attempt to fuse mythology, history, and science r/yesults in a convoluted and unconvincing blend. The film struggles to ground its spectacle in emotionally resonant storytelling and fails to build the urgency or depth necessary for an epic quest. As a foundation for a burgeoning Indian superhero franchise, Mirai sets the stage for a sequel, but one that will urgently require a more engaging and coherent narrative to succeed.