Mirai Movie Review:
By anrwriting ✍
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
Censor: U/A | Runtime: 2h 49m
Story:
Mirai revolves around the legendary Secret Nine of Ashoka. The film explores what happens when a powerful force (Manchu Manoj) attempts to seize them in the modern world. Teja (Teja Sajja), connected to the ancient guardians known as the Yodhas, must stop this catastrophe. Along the way, a hidden answer buried in the Itihasas is revealed, and the story ties beautifully into how a son fulfills his mother’s (Shriya Saran) wish.
Performances:
Teja Sajja shines in the Yodha-inspired role. His stylish look, convincing body language, and emotional vulnerability especially in relation to the mother’s angle are commendable. He never overplays the heroism, and that restraint works in his favor. His standout moment comes in the second half when he realizes the weapon’s power a visually spectacular and thrilling sequence.
Ritika Nayak takes on a non-stereotypical female lead role. While not a conventional heroine part, she fits perfectly and does justice to her character.
Shriya Saran is refreshing as the mother. Her screen presence elevates the emotional core of the film, and her character adds depth to the narrative.
Manchu Manoj plays the antagonist with surprising restraint. As Black Sword, he avoids excess and delivers a controlled, impactful performance that suits the film’s tone.
Analysis:
Director Karthik Gattamneni wastes no time and dives straight into the core narrative of the Secret Nine. The film immediately creates intrigue and immerses the audience in the Mirai universe.
The first half introduces Teja in a stylish yet somewhat conventional manner. While certain tracks feel familiar, the slick execution, polished visuals, and art direction keep the pace engaging. The bird sequence before the interval is a visual standout stunningly designed and brilliantly executed.
The second half offers some of the film’s most memorable moments. Teja’s weapon-realization action block is a high point, blending VFX, action choreography, and background score into a powerful cinematic experience. Shriya’s character reveal and Manoj’s flashback further strengthen the narrative.
That said, Mirai has its flaws. The storyline becomes predictable at points, and the nearly 3-hour runtime feels stretched in the latter half. A sharper edit could have elevated the impact. Still, the film holds together thanks to strong casting, engaging narration, and exceptional technical quality.
Supporting Cast:
Jayaram and Jagapathi Babu leave their mark in brief roles.Getup Srinu delivers controlled comedy, avoiding his usual over-the-top antics.Kishore Tirumala is a pleasant surprise, while Venkatesh Maha feels underutilized.
Technical Merits:
Music (Gowra Hari): A revelation. His background score elevates every major sequence and adds freshness. Truly one of the film’s biggest assets.
Cinematography (Karthik Gattamneni): Outstanding. The visuals are world-class, seamlessly blending with top-quality VFX.
Editing (Sreekar Prasad): Functional but could have been tighter, particularly in the second half.
Production Values (People Media Factory): Exceptional. They prove that large-scale spectacle can be achieved on a controlled budget, setting a new industry benchmark.
Highlights :
* Refreshing core concept
* Stylish direction & visual world-building
* Spectacular VFX (especially bird sequence & climax)
* Fight choreography
* Gowra Hari’s impactful BGM
Drawbacks:
* Predictable storyline
* Slightly overlong runtime
* A few staged, stereotypical scenes
Verdict:
Mirai offers a visually rich, technically brilliant cinematic experience. Despite its predictable story and lengthy runtime, the combination of Teja Sajja’s controlled performance, Manoj’s impactful villainy, and Karthik’s dazzling visuals make it a theatrical ride worth watching.
Final Rating: 3/5
(Note: The review is given from the viewer’s perspective.)
