The Telugu movie "Mirai," directed by Karthik Gattamaneni and starring Teja Sajja, Manchu Manoj, Ritika Nayak, and Shriya Saran, is a fantasy adventure that blends mythology, modern storytelling, and superhero-style action. It revolves around Vedha, a reluctant hero destined to stop the villain Mahabir from acquiring nine powerful ancient texts related to immortality and cosmic powers. Overall, the film received mixed to positive reviews, with several highlights and some criticisms:
Positive aspects:
- Teja Sajja delivers a magnetic and confident performance, effectively portraying Vedha's transformation from a carefree youth to a determined hero.
- Manchu Manoj stands out as a menacing and intense antagonist.
- The film impresses with its production design, visual effects, and action sequences, despite a modest budget.
- The storytelling ambitiously weaves mythology, fantasy, and modern elements, with sequences that offer thrills and emotional depth.
- Music and cinematography are praised for enhancing the epic feel.
- The climax and certain sequences, including mythological references to Ramayana and the legend of Emperor Ashoka, evoke strong engagement with spiritual and heroic themes.
Criticisms:
- The comedic elements, especially a comedy track involving policemen, are seen as unnecessary and disrupt the narrative flow.
- Some reviewers felt the villain characterization could be deeper and more terrifying.
- The climax, while grand, may feel conventional or underwhelming to some.
- A few pacing issues noted, with some scenes testing patience.
Verdict:
"Mirai" is considered a visually spectacular, ambitious fantasy epic that Telugu cinema hasn’t explored much before. It successfully draws on mythological grandeur and modern superhero storytelling, making it a thrilling watch for fans of fantasy and epic narratives, despite some storytelling and tonal inconsistencies. It is recommended to watch in theaters for the full experience of its VFX and musical impact.
