Mirai Review: Blends Myth, history, and superhero action well
What’s it about?
A sanyasini, Vibha (Ritika Nayak), living in the Himalayas, is tasked with finding Vedha Prajapathi (Teja Sajja). She discovers that he now lives in Hyderabad, making a living by selling counterfeit branded goods. When they meet, Vibha reveals that Vedha is no ordinary man — he possesses mythical powers and is not the orphan he believes himself to be. His mother, Ambika (Shriya Saran), had sacrificed her life to protect Mirai, the ninth sacred text hidden by Emperor Ashoka.
Meanwhile, the ruthless Mahaveer (Manchu Manoj) is on a relentless quest to collect all nine sacred texts, including Mirai, in order to attain immortality. The monks are convinced that only Vedha can stop him. But how can an ordinary young man face such a formidable evil? And what divine forces will guide him on this perilous journey?
Analysis
Mirai means future. It is also a sacred text. The film “Mirai” ambitiously fuses Indian mythology, historical references, and superhero elements into cinematic entertainment. The story spans centuries, starting from Emperor Ashoka’s era, weaving in mythological threads from the Ramayana and bringing them into the present day, all presented with a larger-than-life superhero narrative.
The film kicks off with a gripping tone. The first half is packed with intriguing developments, stunning visuals, and well-choreographed moments that keep the viewer hooked. Although the sequences involving Teja Sajja and his friend, played by Getup Srinu, appear silly, and the track involving Kishore Tirumala feels boring, the overall setup in the first half remains engaging.
One of the film’s standout moments is the reveal of Sampathi, the mythical bird from Ramayana, brought to life with commendable visual effects.
In Ramayana, vulture birds like Jatayu, Sampati, and Garuda are mentioned. Director and writer Karthik Ghattamaneni cleverly uses (or you call it copying) the dragons from House of the Dragon or Game of Thrones and links them to Sampathi. He also draws inspiration from the magical wand in Harry Potter, reimagining it as Kodandam, Lord Sriram’s divine weapon. Other superhero elements from Marvel films are blended well into the narrative, adding grandeur and a modern touch.
However, the second half struggles to maintain the same energy. The narrative becomes predictable as it leans heavily on routine tropes, especially after the entry of Jagapathi Babu’s character. The appearance of Lord Sriram towards the end injects some energy, but the climax fails to deliver the expected punch, when compared to Teja Sajja’s previous outing Hanuman.
Still, “Mirai” succeeds as a visual spectacle. Its steady pace, technical polish, and strong performances, particularly in the first half, make it a decent theatrical watch. For audiences seeking a fresh attempt at blending mythology, fantasy, and superhero elements, “Mirai” offers enough entertainment.
Regarding performances, Teja Sajja suits the role of the reluctant superhero well. He delivers a better performance than in his previous film and looks more confident in action sequences. Shriya Saran, as his mother, delivers a mature and impactful portrayal, adding considerable strength to the film. Manchu Manoj, playing the main antagonist, impresses with a restrained and neat performance, avoiding his usual over-the-top style.
Ritika Nayak fits well as a sanyasini. Interestingly, there is little romance between the lead pair, and even the “Vibe Undi” song has been omitted. Kishore Tirumala’s subplot and his acting remain irritating, and the film would have benefited from trimming these tracks along with Getup Srinu’s portions.
Technically, the film is solid. The visual effects are strong, with certain sequences standing out. The production design and overall values are quite impressive. Gowra Hari’s background score elevates the film at many key moments. Editing needed sharpness. As a writer and director, Karthik Ghattamaneni has shown marked improvement after earlier flops like Surya Vs Surya and Eagle.
Bottom-line: “Mirai” succeeds as a visual spectacle. For audiences seeking a fresh take on blending mythology, fantasy, and superhero elements, it delivers enough entertainment. While not without flaws, particularly its predictable sequences and a noticeable dip in the second half, the film scores with impressive VFX, a devotional touch, and a well-balanced mix of elements. Overall, it makes for a good watch in theaters.
Rating: 3.25/5
By Jalapathy Gudelli
Movie: Mirai
Cast: Teja Sajja, Ritika Nayak, Shriya Saran, Manoj Manchu, Jayaram, Jagapathi Babu, Getup Srinu, Tirumala Kishore, Venkatesh Maha and others
Dialogues: Manibabu Karanam
Music: Chaitan Bharadwaj
DOP: Karthik Gattamneni
Editor: Sreekar Prasad
Production Designer: Srinagendra Tangala
Producer: T.G. Vishwa Prasad, Krithi Prasad
Written and Directed by: Karthik Gattamneni
Release Date: September 12, 2025