Guntur Kaaram (translated as “Spice of Guntur”) is a 2024 Telugu-language action-drama film written and directed by the acclaimed Trivikram Srinivas. With superstar Mahesh Babu in the lead role, the movie delivers a mix of action, family emotions, and high-energy sequences. Produced by S. Radha Krishna under the banner of Haarika & Hassine Creations, the film was released worldwide on January 12, 2024, coinciding with the festive occasion of Sankranti.
The film’s ensemble cast includes Sreeleela, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Ramya Krishna, Prakash Raj, Jayaram, Jagapathi Babu, Sunil, and Rao Ramesh, among others. Guntur Kaaram, after its release, became a box office disaster, received mixed reviews from both writers and viewers. But this film had some wonderful acting performances by Mahesh Babu and Thaman S.
Plot Summary
The protagonist of Guntur Kaaram is Bhogineni Veera Venkata Ramana, a fiery but endearing young man with a strong sense of justice, often referred to as “Rowdy Ramana,” played by Mahesh Babu. His parents and other family members have complicated connections, and his family is broken. Due to personal and political issues, Ramana is not close to his mother, Law Minister Vyra Vasundhara (Ramya Krishna). The familial dynamics are further strained by Prakash Raj’s portrayal of Vasundhara’s father, Vyra Venkata Swamy, a cunning politician.
The narrative follows Ramana as he fights against strong opponents including his brother Dokka Lenin Babu (Sunil) and Dokka Marx Babu (Jagapathi Babu) in his quest to make amends with his mother. The story is filled by both heartwarming and action-packed moments as Ramana fights versus social corruption and personal betrayals while defending his family’s name.
While Trivikram Srinivas is known for his witty dialogues and emotionally engaging stories, critics have noted that Guntur Kaaram falls short in terms of fresh storytelling. However, Mahesh Babu’s charismatic screen presence brings life to the film, especially in high-octane action scenes and lighter moments.
Cast and Performances
- Mahesh Babu as Bhogineni Veera Venkata Ramana: The superstar shines in his role as the fiery and rebellious protagonist. His energy, charm, and dialogue delivery elevate many scenes.
- Ramya Krishna as Vyra Vasundhara: Ramya Krishna delivers a powerful performance as a strong-willed law minister, showcasing emotional depth and authority.
- Prakash Raj as Vyra Venkata Swamy: The movie features him as a manipulative patriarch, bringing his intensity to the role.
- Jagapathi Babu and Sunil: These two actors play antagonists, creating conflict and drama in the storyline.
- Sreeleela and Meenakshi Chaudhary: Their screen time is less, but they do their part in giving lighter moments and romantic subplots in the film.
Rao Ramesh, Jayaram, and Murali Sharma give impressive performances as part of the supporting cast, which help in developing the family and political drama of the movie.
Direction and Screenplay
Trivikram Srinivas, who has delivered hits like Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo and Attarintiki Daredi, is behind the camera this time with Guntur Kaaram. Notwithstanding this film includes his particular sharp words and dynamite pictures, its pacing and totally conventional plot make it a total disappointment. A large number of the a line were considered monotonous or immature by pundits, who especially commented out that the screenplay needs innovativeness.
Despite its flaws, Trivikram manages to infuse moments of humor, emotional depth, and visual grandeur that appeal to Mahesh Babu’s fan base.
Music and Cinematography
It is for the fourth time that Mahesh Babu has been partnered with Thaman S, for composing the movie soundtrack. The best feature is the background music and its soundtrack, which will enliven the film’s most crucial scenes and emotionally charged moments. Tracks such as “Dum Masala” and “Guntur Spice” have gained praise because of the good dancing and vibrant color rendition.
Cinematography by Manoj Paramahamsa captures the film’s grandeur, with stunning visuals and well-choreographed action scenes. The rich visuals, shot primarily in Hyderabad, enhance the film’s overall production value.
Editing by Naveen Nooli ensures that the runtime of 159 minutes flows smoothly, although some critics noted that certain sequences could have been trimmed for a tighter narrative.
Songs and Soundtrack
The soundtrack of Guntur Kaaram features a mix of high-energy dance numbers and emotional melodies. Some of the standout tracks include:
- *”Dum Masala”
- *”Kurchi Madathapetti”
- *”Guntur Spice”
Thaman’s music complements the action sequences and romantic moments, earning praise from fans and critics alike.
Box Office Performance
Guntur Kaaram opened with strong expectations, collecting ₹142 crore (US$17 million) in India and ₹47 crore worldwide on its opening day. Despite a grand start, the film faced a decline in collections due to mixed reviews and strong competition from other Sankranti releases. By the end of its theatrical run, the film grossed approximately ₹172 crore, falling short of its ₹200 crore budget. As a result, Guntur Kaaram is considered a box office failure.
Release and Marketing
The film’s release date was initially planned for April 28, 2023, but it was later postponed multiple times. It eventually hit theatres on January 12, 2024, perfectly timed for Sankranti festivities. The marketing campaign included:
- A first glimpse video released on May 31, 2023, marking the 80th birth anniversary of Mahesh Babu’s father, Krishna.
- The official trailer, which debuted on January 7, 2024, generating significant buzz among fans.
The film also premiered on Netflix on February 9, 2024, in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi.
Conclusion
Guntur Kaaram is a mixed bag that shines through its performances, music, and visuals but falters with its predictable storyline and uneven execution. Mahesh Babu’s powerful portrayal and Thaman’s stellar music remain the film’s highlights, ensuring entertainment for fans despite its shortcomings. While it may not rank among Trivikram’s best works, Guntur Kaaram offers moments of mass appeal and emotional drama for Telugu cinema audiences.
