With movies like Baahubali, RRR, and Pushpa, the Telugu film industry has been on a roll across India, changing the way people think about regional cinema. Mirai, a fantasy action-adventure movie directed by Karthik Gattamneni and set to come out in 2025, adds to this legacy. It is a spiritual successor to the 2024 hit Hanu-Man. Teja Sajja plays the charming Vedha in Mirai, which mixes ancient Indian mythology from the time of Emperor Ashoka and Lord Rama with modern superhero themes. The movie was made by People Media Factory on a budget of ₹60 crore. Manchu Manoj plays the scary villain Mahabir, and Ritika Nayak, Shriya Saran, Jagapathi Babu, and Jayaram all play important roles. Dharma Productions took care of the Hindi release of Mirai, which came out on September 12, 2025. In its first week, it made over ₹50 crore worldwide, including a strong $3 million in North America. But does it really live up to the hype? This 1000-word review goes into detail about its pros and cons and whether or not you should watch it.
A Mythical Idea with Big Plans for All of India
Mirai takes viewers to a place where old secrets and new problems meet. The story is about Vedha, a street-smart warrior (Teja Sajja), who becomes the unlikely protector of nine holy texts that are connected to Emperor Ashoka’s secret society, which was formed after the Kalinga War. These scriptures have a lot of power, and the evil Mahabir (Manchu Manoj), who wields the scary “Black Sword,” wants them to rule the world. Vedha’s journey, with the help of friends like Vibha (Ritika Nayak) and a wise mentor (Jagapathi Babu), is a classic story of good vs. evil that includes themes of compassion, spirituality, and sacrifice. The movie takes a lot from Indian mythology, using stories about Lord Rama and Ashoka’s change to make a story that feels both old and new.
It’s clear what the goal is: Mirai wants to be a big event across India, combining the emotional core of Telugu cinema with the scale of Bollywood and the action style of South Indian films. Its first showing outside of Japan on September 11 caused a lot of excitement, and early viewers praised its anime-inspired visuals and big set pieces. The movie made over ₹50 crore at the box office in just one week, which shows that people are very interested in it, especially in North America, where it is close to $3 million. But Mirai is different from other shows because it combines mythology with superhero tropes, even if it doesn’t always get it right.
A visual show on a budget
The way Mirai looks is one of its best features. The movie has a small budget of ₹60 crore, which is small by today’s blockbuster standards. It has a lot of CGI-heavy scenes, huge sets, and action choreography inspired by anime. Director Karthik Gattamneni, who also directed Hanu-Man, shows off his ability to make big moments. The climax, which combines faith-based heroism with high-octane combat, is a real showstopper that has been compared to Hollywood fantasy epics. The VFX work is so good that it makes Mirai look great, from ancient temples to battles in space.
The movie’s scale is raised by the cinematography and the dynamic action design. The scenes where Vedha uses divine powers or Mahabir threatens with a sword are very well done, making the movie feel like you’re really there on the big screen. Both critics and audiences have called it “visually striking” and “a technical marvel.” The production design makes India seem like a mythical place that is both real and imaginary. Mirai is a great show for fans of mythological epics or superhero movies. It rivals bigger-budgeted movies.
Anchor the Epic with Performances
Teja Sajja is a rising star after the success of Hanu-Man. He plays Vedha with a mix of humor, vulnerability, and physicality that makes the character’s change from a scrappy underdog to a divine warrior believable. His charm carries the movie, especially in action scenes where he easily channels superhero swagger. Manchu Manoj, who plays the bad guy Mahabir, is just as interesting. Mahabir is a tough opponent because of his intense, brooding performance and strong screen presence, but the script doesn’t always give him the depth he needs. Their fights are the best part, full of tension and energy.
The other actors are good too. As Vibha, Ritika Nayak gives Vedha’s story more emotional weight. Her chemistry with Teja keeps the movie’s fantastical parts grounded. Jagapathi Babu plays a mentor figure in a calm but powerful way, and Shriya Saran and Jayaram add weight to their smaller roles. The ensemble works well, but some characters don’t get enough screen time, which is a common problem in movies with big casts and complicated stories.
A Story with Heart but Gaps
Mirai’s story is interesting at its core, combining mythology, spirituality, and action. The movie goes into more depth by looking at Ashoka’s legacy, which is the change from conquest to compassion. References to Lord Rama will also resonate with people who know Indian epics. The pacing is quick, with a mysterious setup that grabs viewers’ attention right away and keeps it up with action-packed scenes. The movie has a moral backbone that families will like because it has themes of greed, ethics, and sacrifice.
But the story does have some problems. Some parts of the story don’t make sense, especially when it comes to the powers of the scriptures and Ashoka’s historical legacy. Some people find the film’s pro-Hindu undertones appealing, but they sometimes overshadow its Buddhist roots, which has led critics to say that the tone is inconsistent. The dialogues can get childish, and the forced funny subplots, which usually involve silly side characters, ruin the epic tone. The screenplay is ambitious, but it borrows a lot from superhero stories and other Indian epics, which makes it less original. The end of Mahabir’s story, in particular, is unsatisfying and leaves viewers wanting more closure.
Mixed Reviews and Too Much Hype
Mirai came with very high hopes, thanks to Hanu-Man’s success and aggressive marketing as a game-changer across India. It’s a commercial success, but people who saw it and critics have different opinions. Fans on sites like X say it has “mind-blowing VFX” and a “emotional core,” and they call it a “proud moment for Telugu cinema.” Some people, though, don’t like its “average screenplay” and “cringy humor,” and some viewers from other countries think it doesn’t match Hanu-Man’s freshness. The hype is well-deserved for its size, but Mirai doesn’t always live up to it.
Mirai doesn’t feel as new as Hanu-Man because it uses familiar tropes instead of breaking new ground. The middle act drags on because of unnecessary side plots, and the use of formulaic elements, like a predictable hero’s journey, makes it less memorable than it could be. Still, its ability to put on a show that people will love makes it popular with theatergoers, especially those looking for family-friendly fun.
Music and Technical Things
The music for the movie was written by a group that wanted it to sound grand, but it doesn’t stand out. The background music really makes the action scenes more exciting, with tracks that pulse along with the film’s intensity. The songs, on the other hand, aren’t very memorable and don’t have the same emotional impact as Hanu-Man’s soundtrack. Mirai’s cinematography and editing are top-notch, with smooth transitions and a polished look that makes the most of its budget. The sound design, especially in battle scenes, makes the chaos feel real, but the quieter parts could use more polish.
Who Should See Mirai?
Mirai is perfect for people who like mythological epics, superhero movies, and family dramas. It has a great mix of spirituality, action, and visual flair that makes it a great movie to see on the big screen, especially for fans of Hanu-Man or Baahubali. It’s also a great choice for people who like how Indian movies mix traditional stories with modern ones. However, people who want tight writing or new stories may not like it. You might want to lower your expectations if you don’t like plot holes or stories that are too far-fetched.
Final Decision
Mirai is a bold and fun addition to the pan-India wave of Telugu movies. It has great visuals that make up for its small budget. Teja Sajja and Manchu Manoj are in charge of a lively cast, and the film’s mythological core is very strong. But it is held back by too much story, childish jokes, and a buildup that doesn’t quite deliver on its promise. It’s not as innovative as Hanu-Man, but it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s breaking box office records for its size. 3.25 out of 5 stars. See it on the big screen for its thrills and spiritual themes. It’s a journey worth taking, flaws and all.