Guntur Kaaram review: Trivikram’s film is for Mahesh Babu fans only

Cast: Mahesh Babu, Sreeleela, Ramya Krishnan, and Eashwari Rao

Director: Trivikram

Rating: 2/5

Mahesh Babu’s Guntur Kaaram, which recently premiered on OTT after a mediocre theatrical run, had the potential to be a riveting action drama with a moving storyline. However, it ends up being a missed opportunity. 

Guntur Kaaram centres on the troubled relationship between ‘Rowdy’ Ramanna (Mahesh Babu) and  Vyra Vasundhara (Ramya Krishnan), his mother. As the story progresses, the audience learns more about their past and the political dynamics at play.

Mahesh Babu plays the lead role in Guntur Kaaram. Credit: X/@GunturKaaram

The basic storyline has pretty much everything, right from ‘family sentiments’ to a liberal dose of humour, that fans expect from a Trivikram film but it doesn’t reach its potential because of lacklustre screenplay.

Trivikram’s films usually strike a chord as they feature well fleshed-out characters and relatable situations. S/0 Satyamurthy is a case in point. The film featured an emotional storyline about the protagonist’s attempts at restoring his father’s honour. The Allu Arjun-led film also managed to explore his dynamics with his foe Devaraj, played by Upendra., which added another layer to the narrative.

Guntur Kaaram, sadly, fails to deliver in this regard as the subplots aren’t fleshed out properly. The film features several characters, right from ‘Royal’ Satyam (Jayaram)  to ‘Bujji (Easwari Rao), but their backstories aren’t explored properly.. This makes it difficult for the audience to emphatize with them. 

 Guntur Kaaram begins with an action sequence, featuring two warring groups, which tackles a violent turn when a character inadvertently injures another in a fit of rage . This scene had the potential to set the stage for a compelling game of revenge and manipulation. However, it fails to impress as it lacks the intensity required to leave a lasting impact. 

Mahesh Babu then tries to salvage the film after a shaky start. His scenes with Sreeleela are worth a watch mainly because of the breezy chemistry between them. Similarly, the action sequences cater to his ardent fans,

Trivikram then relies on humour, one of his strengths, to take the narrative forward but this proves to be a double edged sword. The lighter sequences are mildly funny and give ‘Super Star’ an opportunity to showcase his comic timing. Similarly, references to popular actors and songs further up their recall value. However, the comic elements often feel stretched and forced. The over-emphasis on comedy also gives Trivikram less scope to explore the dynamics between Mahesh Babu and Ramya, diluting the film’s emotional impact.  This makes the twist towards the end feel bland and lifeless.

Mahesh Babu elevates the film with his sincere performance. However, some of the action sequences don’t suit his persona. This is particularly true for his scenes with Ajay Ghosh. 

Sreeleela doesn’t get much scope but shines in the dance sequences. Prakash Raj plays an aged character with effortless ease and is at his caustic best in his scenes with Ramya. The Baahubali actress, however, is burdened with a one-dimensional character. The same applies to Rao Ramesh, Easwari Rao, Sunil, and Jagapathi Babu. 

S Thaman, has been in excellent from of late, fails to deliver. The songs aren’t bad but Guntur Kaaram lacks a Butta Bomma-style chartbuster. The editing isn’t up to the mark as several sequences in the second half, including the climax, drag. 

To conclude, Guntur Kaaram is a mediocre drama that could have been so much better.