Teja Sajja has quietly become one of the most talked-about names in Indian cinema. In just two years, he has gone from promising newcomer to the face of a new wave of Telugu-language blockbusters. With HanuMan (2024) and Mirai (2025), Sajja is not just playing superheroes, he is helping shape a genre that blends mythology, action, and pan-India ambition. Both films arrived with big expectations, and both delivered in different ways. But now that Mirai has hit theaters, fans and critics alike are asking: which film truly left a bigger mark?
The Rise of Teja Sajja: From Anjanadri to Ashoka’s Scriptures
HanuMan (2024): The Myth Meets the Modern
Directed by Prasanth Varma, HanuMan was the first installment in the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe. Set in the fictional village of Anjanadri, the film follows Hanumanthu, a petty thief who gains divine powers from a mystical gem linked to Lord Hanuman. With themes of justice, rebellion, and spiritual awakening, HanuMan struck a chord with audiences across India.
The film was praised for its visual effects, grounded storytelling, and Teja Sajja’s earnest performance. Released during Sankranti 2024, it had the perfect festive window to maximize footfall.
Mirai (2025): A Super Yodha’s Quest
Released in September 2025, Mirai was directed by Karthik Gattamneni. Teja Sajja played Vedha Prajapati, a warrior chosen to protect nine sacred scriptures of Emperor Ashoka. The antagonist, Mahabir Lama (played by Manchu Manoj), leads the Black Sword faction, seeking to harness these scriptures for world domination.
Mirai blends mythology with futuristic themes, offering a visual spectacle that spans eight languages and multiple cultures. It is a bigger canvas, a bolder story, and a more ambitious production. But did it outperform HanuMan?
Box Office Battle: Numbers That Speak Volumes
HanuMan Box Office Performance
- Release Date: January 12, 2024
- Budget: ₹40 crore
- Worldwide Gross: ₹301 to ₹350 crore
- India Gross (First 5 Days): ₹67 crore
- Final Verdict: Blockbuster
HanuMan was a surprise hit. With minimal pre-release hype outside Telugu states, it exploded at the box office thanks to strong word-of-mouth, family-friendly themes, and a relatable hero. It became the fourth highest-grossing Telugu film of 2024 and won two National Film Awards.
Mirai Box Office Performance
- Release Date: September 12, 2025
- Budget: ₹60 to ₹80 crore
- India Gross (First Week): ₹65.1 crore
- India Gross (Day 9): ₹69.63 crore
- Worldwide Gross (First 3 Days): ₹81.2 crore
- Final Verdict (Ongoing): Hit, but slower than HanuMan
While Mirai opened strong, especially in Telugu regions, it struggled to match HanuMan’s pace in the Hindi belt. Despite a wider release and backing from Dharma Productions in North India, Mirai could not replicate the grassroots buzz of its predecessor.
OTT Release: Streaming Strategies and Viewer Reach
HanuMan OTT Journey
- Platform: ZEE5
- Release Window: Approximately 6 weeks post theatrical release
- Reception: Strong viewership across regional and national audiences
HanuMan found a second life on OTT. Its mythological themes and family-friendly tone made it a perfect fit for home viewing. The film’s success on ZEE5 helped solidify Teja Sajja’s pan-India appeal.
Mirai OTT Strategy
- Platform: ZEE5 (confirmed), possibly JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium
- Expected Release Date: October 24 or October 31, 2025
- Digital Rights Value: ₹40 crore (reported)
With high-end VFX and a multi-language release, Mirai is expected to perform well on streaming platforms. The producers have strategically timed the OTT release to coincide with Dussehra holidays, hoping to attract family audiences who missed the theatrical run.
Production Scale and Creative Vision
HanuMan Production Highlights
- Shot over nearly two years
- Budget-conscious yet visually rich
- Focused on character-driven storytelling
- Introduced the PVCU
Mirai Production Highlights
- Budget of ₹60 to ₹80 crore
- Extensive VFX and multi-language release
- Advanced cinematography and sound design
- Backed by Dharma Productions for Hindi distribution
Karan Johar himself praised Mirai’s scale, saying it was impossible to achieve such quality at that budget. Teja Sajja, visibly emotional during promotions, acknowledged the pressure and pride of presenting such a film to a national audience.
Audience Reception and Cultural Impact
HanuMan: A Grassroots Phenomenon
HanuMan resonated deeply with audiences, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. Its portrayal of Hanuman’s powers through a relatable protagonist made it a hit among children and elders alike. The film’s success led to the announcement of a sequel titled Jai Hanuman, currently in development.
Mirai: A Pan-India Spectacle
Mirai aimed for a broader canvas, blending mythology with sci-fi. While it did not match HanuMan’s emotional depth, it impressed with scale and ambition. The film’s multilingual release and global themes positioned it as a true pan-India offering.
Critical Reception: Reviews and Ratings
HanuMan
Critics praised its originality, humor, and emotional core. Visual effects were lauded despite the modest budget. Teja Sajja’s performance was described as earnest and endearing.
Mirai
Reviews highlighted the film’s stunning visuals and action sequences. Some critics felt the narrative was generic but engaging. Teja Sajja’s transformation into a warrior was well-received.
Verdict: Who Wins the Battle?
While Mirai is still running in theaters and its final numbers are yet to be tallied, it is clear that HanuMan holds the edge in terms of box office impact, cultural resonance, and grassroots popularity.
But Mirai is not a loss. It is a bold step forward. It proves that Teja Sajja is not a one-hit wonder. He is a
But Mirai is not a loss. It is a bold step forward. It proves that Teja Sajja is not a one-hit wonder. He is a versatile actor capable of carrying massive projects and experimenting with genre and scale.
In many ways, HanuMan and Mirai are two sides of the same coin, one rooted in tradition, the other reaching for the future. Together, they have helped redefine Telugu cinema’s place in the national and global conversation.
What’s Next for Teja Sajja?
With two back-to-back hits, Teja Sajja is now one of the most bankable young stars in India. Rumors suggest he may return for Jai Hanuman and possibly collaborate again with Karthik Gattamneni for another mytho-futuristic saga.
Whether he is wielding a divine gem or protecting ancient scriptures, one thing is clear, Teja Sajja is here to stay, and the superhero genre in India has found its new champion.
