The much-awaited fantasy action film Mirai, starring South Indian star Teja Sajja, has finally hit theaters. Released on Friday, the film has taken a powerful opening at the Indian box office. Within its first day, Mirai managed to collect in double digits, surprising both trade experts and fans. The film’s unique blend of spirituality and superhero themes has struck a chord with audiences, reminding many of the success of Teja Sajja’s earlier blockbuster Hanuman.
Mirai’s Day 1 Collection Crosses Double Digits
Directed by Anil Anand and Karthik Ghattamneni, Mirai opened with an impressive box office collection of Rs 12 crore on day one. The film’s earnings were reported by Sacnilk, a reliable trade tracking platform. Such a strong opening signals a bright weekend ahead, with several theaters across Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad reporting heavy footfalls.
The positive start of Mirai is noteworthy, considering the film did not build excessive pre-release hype. Despite that, its content and Teja Sajja’s rising stardom ensured strong audience turnout. The box office momentum is expected to grow further during the weekend.
Plot of Mirai: A Blend of Superhero Action and Spirituality
Like Hanuman, Mirai also weaves a spiritual touch into a superhero story. The film narrates the tale of a warrior entrusted with protecting nine sacred texts. These texts possess mystical powers, and anyone who controls them can achieve immortality.
This blend of mythological depth with modern superhero action offers audiences both entertainment and a sense of cultural connection. The theme of immortality, sacrifice, and righteousness resonates strongly with viewers, especially fans of epic fantasy cinema.
Star Cast Brings Power to the Screen
Teja Sajja leads Mirai with the same charm and intensity that made him a nationwide sensation in Hanuman. Alongside him, the film features strong performances by Manchu Manoj, Jagapathi Babu, Shriya Saran, and Jayaram. Each actor has been given an important role in the storyline, ensuring that the film feels layered and dramatic.
Shriya Saran brings emotional depth, while Jagapathi Babu’s presence adds weight to the film’s antagonist-driven conflict. The ensemble cast has been praised by critics for making Mirai more than just a one-man show.
Promotions and Audience Engagement
Ahead of its release, the makers of Mirai kept promotions relatively restrained. Still, the cast actively engaged with fans through popular platforms. The highlight was their appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show, which streams on Netflix. This episode, released on September 13, has further boosted the film’s visibility among wider audiences, particularly in North India.
The promotional campaign relied heavily on word-of-mouth and the natural curiosity of audiences after the massive success of Hanuman. Trade analysts believe this strategy worked in the film’s favor, giving it a surprise edge at the box office.
Strong Response to the Hindi Version
One of the standout aspects of Mirai’s release is the strong performance of its Hindi version. Despite limited pre-release buzz in Hindi-speaking regions, the film opened with occupancy above 10 percent on day one. This figure is considered healthy, and experts predict further growth as word-of-mouth spreads.
Positive reviews from early audiences are helping the Hindi version attract urban crowds. Many cinema halls in Mumbai, Delhi, and Lucknow reported increasing ticket sales by late evening. The reception suggests that Mirai could replicate the pan-India success formula of Hanuman.
Audience and Critical Response
Reviews so far have been favorable, with critics highlighting the visual effects, background score, and action choreography. Viewers have praised the unique combination of mythological storytelling with superhero elements, calling it refreshing and engaging.
Social media platforms are flooded with appreciation for Teja Sajja’s performance, with fans declaring him the new face of South Indian superhero cinema. Some posts also compared the scale of Mirai with Hollywood superhero films, underlining the technical brilliance of its makers.
Weekend Outlook: Can Mirai Break Hanuman’s Record?
Trade experts are closely watching Mirai’s weekend performance. With Rs 12 crore already collected on Friday, the film is expected to see significant jumps on Saturday and Sunday. If the growth trend continues, the weekend total could surpass Rs 40 crore, which would be a major boost for the film.
The big question remains whether Mirai can outshine Teja Sajja’s previous blockbuster Hanuman. That film had set new benchmarks for South Indian cinema globally. Given the current trend, Mirai has the potential to chase those numbers, though only time will tell if it can break them.
Impact of Gen-Z and Youth Audience
Interestingly, Mirai has found strong resonance among younger audiences, particularly Gen-Z viewers. The film’s superhero theme, combined with spiritual undertones, appeals to both modern sensibilities and traditional roots.
Youth audiences in metropolitan cities are driving box office numbers, while families in smaller towns are also turning up due to the mythological touch. This wide demographic appeal is one of the film’s strongest advantages.
Pan-India Appeal and Regional Strength
The film’s success in South Indian cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai has been remarkable. Morning shows reported houseful signs, with audiences praising the visual grandeur. Meanwhile, the Hindi version’s growth indicates that Mirai is on its way to achieving true pan-India status.
The makers have also planned extensive releases in smaller centers, ensuring that the film reaches beyond metro cities. With the festive season approaching, Mirai could enjoy a long theatrical run.
Technical Excellence Adds to the Experience
The direction of Anil Anand and Karthik Ghattamneni has been praised for balancing grandeur with storytelling. The cinematography captures the mythical landscapes with finesse, while the action choreography keeps audiences hooked.
The visual effects team deserves credit for delivering sequences that rival big-budget international films. Combined with a powerful background score, the film provides a complete cinematic experience.
Mirai and the Future of Telugu Superhero Films
The success of Hanuman had already paved the way for superhero cinema in Telugu industry. Mirai now strengthens that foundation by proving that audiences are eager for culturally rooted superhero films.
Film experts believe this trend will encourage more filmmakers to experiment with similar genres. For Teja Sajja, the back-to-back successes could make him the undisputed face of Telugu superhero movies.
Mirai has made a solid impact at the box office with its Rs 12 crore opening. Its blend of action, mythology, and spirituality has found appreciation across regions. The Hindi version’s growth, combined with strong South Indian numbers, positions the film for a remarkable weekend.
Whether it breaks Hanuman’s record or not, Mirai has already proved its worth. For Teja Sajja, the film marks another milestone in his rising career. For the industry, it is another reminder that audiences are ready for innovative, large-scale storytelling rooted in Indian culture.
