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He explained how the role in Mirai impressed him and compared it with that of Thanos and Ravana.
Mirai released on September 12. (Photo Source: Instagram)
Manchu Manoj has been garnering much appreciation for his performance in Mirai. After playing the hero for two decades, he took on the role of an antagonist, Mahabir Lama, aka Black Sword, in the action fantasy movie, which has been nearing the Rs 100 crore milestone at the worldwide box office within five days of its release. Now, he talked about taking up the role.
In a recent interview, Manchu Manoj discussed taking on the role of Mahabir Lama, also known as The Black Sword, in the action fantasy film Mirai. He also talked about his performance in the movie, which has been receiving immense appreciation from his fans. “I’ve seen people in theatres screaming when my character comes on-screen. I came back apprehensive years later, and I believe that receiving such applause and love is devudu ichina daya (God’s grace). I must also thank my wife (Bhuma Mounika) and family for their support,” he told Hindustan Times.
Manchu Manoj Compares His Character In Mirai To Thanos, Ravana
Afterwards, Manoj divulged the real reason behind saying yes to the role opposite protagonist Vedha, played by Teja Sajja. He added that he finally played a character outside his comfort zone. “I am feeling out of this world…like all my doubts have been answered,” he shared, adding, “I was numb before the film’s release, but compared to any of my other films, I feel very confident now after the response to Mirai.”
In the same conversation, he then explained how the role in Mirai impressed him and compared it with that of Thanos and Ravana. “He’s a lot like Thanos, someone who’s so powerful, he can only be beaten when all the Avengers come together. After Mahabir got control of the nine grandas (texts) left behind by Emperor Ashoka, even the weapon Mirai couldn’t beat him. Shri Ram had to come down to beat him with the bow Kodanda, like he did with Ravana,” stated the actor.
Manchu Manoj On Understanding His On-Screen Character’s Real Motive
The 42-year-old actor also empathises with the violent path chosen by his on-screen character and revealed himself to be a firm believer in the role’s ultimate motive. “I don’t see Mahabir as your token villain. What he believed, I believed too when I was playing him. I also realised that there are some things I can agree with him on. He is fighting for equality at the end of the day, he’s angry at God because he blames Him for all the injustice in the world.”
In Mirai, Manoj plays the character who resorts to violence after facing prejudice and believes that only power can set things right. “The violent path he chooses and the anger at God are the only things I don’t agree with. The stunts were fun and easy. What was tough was that, unlike my character, I am religious. I did not want to be disrespectful to God despite my character feeling that anger, and the director (Karthik Gattamneni) ensured we never crossed that line,” he shared.
In the concluding part, he revealed being “open to everything” when it comes to spreading his aura on-screen.
Mirai Hit The Theatres On September 12
Besides Manoj, the film also stars Teja Sajja, Ritika Nayak, Shriya Saran, Jagapathi Babu and Jayaram in key roles. The fantasy action adventure film was released on September 12.
Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-…Read More
Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-… Read More
September 17, 2025, 14:18 IST
