In the Telugu superhero space where larger than life battles often overshadow the story, Mirai is a thunderous revelation. Directed by Karthik Gattamneni and produced on a very low budget, this 2025 pan-Indian film is 169 minutes long and weaves mythology, high octane action and emotional depth into a story that feels both timeless and futuristic. Starring Teja Sajja as the invincible Yodha and Manoj Manchu as the shadowy villain, the film released on September 12 and got a U/A certificate for the intense action and mature themes—perfect for those who want spectacle without excess.
At the core of Mirai is the lore of Emperor Ashoka’s nine sacred scriptures, ancient texts that grant mortals godlike powers. When the Black Sword clan, led by the power hungry Mahabir Lama (Manoj Manchu), unleashes a dark force to get hold of these relics for domination, it’s up to Vedha—a street smart everyman turned Super Yodha—to wield the divine staff Mirai and save humanity. Vedha’s globe trotting quest isn’t just a series of fights; it’s a journey of self discovery, balancing the cosmic stakes with intimate themes of doubt, destiny and redemption. Gattamneni has woven Ashokan history with Brahmandic mysticism to create a universe that echoes the Ramayana and yet forges its own path, with a cliffhanger for sequels that promises a big saga.
Teja Sajja, fresh from the success of Hanu-Man, is now a new superhero in Telugu films. As Vedha, he transforms from an unwilling protector with self-doubt into a powerful presence, his physical skills in wire-fu scenes only matched by his emotional depth. Sajja’s expressive eyes and understated performance anchor the soul of the film, so Vedha’s victories feel earned, not given. Manoj Manchu brings a dark and intense presence to Lama, but at times his intensity falters and the villain appears more intelligent than scary – a small minus in an otherwise exciting fight. Ritika Nayak is Vedha’s loyal sidekick and brings a subtle power to the team, while Shriya Saran, Jayaram and Jagapathi Babu add seriousness and humor. Even rumors of Rana Daggubati as a godly character suggest the star power of this lesser known film.
In terms of looks, Mirai exceeds expectations. The VFX team delivers stunning visuals – the Sampati segment with legendary birds battling in turbulent weather is on par with big Hollywood films and was made with a fraction of the budget. Train fights and scenes inspired by religious texts are rendered with smooth CGI; each frame is a visual treat. Hari Gowra’s music is an audio achievement, combining orchestral rises with cultural drums to make it big and the script’s rhythm keeps the excitement without losing the subtlety of the character moments.
But Mirai isn’t perfect. The first act’s exposition is a bit too heavy and sometimes stops the momentum for the lore enthusiasts at the cost of casual viewers. Lama’s backstory could have added more depth to the good vs evil binary and some subplots are trimmed for runtime, leaving emotional threads hanging. But these are minor quibbles in a film that prioritizes quality over quantity and proves that good filmmaking can trump big budgets.
Mirai isn’t just a win for Teja Sajja—it’s a bold statement for Telugu fantasy epics. Blending myth and modernity with so much energy. If you liked Kalki 2898 AD or RRR, this is a must watch: a hero’s staff isn’t just a weapon but a balance. Rating: 4/5. Enter the Brahmand—your destiny awaits.