Guntur Kaaram

On 1 May 2021, the project was officially announced under the tentative title SSMB28. The film was initially promoted as an action thriller. However, after the completion of the first schedule, reports surfaced about conflicts among crew members and the cast. Subsequently, the production of the film was paused, and the script was reworked. After several months of delay, Trivikram presented a new modified script that transformed the film into a family entertainer, departing from the original narrative as an action thriller. The sequences filmed during the first schedule were intended to be discarded. The shooting recommenced with action sequences as per the modifications done to the script.[2][3] The project is produced by S. Radha Krishna of Haarika & Hassine Creations. The film's official title was revealed as Guntur Kaaram on 31 May 2023.

A muhurtam pooja ceremony was held on 3 February 2022 at Ramanaidu Studios in Hyderabad with the film's cast and crew, including Pooja Hegde, producer S. Radha Krishna, music composer Thaman S, cinematographer P. S. Vinod, editor Naveen Nooli, production designer A. S. Prakash, and stunt choreography duo Ram Lakshman.[4]

Cast and crew at muhurtam pooja ceremony.

In August 2021, Pooja Hegde was reported to be the lead actress, marking her second collaboration with Mahesh Babu, after Maharshi (2019) and third collaboration with Trivikram, after Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava and Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo.[5] Samyuktha Menon was reported to play the second female lead,[6] before finalizing Sreeleela.[7]

In February 2023, Ramya Krishna is selected to play a key role in the film.[8] In March, Prakash Raj joined the cast to play Mahesh Babu's grandfather in the film.[9] Later Jayaram joined the cast.[10] In April, Jagapathi Babu was reported to play "a very endearing yet scary" character.[11]

In June 2023, however, Hegde opted out of the film, owing to conflicting dates in her schedule. She was subsequently replaced by Meenakshi Chaudhary, who would star in the supporting role that was previously meant to be portrayed by Sreeleela. Sreeleela would, instead, star in Hegde’s lead role.[12]

Principal photography commenced on 12 September 2022 with an action sequence in Annapurna Studios, Hyderabad.[13] The first schedule, involving high-octane stunts choreographed by Anbariv duo,[14] was later completed in the same month.[15] However it was later confirmed by the producers that the fight was scrapped.[16] The second schedule was planned to commence after Dussehra festivities in Ramoji Film City with Hegde joining the sets.[13] The shooting was then halted with Trivikiram making modifications to the script and converted the action thriller film into a "family entertainer".[14]

The second schedule started on 18 January 2023 in Sarathi Studios, Hyderabad.[17] Hegde joined the sets with filming taking place in Hyderabad.[18] In February, team constructed a house set spending ₹10 crore at Shankarpalli, Telengana in Hyderabad.[19] In March, Jayaram joined the sets.[20] The second schedule was wrapped on 6 April.[21] After shooting more than 50% of the film, the cinematographer of the film, P. S. Vinod, left, owing to creative differences. Following this development, Manoj Paramahamsa was announced as his replacement for the film. The third schedule began on 24 June.[22]

Guntur Kaaram is scheduled to release worldwide on 12 January 2024. Originally intended for a theatrical release on 28 April 2023, the film's launch was first deferred to 11 August 2023, and then to 13 January 2024, to coinciding with Sankranti. Eventually, the release date was advanced to 12 January 2024.

The digital distribution rights were acquired by Netflix.[26]