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After a brief hiatus, Manchu Manoj made his return to acting with Bhairavam. While the film failed to create an impact at the box office, Manoj’s layered performance drew critical appreciation. Now, the actor is pinning hopes on his upcoming release Mirai, where he steps into a full-fledged negative role. The film’s promotions are in full swing, with Manoj actively participating to ensure it reaches a wider audience.

For Manoj, Mirai carries significant weight. Despite being recognized as a strong performer, his career trajectory in Telugu cinema has been uneven. Though he has delivered a few blockbusters in the past, those successes did not translate into consistent opportunities or elevate his standing among top-tier contemporaries.

By embracing antagonistic roles, Manoj appears to be recalibrating his career strategy. Mirai gives him the platform to showcase his intensity and versatility, qualities that often shine through in well-written negative characters. If both his performance and the film’s box office run resonate with audiences, Manoj could carve out a strong niche as a commanding villain — a space in Tollywood that is increasingly drawing Bollywood actors.

In many ways, Mirai represents more than just another film for Manoj; it is an opportunity to redefine his image, expand his market, and re-establish himself as a dynamic force in Telugu cinema.