Karthik Gattamneni’s ‘Mirai’, with Teja Sajja and Manchu Manoj, is an entertaining fantasy that plays like Amar Chitra Katha on steroids

In terms of story, the film is a traditional hero-versus-villain narrative. But the screenplay detours, the suspense about what Mirai is, along with the genuine, child-like sense of joy and invention, makes the film a satisfying watch, especially on the big screen. Manchu Manoj and Teja Sajja give solid performances, and they are surrounded by top-notch technical values. A longer review follows, and it may contain spoilers.

After the Kalinga war, King Ashoka repents the bloodshed he has unleashed. He splits his powers into nine parts, contained in nine books that will be protected by nine warriors. One of these powers is immortality, which is why these holy books have been coveted down the years by Alexander, Hitler, and so on. So we get an Indiana Jones flavour to a desi story about good versus evil. The latter is represented by Mahabir Lama, played with authority and menace by Manchu Manoj. As a film culture, we suffer from a lack of actors who look convincing as villains. Manchu Manoj not only has the build and the looks, he is also enough of an actor to convey badness with minimal words. I loved that he can forge himself a sword that can become invisible at will. This is the kind of wide-eyed stuff we go to the movies for. 

You can read the rest of the review here:

https://www.galattaplus.com/karthik-gattamnenis-mirai-with-teja-sajja-and-manchu-manoj-is-an-entertaining-fantasy-that-plays-like-amar-chitra-katha-on-steroids/

You can watch the trailer / video review here:

Copyright ©2025 GALATTA.