Guntur Karam

 

 

Guntur Kaaram is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language action-drama film directed by Trivikram Srinivas and produced by S. Radha Krishna under Haarika & Hassine Creations. The film stars Mahesh Babu in the lead role, with Sreeleela, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Prakash Raj, Ramya Krishna, Jayaram, and Jagapathi Babu in supporting roles. Released on January 12, 2024, during the Sankranti festival, the movie was highly anticipated due to its star-studded cast and the reputation of its director.

The story revolves around Veera Venkata Ramana "Ramana" (played by Mahesh Babu), who is abandoned by his mother, Vyra Vasundhara (Ramya Krishna), during his childhood. Vasundhara remarries and becomes a prominent political figure, leaving Ramana to grow up with unresolved questions about her decision. Years later, when Vasundhara campaigns for a significant political position, her father, Vyra Venkata Swamy (Prakash Raj), urges Ramana to sign a legal document that severs any public acknowledgment of their relationship. Ramana's refusal to comply and his quest for answers about his past form the crux of the narrative, leading to a blend of emotional drama and high-stakes action.

Critics offered mixed reviews for the film. Mahesh Babu's performance and the cinematography received praise, but the screenplay and emotional depth were criticized. The Times of India noted that while Mahesh Babu captivates with his on-screen charisma, the film struggles to deliver a cohesive and emotionally engaging narrative. Hindustan Times echoed this sentiment, describing the film as lacking novelty and featuring scenes that overstay their welcome. Despite its promising setup, the film was unable to make a lasting impact.

At the box office, "Guntur Kaaram" opened strongly, earning approximately ₹142 crore in India and ₹47 crore worldwide on its first day. However, it ultimately fell short of expectations, concluding its theatrical run with a worldwide gross of around ₹172 crore against a production budget of ₹200 crore, categorizing it as a box office bomb. The financial underperformance highlighted the challenges faced by the film despite its grand scale and star power.

The film's music, composed by Thaman S, also received a mixed reception. While some tracks resonated with the audience, others were criticized for their lack of consistency. The soundtrack added to the mixed critical perception of the movie, reflecting the overall uneven execution of the project.

In summary, Guntur Kaaram combines elements of family drama and action, with Mahesh Babu delivering a standout performance. Despite its ambitious premise and high production values, the film fell short of audience and critical expectations, leaving it as a mixed bag in terms of cinematic and commercial success.