Teja Sajja’s superhero spectacle Mirai has lit up cinemas with an overwhelming response from audiences. The fantasy adventure has been praised for its international-scale stunts and VFX while staying rooted in Telugu storytelling. In a candid telephonic conversation with LIPIKA VARMA, Teja shared his journey, the challenges he faced, and his excitement about the film’s reception.
Produced by T. G. Vishwa Prasad, directed by Karthik Gattamneni, and presented in North India by Dharma Productions, Mirai also premiered in the US alongside its global release. The film stars Manchu Manoj, Ritika Nayak, Shriya Saran, and Jagapathi Babu, further adding to its star power.
On making a Telugu film with Telugu sensibilities and getting an open armed reception with Hindi film-goers
I have never imagined, even in my wildest dreams, that I would be standing in a Hindi cinema. But I am happy from the bottom of my heart that they have welcomed me with their open arms. I feel very responsible for delivering something that gives them an experience in the auditorium yet again, and this is reflected in the choice of films I’ve selected as well. I take other languages very seriously, which encourages me. We are promoting it as a mainstream Hindi film because we see a lot of love and potential in it. However, predominantly, I am not trying to get into the Hindi film industry. I’m making a Telugu film with Telugu sensibilities, and the subject matter is relevant in other languages as well. If audiences are interested in coming to watch it in theatres, as a respect, we put in full effort to make everything needed to make the film look authentic in that language.
On discipline and commitment to films
Yes, this film was tough to make, and it needed utmost attention. It is my discipline and my work ethic that force me to be committed to every film. I don’t put timelines on the makers to complete the film. I’m doing it as a job; it’s not for money. It’s my passion. That is why I have given my 110% for this film. I feel it’s my responsibility that there are lakhs of people trying to get this opportunity. When I get this kind of opportunity, I make sure to go to any extent in my capacity, whether before or after release.
On leaving no stone unturned for promotional activities
It’s been a Herculean task to try to cater to all of India in just 10 days. I’ve been on the road for almost 20 days now, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, soon Dubai, Cochin, Varanasi, Delhi, and then the US for the premiere. Even when I was hospitalised with the flu, nothing stopped me from giving my best in promoting my film.
On comparisons between Mirai and HanuMan
I don’t compare myself to any film and don’t attribute any success to myself. It’s a team effort, and 100 different things contribute to any success getting into my head. I know, I will always have to put the same effort as a newcomer in every film. With Mirai, the budget was limited, but our dreams weren’t. We pushed boundaries whether it was doing real stunts on trains or maximising VFX. We wanted it to look international, even on a restrained budget. When the VFX cost was exorbitant, we did all Octane actions. We wanted the film to look extraordinary. I was hanging and running on the real train, which usually duplicates do or they do it on a green screen. We went all out to make the most of our limited budget.
On Karan Johar backing Mirai in the North
Definitely, I’m an outsider not only in Bollywood but also in Tollywood. However, I am incredibly thankful to Karan sir, who allowed me to reach a wider audience. He was pleasantly surprised by our achievements with that limited budget. He felt that his name should be included so that it reaches a broader audience. I don’t know him personally, nor do I have connections. I hope this film works for Karan sir also, so that my association with him goes a long way from here. With Karan sir’s backing, I will deliver my best.
On being Karan Johar’s ‘Blue-Eyed boy’
I’m ready…you should ask him! Of course, who wouldn’t want to be Karan Sir’s blue-eyed boy? I would like him to make a straight film in Telugu. Though everybody has watched his movies in Hindi, it will be something new and fresh for Telugu audiences to watch.
Can put in Box-, -“Who wouldn’t want to be Karan sir’s blue-eyed boy”?
