Guntur Kaaram movie review
Guntur Kaaram movie review: Mahesh Babu, in top-notch form, is the sole redeeming factor in Trivikram’s unnecessarily prolonged film, preventing it from becoming a tedious watch.
“Guntur Kaaram,” featuring Mahesh Babu and directed by Trivikram, unfolds as a cinematic endeavor where the charismatic Mahesh Babu endeavors to shine, but the narrative constraints imposed by Trivikram stifle the fervent cries of ‘Jai Babu’ from the audience.
Mahesh Babu, known for his magnetic screen presence and acting prowess, invests commendable effort in bringing his character to life. His attempt to infuse vitality into the narrative is evident, but Trivikram’s directorial choices seem to dilute the impact Mahesh Babu aims to create. The actor’s dedication to his role is praiseworthy, even in the face of script limitations.
Trivikram, a seasoned director, commands a distinctive storytelling style, but in “Guntur Kaaram,” it appears to veer off course. The narrative, while attempting to weave a compelling storyline, falls short in delivering the anticipated depth and resonance. The director’s decisions in shaping the screenplay seem to hinder rather than enhance the overall cinematic experience.
Despite Mahesh Babu’s earnest efforts, the film’s success appears hampered by a lackluster script and uneven execution. Trivikram’s choices, particularly in terms of pacing and plot development, prevent the narrative from reaching its full potential. The audience, eager to celebrate Mahesh Babu’s on-screen charisma, finds their enthusiasm curtailed by the film’s narrative limitations.
The chemistry between Mahesh Babu and the supporting cast, often a crucial aspect in Trivikram’s films, feels somewhat strained in “Guntur Kaaram.” The character dynamics, essential for a captivating story, appear to lack the cohesion required to create a truly immersive cinematic experience.
While the film may have its moments, the overall impact seems muted, leaving audiences yearning for the kind of cinematic brilliance that could truly elicit the spirited chants of ‘Jai Babu.’ Mahesh Babu’s valiant attempt to carry the film on his shoulders encounters roadblocks in Trivikram’s directorial choices, preventing the seamless fusion of star power and compelling storytelling.
Trivikram Srinivas’ Guntur Kaaram serves as definitive proof that in-form Mahesh Babu can keep us hooked to a 159-minute movie without feeling fatigued. Ok, that sounds misleading; let’s rephrase… Mahesh Babu, in top-notch form, is the sole redeeming factor in Trivikram’s unnecessarily stretched Guntur Kaaram, preventing it from becoming a tedious watch. Yep, that sounds more accurate.
The biggest and most anticipated film of this Sankranti/Pongal season, Guntur Kaaram is basically a celebration of Tollywood’s superstar and everything associated with his stardom. Trivikram keeps Mahesh Babu front and centre, never giving the audience a chance to miss him.
The film begins with a flashback, unveiling a dark chapter from Ramana’s (Mahesh Babu) childhood, costing him both his father Satyam (Jayaram) and mother Vasundhara (Ramya Krishnan): his father is jailed for murder and his mother abandons him. While Ramana grows up with his paternal family in Guntur, his mother returns to Hyderabad , enters politics at the behest of her father Venkata Swamy (Prakash Raj), and eventually becomes the Law Minister.
As years pass, Ramana, now entrenched in the chilli business, manages a sizable warehouse in Guntur. Satyam, having served his sentence, remains confined to his room with minimal contact with the outside world. Meanwhile, Vasundhara’s family seeks Ramana’s signature on an agreement, severing all ties with his mother. This move is intended to strip him of his legal heir status, allowing Vasundhara’s son from her second marriage to inherit her political legacy. Despite Vasundhara’s cold approach towards him, Ramana remains resolute in seeking an explanation for her abandonment. Venkata Swamy, meanwhile, employs various tactics to keep Vasundhara and Ramana apart, but he refuses to back off.
Trivikram wastes no time delivering what audiences came for – Mahesh Babu! He is introduced soon after the film begins, but only in a mildly satisfying manner. The film is peppered with moments designed to incite cries of ‘Jai Babu’ from fans of Mahesh Babu. While the intention is there, Trivikram fails to ensure that these moments deliver a cinematic high. It is only Babu’s commanding presence and his signature style that consistently elevate the scenes. Trivikram’s writing disappoints in the supposedly mass moments, failing to provide the expected adrenaline rush to the audiences.
Soon, it becomes apparent that Mahesh Babu is the only spice in an otherwise bland and cliched Guntur Kaaram. At various points, Guntur Kaaram even evokes a sense of déjà vu from the director’s earlier blockbuster Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020), particularly when delving into the dynamics between the mother and her son. It almost feels as though Trivikram decided to create a new film using elements that were left out or couldn’t be included in AVPL.
In conclusion, “Guntur Kaaram” emerges as a film with untapped potential, where Mahesh Babu’s earnest performance clashes with the narrative constraints imposed by Trivikram. The cinematic collaboration, while intriguing on paper, fails to ignite the expected fireworks on screen, leaving audiences with a sense of unfulfilled expectations. Mahesh Babu enthusiasts may find themselves appreciating his efforts, but the film’s overall impact falls short of the ‘Jai Babu’ crescendo that fans eagerly anticipated.
