Mirai (2025) movie review: plot, cast (Teja Sajja, Manchu Manoj), direction by Karthik Gattamneni, music, critics’ ratings, BookMyShow score, and box office buzz.
Introduction
Mirai (2025) released in India on 12 September 2025 in multiple languages (Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam). Directed by Karthik Gattamneni and produced by TG Vishwa Prasad and Krithi Prasad under People Media Factory, this action–adventure fantasy (runtime: 2h 49m) arrives on a wave of post-HanuMan hype around star Teja Sajja, striking VFX, and a myth-meets-superhero premise. Early chatter also centers on a mid‑credits tease pointing to a larger franchise.
Storyline Overview
Set against an alternate-history canvas, Mirai follows Vedha (Teja Sajja), a street‑smart young man chosen to protect nine sacred books—mystic texts linked to Emperor Ashoka and rumored to bestow godlike power. Standing in his way is the fearsome Mahabir Lama (Manchu Manoj), who seeks the scriptures for darker ends. Without spoilers: the film blends swashbuckling set‑pieces with a quest narrative, using Indian mythic touchpoints to explore fate, power, and responsibility. The theme is clear—true strength is as much moral as it is mystical.
Cast & Performances
- Teja Sajja as Vedha (aka the “Super Yodha”) anchors the film with earnest agility; his boy‑hero energy sells both awe and vulnerability.
- Manchu Manoj as Mahabir Lama is a standout—equal parts menace and pathos—often stealing scenes as the antagonist.
- Ritika Nayak as Vibha brings warmth, though her arc is comparatively underwritten.
- Shriya Saran (Ambika) and Jagapathi Babu (Angama Bali) add gravitas; Jayaram and others shore up the ensemble.
- A surprise cameo in the end credits adds star wattage and sets up future chapters.
Standout: Manoj’s layered villainy and Sajja’s nimble action beats; together they give the hero–nemesis dynamic real spark.
Direction & Screenplay
Director Karthik Gattamneni aims for a pulpy, world‑building epic that fuses mythology with a modern superhero grammar. The screenplay (Karthik Gattamneni, Manibabu Karanam) keeps the stakes legible and the lore accessible, even if a few comedic detours and expository lumps slow the momentum. Dialogues lean massy without losing the mythic flavor. The tonal balance occasionally wobbles, but the ambition and scale are undeniable.
Cinematography & Technical Aspects
Gattamneni also doubles as cinematographer, crafting glossy, graphic‑novel‑styled frames—mist‑wreathed fortresses, kinetic train fights, and the much‑talked‑about Sampati set piece. A. Sreekar Prasad’s editing keeps the 169‑minute sprawl largely coherent, though a leaner second half might have sharpened impact. The VFX aims high and, for the most part, lands—especially in creature design and energy‑weapon choreography. Production design and costume work build a lived‑in mytho‑tech world.
Sound & Score: The background score by Gowra Hari is front‑footed—thunderous percussion, choral Sanskrit motifs, and recurring leitmotifs for the hero and the scriptures. It’s rousing in the set pieces; some viewers may find the mix aggressive in dialogue‑heavy portions.
Music & Songs
Rather than a conventional song‑and‑dance album, Mirai leans on theme‑driven scoring with a few mood tracks that surface organically. The sonic palette blends orchestral swells with Indian classical textures, reinforcing the mythic tone. The hero and villain motifs are memorable, and the climactic cues elevate the spectacle.
Audience Reaction & Box Office Buzz
Opening‑weekend word of mouth is strong to positive. Ticketing platforms reflect high audience satisfaction, praising VFX scale, Manoj’s comeback turn, and the Ramayana‑coded heroism. Early trade coverage pegs the film as a solid commercial performer, with India collections building through the first weekend and weekday dips within expectations. Social media has latched onto the mid‑credits tease and the BGM.
Critics’ Reviews
- The Times of India: 3.5/5 — Visually striking, occasionally draggy; performances and set pieces shine.
- The Hindu (Sangeetha Devi Dundoo): 3.25/5 — Ambitious reframing of a superhero saga that sometimes struggles to anchor spectacle in story.
- Firstpost (Ganesh Aaglave): 3.5/5 — Proudly Indian myth‑scape with crowd‑pleasing highs.
- Hindustan Times: Text‑positive on world‑building and hero–villain duality; notes indulgent stretches.
- LatestLY (Sreeju Sudhakaran): 2.5/5 — Engaging first half, scattered second‑half choices dilute impact.
- Idlebrain (Jeevi): 3.25/5 — Big‑screen experience with strong VFX; director marks a confident step up.
Ratings Summary (Comparison Table)
| Platform / Critic | Rating / Stars | Remarks / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IMDb | N/A (not yet stable) | Title page live; consolidated score pending |
| BookMyShow | ⭐ 9/10 (60K+ votes) | Very positive audience sentiment |
| Times of India | ⭐ 3.5/5 | Visual grandeur, occasional drag |
| The Hindu | ⭐ 3.25/5 | Ambition vs. cohesion |
| Firstpost | ⭐ 3.5/5 | Mythic world‑building lands |
| LatestLY | ⭐ 2.5/5 | Mixed; second half falters |
| Rotten Tomatoes | Page live; score TBA | Multiple Indian critics logged; aggregation in progress |
Final Words
Mirai plays like a homegrown, myth‑powered superhero ride—part quest movie, part franchise launcher. If you can roll with its occasional bloat, there’s plenty to enjoy: Manoj’s barn‑storming antagonist, Sajja’s earnest heroism, booming set pieces, and a confident visual identity. With audience scores soaring and box‑office updates trending upward, the industry chatter is already about sequels—helped by that mid‑credits stinger—suggesting Mirai could be the foundation of a durable Indian superhero universe.
References (Verified review pages):
- The Times of India review
- The Hindu review (Sangeetha Devi Dundoo)
- Indian Express review
- Hindustan Times review
- LatestLY review
- Idlebrain (Jeevi) review
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