Mirai review: Teja Sajja leads a fantasy spectacle where mythology meets Odisha’s timeless echoes
Director Karthik Gattamneni’s Mirai positions itself firmly in the timeless battle between good and evil. Starring Teja Sajja, the fantasy adventure takes audiences through a journey of discovery, courage, and destiny. At its heart lies the underdog narrative—one that never fails to strike a chord when backed by sincere execution.
The film follows Vedaa (Teja Sajja), a wanderer unaware of his origins, who finds himself chosen to protect nine ancient scriptures said to transform mortals into deities. His quest brings him face to face with the immortal sage Agastya and the descendants of Sampati, guardians of Dharma. Alongside Vibha (Ritika Nayak), Vedaa is drawn into a battle against the menacing Black Sword (Mahabir Lama). As secrets of his past surface, Vedaa must confront his destiny to safeguard the future of humanity.
What sets Mirai apart is not just its story but its execution. Mounted on a budget of around ₹60 crore, the film manages visual feats many higher-budget productions fail to achieve. From the recreation of mythical creatures like the giant vulture to sleek action sequences inspired by martial arts and sword combat, the VFX rarely loses grip on scale or quality. It’s a reminder that vision and clarity of craft often matter more than sheer financial muscle.
Despite its fantasy setting, Mirai thrives on human connections. The narrative constantly returns to relationships—between a mentor and disciple, a mother and child, or humanity and its values. This grounding in emotions, blended with Indian philosophical themes, keeps the film from being just another CGI-heavy spectacle.
Teja Sajja shoulders the responsibility of carrying the film with commendable ease. His portrayal of a petty criminal evolving into a Dharma protector is layered with vulnerability and conviction. Without leaning on conventional song-and-dance sequences, Sajja manages to hold attention through sheer performance, marking another step forward in his growing career.
One of the most striking elements is the film’s integration of Odisha’s historical and spiritual references. Drawing from the legend of Lord Ram, the Kalinga war, and Emperor Ashoka’s transformation, Mirai weaves regional history into its broader fantasy narrative. The film also touches upon issues of discrimination and the timeless human tendency toward hate and revenge, lending it a social resonance beyond the mythical canvas.
Running close to three hours, Mirai demands patience but rewards with a climax that fuses action, faith, and spirituality in equal measure. It isn’t just an entertaining ride but also a bold statement- that Indian fantasy cinema can aim for scale and substance without mimicking Hollywood formulas.
In the end, Mirai succeeds as much for its storytelling ambition as for its technical achievements, making it a rare spectacle that feels both homegrown and universal.