As a highly-anticipated film of the season 'Guntur Kaaram' is releasing worldwide on January 12 as Sankranthi gift to the Telugu audiences, the film unit organised the pre-release event in Guntur on Tuesday. 

The film's teaser and the trailer have amped up an enormous excitement among fans ever since the promotional activity of the film began. 

Guntur Kaaram is produced by S Radha Krishna under the banner Haarika and Hassine Creations. Helmed by director Trivikram Srinivas, Guntur Karam is touted to be an action drama starring Superstar Mahesh Babu and Sreeleela in the lead roles. The film boasts Meenakshi Chaudhary, Jagapathi Babu, Ramya Krishnan, Jayaram and Prakash Raj in key roles.

My fans are my father and mother to me: Superstar Mahesh Babu

Superstar Mahesh Babu: When we were discussing where to hold the pre-release event, Trivikram garu suggested that I organise it in my native place Guntur. I okayed it immediately. I feel so great to see you here this way. The support that Trivikram garu gave me for the last two years has been amazing. Everytime I collaborated with him, a sense of magic took place in the project. It happened with 'Khaleja', I am sure that magic will happen again with Guntur Kaaram. You all will see a new Mahesh Babu on the screen. I thank Chinna Babu garu and team Haarika and Hassine Creations for keeping trust in me. Both the leading ladies Sreeleela and Meenakshi Chaudhary performed very well. It was a tough task for me to match the dance moves of Sreeleela. S Thaman has given amazing tunes. When asked if he can do the 'Kurchi Madathapetti ..' song, he agreed to deliver it without any hesitation. The love and affection that my fans have been showing for the last 25 years is immense, I thank you from the heart. Sankranthi is the festival that augured very well for me and my father. I would feel so happy when my father received phone calls briefing him about the box office collections soon after a film was released. From now on, you are my father and my mother. 

I felt a strong reason why Mahesh was born to Superstar late Krishna garu: Trivikram 

Director Trivikram Srinivas: I have two reasons to visit Guntur -- one is it is Guntur, the story takes place in the city. And the other reason is the protagonist Ramana in the film wanted to greet you all. Late Superstar Krishna garu is said to be the doyen of Telugu cinema. I didn't have any memories working with him directly. But I happened to work with the film that he was part of. Later, I interacted with him during the shooting of Athadu and Khaleja. I wonder how lucky is Mahesh Babu to have been born as his son. Because Mahesh is ready to give 100 percent adventure to the films that Krishna garu couldn't venture into. It may appear that 24 long years have passed since his entry into the world of cinema, Mahesh has the same energy that he exhibited in Khaleja. He looks as young and vibrant as he was during his formative years.

Sreeleela: I firstly thank director Trivikram garu for the opportunity he gave me. Guntur Kaaram has become a sort of re-launch for me after I was introduced to Telugu audiences through K Raghavendra Rao garu. Frankly speaking, Mahesh Babu garu always looked intimidating to me, on many occasions. I have to admit that I had forgotten my lines on several occasions. On the completion of the first day of my shoot, when I returned home, my family was asking how was the experience of day 1 with Mahesh Babu. Only one sentence struck me -- what if a golden statue is infused with life? -- that is Superstar Mahesh Babu.

Dil Raju: It looks as if the Sankranthi vibe has pervaded the Telugu States a bit early. Firsty I would like to thank Chinna Babu garu (Radha Krishna). Our friendship grew over the last few years so strongly. He has been pursuing films so passionately. Even recently his team tasted success with the romantic college comedy 'Mad'. On the other hand, Naga Vamsi gave him good support to maintain the success streak of the Haarika and Hassine Creations banner. Their journey has been so far good. And Trivikram garu's touch helped them even better. S Thaman scored a superb background score for the movie. The dance moves of actress Sreeleela and Superstar Mahesh Babu in 'Guntur Kaaram' are going to tear the big screens in theatres this Sankranthi.

Meenakshi Chaudhary: It has always been a dream to work with Trivikram garu. I learnt a lot from him through the project. Now I understand why the audience calls him Guruji. I thank Naga Vamsi garu and Chinna Babu garu for the opportunity in Guntur Kaaram. It is a pleasure working with Sreeleela. And I have to say that I am truly honoured to work with Mahesh Babu sir, you are one of the greatest talents that Indian cinema has produced.

Lyric writer Ramajogayya Sastri: I am very happy to celebrate the pre-release event in my home town Guntur. Filmmaker Trivikram garu had raised the expectations after the success of 'Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo' and 'Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava'. The anticipation among fans multiplied when the film was with Superstar Mahesh Babu. Personally, I wrote lyrics for four songs in the movie. I happened to see a scene before the interval, Mahesh Babu's performance is going to make the audience emotional.