There is much to be said about an actor who accepts a slump in his career, waits patiently for the tide to turn, and then returns boldly to the screen after eight years, despite industry whispers warning against casting him. Manoj Manchu plays the main antagonist, Mahabir Lama, also known as the Black Sword, a villainous sorcerer in the popular film Mirai. Speaking about its success, Manchu said, “It’s a good movie. I am grateful that the director, Karthik Gattamneni, trusted me. We worked on it for three years.”

For the actor, the only apprehension when he signed the film three years ago was its spiritual dimension, especially when he had to “confront Rama” in the final fight. “I was super excited. Only scary thing was once Mahabir Lama gets the ninth book, then the fight will be with Rama. It will be Rama versus Lama. I’m a very devotional person and an ardent devotee of Shiva. Playing against God as Mahabir Lama [felt like I was] going against God. That was challenging. But I was grateful to get such a larger-than-life character,” he explained.