Teja Sajja interview: Mirai is my way of not letting fans down after HanuMan

Mirai is all set for a massive release on September 12, 2025. Teja Sajja plays the main lead and opens up about doing yet another big-budget film after HanuMan fame, why he doesn’t sign back-to-back films, and how he blindly believes in the director's vision.

Teja Sajja interview: Mirai is proof that I believe blindly in my director’s vision

Post HanuMan, there are massive expectations on Mirai. Are you nervous?

Yes, I am, because we have worked hard on this film for the last three years and given it everything. I am confident that we have readied a solid film with great visuals, and audiences of all age groups can watch Mirai and enjoy it on the big screen.

How did you handle the overnight stardom of HanuMan?

I am thankful to the audience for accepting me in such large numbers with HanuMan. I never expected the Hindi belt to love me so much. Having said that, I am aware of the responsibility that success has given me and feel that only a few get to experience such love. That is also the reason I took so much time with Mirai—I do not want to let down those who showed faith in me.

How did Mirai happen?

Post the success of HanuMan, my director Karthik Ghattamaneni, approached me with Mirai. He briefly narrated the story and started pointing out all the difficulties we would face while shooting the film. He had so many doubts and listed them one after the other, and I later understood that he was testing whether I was willing to go the extra mile and give the time this project required. The moment he stopped, I told him that Mirai would happen, exactly the way he had dreamt it.

The film looks rich with terrific visuals. How difficult was it to achieve this on such a budget?

Right from day one, we knew what we were getting into. We also knew the market constraints and the kind of business the film could do. So, we went all out and planned everything so that every penny was used for visual storytelling. We compromised on our pay, facilities, and team size, but gave it all for the film. Beyond this, it is Karthik's vision that brought such great visuals.

Since Mirai is such a massive project, did you ever fear execution issues?

If the story of Mirai had been narrated by any other Telugu director, I would have thought twice before signing it, or at least asked how they planned to execute such a plot. But knowing Karthik Ghattamaneni’s sensibilities and track record, I never questioned it. Also, when the cameraman himself is the director, things become even clearer. Karthik was so precise in what he wanted that I never questioned him once during the making.

You are doing one film at a time. Why didn’t you capitalise on HanuMan’s success?

I had a lot of offers post HanuMan, but I wasn’t keen. I am just a few films old and have already received so much love early in my career. There is an expectation on me to deliver, and I want to make sure I come up with films that are different and crowd-pleasing. Signing back-to-back films just to make money is not my forte. I am here to do quality work, even if it takes time.

What is Mirai all about?

Mirai is about Ashoka's secret nine books. The story revolves around a super force trying to gain power from these books and how a young character, played by me, tries to stop it. Why I am the chosen one and what my connection to the story is forms the core of the film. At its heart, it is also about a son's journey to fulfill his mother’s dream.

Working with the likes of Manchu Manoj?

If anyone could play the character of Black Sword, it is Manoj garu. He is a perfect choice and makes a strong comeback with this film. Karthik has showcased him in a completely new avatar. His role is one of the highlights and elevates the film to another level.

Future projects?

I have a few projects in the pipeline and will lock them soon. As of now, my focus is completely on Mirai and I am eagerly waiting to see how the film fares. We have made an honest film, and Mirai is my way of not letting fans down after HanuMan.

Also Read: Manchu Manoj Interview: Mirai is proof that times have changed for heroes and villains 

FAQs

Q. When is Teja Sajja's Mirai releasing?

A. Teja Sajja's Mirai is releasing in theatres on September 12, 2025.

Q. What is Teja Sajja's next film?

A. Teja Sajja plays the lead in his next film, Mirai. Manchu Manoj plays the main villain.

Q. What is Mirai about?

A. Mirai is about a common man who gets to become the chosen one and must save the world from evil hands.

Q. Where to stream Mirai on OTT?

A. Mirai can be streamed on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium after its theatrical run.