In the midst of the Sankranthi box office clash, Mahesh Babu’s Guntur Kaaram faced unexpected challenges against Teja Sajja’s Hanuman. Despite securing more theaters initially, Guntur Kaaram received mixed reviews, leading to a shift in audience interest. Hanuman strategically opted for paid premieres, gaining positive word of mouth and strong reviews, which translated into packed houses and increasing screen counts.
The fallout for Guntur Kaaram extended beyond the box office, with Mahesh Babu’s stardom facing a significant challenge. Social media became a breeding ground for criticism, particularly targeting Trivikram and Thaman.
Public talk videos and widespread reports lead to family audiences canceling their tickets, creating a disastrous reception for the film.
Even the prestigious top rows in multiplexes that typically reserved for celebrities, were released for public purchase due to a lack of demand. Fresh bookings failed to pick up, amplifying the film’s setback. In the USA, Guntur Kaaram’s second-day collections paled in comparison to Hanuman, signaling an unexpected struggle for Mahesh Babu in the Telugu market.
The situation worsened on the second day, with many centers recording no housefuls. Meanwhile, Hanuman continued its successful run, surpassing Guntur Kaaram both domestically and internationally. The USA market, where Mahesh Babu usually excels, witnessed a surprising turn of events as Teja Sajja’s Hanuman arossed Mahesh Babu Guntur Kaaram.
As the Sankranthi box office battle unfolds, Hanuman gains momentum, challenging the initial expectations set by Guntur Kaaram.