What kind of professional satisfaction has Mirai given you?
I entered the industry in 2017, with films releasing from 2018. We’ve had consistent successes, but 2024 was disappointing. With Mirai, I’m fully confident we are making a strong comeback. This film was never about market calculations; we wanted to give audiences an extraordinary cinematic experience.
Why did you choose to make a fantasy film?
I’ve always loved Chandamama and Amar Chitra Katha stories as a child. They often connect with Ramayana and Mahabharata. Mirai blends history and fiction beautifully. The plot revolves around Emperor Ashoka’s hidden wisdom stored in nine books, protected by warriors. This premise, mixed with fantasy, makes the film unique.
How demanding was the production process?
Extremely. Teja trained in Thailand for action sequences, Manoj plays a powerful role, and we built massive sets including one of India’s largest shooting floors with animatronics for a giant bird character. The visuals and action are next level.
How important is believability in fantasy films?
Very important. Every element and character in Mirai has a purpose. The narrative naturally establishes them, and the connections between sequences are designed to feel organic.
Karan Johar is releasing the film in the North. How did that happen?
Karan Johar watched the content and loved it. His decision to distribute it in the North is a big encouragement. Similarly, we have top distributors in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telugu states. The response has been highly positive even before release.
Why didn’t you increase ticket prices despite the scale?
We could have, considering the scale and quality, but we want families and children to experience this film together. Our focus is on reach, not pricing.
How involved were you personally in the making?
This is the project I was most deeply involved in. For over one and a half years, I’ve traveled with Mirai extensively. We never compromised on quality, even if it meant stretching the budget.
What’s next for People Media Factory?
After Mirai, we have Telusu Kada, Mowgli, a thriller with Lavanya Tripathi, a film with Sunil, Gudachari 2, Garividi Lakshmi, and projects in Kannada. Around 12 films will be released between 2026 and 2027.
All the best,
Thank you
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