Mirai: A Fresh Take on Superhero Cinema with Teja Sajja

A Fun and Engaging Review of Mirai

Review by Subhash K Jha: Karthik Gattamneni’s film, Mirai, is an entertaining experience. Unlike other self-aware mythological narratives like Kalki, this film maintains a light-hearted tone while addressing the serious theme of safeguarding Hindu scriptures from misuse. The protagonist, Teja Sajja, portrays a young man unaware of his potential, showcasing significant growth as an actor since his previous successful role in HanuMan.

Teja Sajja embodies a hidden hero with a comedic flair, infusing the character with a refreshing brightness as he evolves into a superhero amidst beautifully choreographed action sequences that shine brilliantly.

His performance brings a lively spirit to the film, which is a rarity in recent superhero portrayals. However, the film's conflict between Good and Evil could have been more impactful if the antagonist had a more formidable presence. Manchu Lamba, who plays the villain seeking the holy scriptures for his own chaotic purposes, comes off as more of a sidekick than a true threat.

The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative. Sriya Saran delivers a compelling performance as a mother figure willing to sacrifice for a better world, while stuntwoman Tanja Keller impresses as a formidable female ninja, elevating the action whenever she appears.

Mirai stands out for its vibrant energy and visual appeal. With Karthik Gattamneni also handling cinematography, there is a seamless connection between his vision and execution. The film's locations are visually striking, ensuring that the characters are not overshadowed by their surroundings.

Many scenes resonate with the essence of mythological exploration, creating an instant artistic feel while serving as a metaphor for protecting our religion from exploitation.

While the film's theme revolves around uniting fragments of holy scriptures against heretics, it remains rooted in mythology while also exuding modern vibes. However, the frequent attempts to inject humor felt somewhat misplaced, akin to adding pickles to a perfectly cooked biryani.