Guntur Kaaram is a film that tries to balance the emotional core of a mother-son relationship with the commercial elements of a star-vehicle. Mahesh Babu plays Ramana, a rowdy who is estranged from his mother Vasundhara (Ramya Krishnan), a powerful politician. He falls in love with a journalist (Sreeleela) who is investigating the illegal activities in Guntur city. The film explores the themes of family, justice, and moral ambiguity, with Trivikram's trademark dialogues and Mahesh Babu's charisma.
The film has its moments of drama, romance, and action, but it also suffers from a lack of freshness and depth. The story is predictable and formulaic, with the same tropes and twists that we have seen in Trivikram's previous films. The film also drags on for 169 minutes, with some unnecessary songs and scenes. The film could have been more engaging and impactful if it focused more on the emotional bond between Ramana and Vasundhara, rather than the cliched political plot and the forced comedy.
Mahesh Babu delivers a solid performance as Ramana, showing his versatility and charm. He carries the film on his shoulders, with his screen presence and action skills. Sreeleela is decent as the journalist, but she doesn't have much scope to shine. Ramya Krishnan is impressive as Vasundhara, portraying a complex character with grace and dignity. Prakash Raj, Jayaram, and Jagapathi Babu are effective in their supporting roles. The music by Thaman is average, with no memorable songs. The cinematography and editing are good, capturing the rustic vibe of Guntur city.
Guntur Kaaram is a film that has the potential to be a gripping family action drama, but it falls short of its expectations. It is a watchable film for Mahesh Babu's fans and Trivikram's followers, but it is not a memorable film for the general audience. It is a spice that hits in the eyes, rather than the taste buds.
Rating: 2.5/5