Review by Subhash K Jha: To begin with, Karthik Gattamneni’s Mirai is a whole lot of fun. Unlike Kalki and other save-the-world self-aware mythological epics, Mirai doesn’t take itself too seriously. Not that the theme of saving the Hindu scriptures from the wrong hands is treated lightly. But no one is tripping over in anxiety, least of all the endearing Teja Sajja, who, as the young carefree wastrel who doesn’t know his own potential, demonstrates remarkable growth as an actor since his last (very successful) outing HanuMan.
Teja Sajja is a closeted Yodha with a flair for the funnies. He brings an edifying brightness to the part of a man who grows into his full potential as a superhero alongside the captivatingly choreographed action pieces, each a gem that sparkles enticingly in its entirety.
To each fight, Teja Sajja brings a joie de vivre that I haven’t seen in any superhero lately. The conflict between Good and Evil would have been much more effective had the supervillain seemed more menacing. Manchu Lamba, as the man who wants the holy scriptures as his personal gaming home, and plunge the universe into chaos, gives of unfortunate sidekick vibes.
The supporting cast is not intended as a mere spillover. Sriya Saran is an impressively persuasive mother figure willing to make any personal sacrifice to make this world a better place. Stuntwoman Tanja Keller is terrific s\a female ninja aligned with evil. Every time she is on screen the action amplifies into something far beyond the routine.
More than anything else, Mirai impresses for the way the frames are filled and fuelled by a pulsating energy. Since director Karthik Gattamneni has done the cinematography, there is a gratifying synchronicity between the director’s vision and his execution. The locations are eye-catching, though you won’t find the characters dwarfed by the imposing landscape.
A lot of the sequences are so harmonious with the mood of mythological exploration, it feels like a work of instant art which is trying hard not to be anything more than an engaging metaphor on how to protect our religion from plunderers.
In its theme of bringing various fragments of the holy scriptures together, away from the heretics, Mirai is rooted to our mythology and yet smart enough to give off contemporary vibes. What got me somewhat distracted were the constant efforts to introduce a comic element in the happenings. This was a bit like adding pickles to a well-cooked biryani dish.
