Manoj Villain Role in Mirai: For Karthik Ghattamaneni, the new mythological-fantasy spectacle Mirai represents Telugu cinema entering a bold new territory. In a film pairing up Tollywood’s youngest star Teja Sajja with the powerful comeback villain role of Manchu Manoj, the latter brings definitive raw intensity and commanding screen presence, having fans wonder: could his villain overshadow the hero?
Unconventionally charming, Manchu Manoj is usually mischievous in his roles, from Bindaas to Current Theega. However, in Mirai he dons a cloak of darker shades in playing a villain with depth and menace rather than being one-dimensional. His rugged looks, fierce body language, and mouthwatering dialogues leaked in the teaser are already creating waves on social media.
Having just survived with HanuMan, Teja has brought his bit into the common man’s metamorphosis into a hero. He, however, continues with this semi-divine inspiration from Lord Rama in Mirai. An all-boy-next-door frankness matched with superhero-like intensity gives the appeal to the common man, to relate as well as aspire to. But the real test is whether his heroism can shine against the gravity of Manoj’s villain.
The reason great cinema stands upon is strong antagonist value. Having a worthy villain would make the victory so much sweeter for the hero. In this sense, one could claim that the actually menacing presence of Manchu Manoj might not overshadow Teja, but elevate him. Mirai manages to create a storyline that looks like an equal-contested duel, where both characters carry equal weight in the plot.
Also Read: Mirai Trailer Review: Tejjas Upcoming Movie Raises Expectations
Instead of overshadowing one another, Mirai’s memory will lie precisely in the balance of Teja’s heroic arc and Manoj’s villainous transformation. If done right, this might set up a new benchmark for the mythological-fantasy genre in Tollywood; the clash of titans.