Film: Guntur Kaaram
Director: Trivikram

Cast: Mahesh Babu, Sree Leela, Meenakshi Chaudhary

Producers: S Radha Krishna (Chinababu)
Music Director: Thaman S
Cinematographer: Manoj Paramahamsa
Editor: Navin Nooli

Banner: Haarika & Hassine Creations
Release Date: January 12, 2024

iQlik Movies Rating: 2.5/5

After a 14-year hiatus, the eagerly anticipated collaboration of superstar Mahesh Babu and director Trivikram Srinivas finally graced the screen in the form of "Guntur Karam." Released on January 12, the Sankranti festival saw the film, featuring Sreeleela and Meenakshi Chaudhary as the heroines, become the talk of the town. Boasting a stellar cast including Prakash Raj, Murali Sharma, Rao Ramesh, and Rahul Ravindran, the film is the most expensive among the festival releases. Let's delve into the review to see how this Mahesh-Trivikram venture unfolds.

Story:
The narrative revolves around Venkataswamy (Prakash Raj), a politician, and his complex family dynamics. His daughter Vasundhara (Ramyakrishna), a minister, has two sons from different husbands, Ramana (Mahesh Babu) and Rajagopal (Rahul Ravindran). As political intrigue and family conflicts unfold, the story explores the power play within the family and the political arena. Ramana, the central character, becomes entangled in a web of emotions, relationships, and political maneuvers that shape the narrative.

Performances:
Mahesh Babu delivers a powerhouse performance, showcasing versatility in dances, dialogue delivery, and expressions. Srileela impresses with her dancing prowess and commendable acting. Meenakshi Chaudhary makes a brief but good appearance. Prakash Raj, Murali Sharma, and Ramya Krishna deliver stellar performances, adding depth to the narrative. Rao Ramesh shines in the climax, showcasing his exceptional dialogue delivery and commanding screen presence. The supporting cast, including Vennela Kishore, Brahmaji, Eeshwari Rao, and others, contribute effectively to the overall ensemble.

Technicians:
"Guntur Karam" excels technically, with captivating cinematography and a commendable background score by Thaman. The film's visual appeal is heightened by stunning locations and impressive dance sequences. The musical numbers resonate well with the audience, especially Mahesh Babu's dance performances. The production values are lavish.

Review:
Trivikram Srinivas, renowned for his mastery of words, crafts "Guntur Karam" with a focus on showcasing Mahesh Babu in a mass avatar. The film's first half is not up to the mark in terms of writing. The film, inspired by Yaddanapudi Sulochanarani's 'Kirti Keeritalu,' is modernized to appeal to contemporary audiences. The second half reveals intricate details of the story, delving into family conflicts, emotional reunions, and political machinations but it is not up to the mark. The film's climax, featuring powerful performances by Prakash Raj and Rao Ramesh, stands out as a highlight, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. The film may not live up to the expectations but will not disappoint.

Plus Points:

Performances
Mahesh Babu
Songs

Minus Points:

Weak Plot

Final Verdict: Mahesh's Mass Feast!