Srikanth (2024) Review!!

Synopsis – The story of industrialist Srikanth Bolla who didn’t let his visual impairment come in the way of his vision and founded Bollant Industries.

My Take – You know what everyone loves? A true underdog story. A triumph of unyielding spirit. You inevitably root for your protagonist and champion his cause. In recent times, the Vidhu Vinod Chopra directorial 12th Fail (2023) and the Amit Sharma directorial Maidaan (2024), armed with right storytelling tools and strong performances, delivered powerful stories that connected with the audience. Even if it took longer than intended.

The same is the case of this Tushar Hiranandani (Saand Ki Aankh) directorial who adapts the story of Srikanth Bolla, who despite being visually challenged, is currently one of India’s leading industrialists. Most importantly, the film breaks the usual biopic mold of over-glorification. Instead, opting for a refreshingly honest and understated approach, all the while abstaining from those familiar larger-than-life hero tropes.

Sure, being a feature, it comes with its disclaimer of creative liberties, nevertheless, it’s a tiny bump on a captivating screenplay that shines in every aspect brightly. As writers Jagdeep Siddhu and Sumit Purohit‘s script mainly celebrate Srikanth’s resilience and determination, while also bringing our attention to how India as a country still has to grow when it comes to equal rights for every kind of individual, irrespective of their disability.

Backed by Rajkummar Rao‘s transformative performance, the inspiring story lifts spirits, challenge perceptions, and stays long after the credits roll.

The story follows Srikanth (Rajkummar Rao), who was born visually impaired in 1992 in Seetharamapuram village in Machilipatnam, in then undivided Andhra Pradesh, India, to Damodar Bolla (Srivinas Beesetty) and Venkatamma Bolla (Anusha Nuthula). And though they are initially devastated, they forgo suggestions from neighbors and relatives to dispatch him, and try again for a healthy child.

While they have another normal child, Srikant, named after his father’s favorite cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth, proves to be smart and sharp with great grasping power. To nurture his skills further, he is sent to live and study in a blind school in Hyderabad, where under the guidance of a teacher named Devika (Jyotika), Srikant starts to shape his future.

Devoting her life to him, Devika and Srikant face many roadblocks, and ups and downs, which sees them battling the Indian Education System to get space in the science division after 10th grade, get a spot in the India national blind cricket team and become the first international visually impaired student at MIT Sloan School of Management after being denied entry into Indian Institute of Technology.

Along the way he also finds love in Veera (Alaya F) and a business partner and mentor in Ravi Mantha (Sharad Kelkar), who invests in his vision.

Indeed, this is a worthy subject and director Hiranandani keeps the narrative simple without any scope for pumped-up energy or thrills. However, never losing our focus by keeps us engaged on the strengths of a visually-impaired man who overcomes challenges not with pity, but with intelligence and by outsmarting situations.

Unlike most biopics, the film doesn’t make you feel gloomy about the challenges, instead adding several humorous moments to keep He also influences the much-needed change in how persons with disabilities are viewed and treated in the country. Highlighting the stark contrast between India and the West. In the sense, how Indian universities reject Srikanth’s application despite him topping the 12th board exams, yet he is accepted by four international universities purely on merit. the narrative spirited.

Refreshingly it also dispenses the aspect hat disabled people need to be noble or forces of good. In the second half, after beginning to reach new heights in business, we see Srikanth indulge in actions that symbolize the universal behavior of every human being, which includes traits like insecurity, jealousy and arrogance.

Nevertheless, the biggest piece of the film’s success goes to Rajkummar Rao whose portrayal of Srikanth Bolla is nothing short of brilliant, showcasing his versatility once again. His performance, from subtle gestures that resemble the real Srikanth’s body language to mastering the subtle dialect, Rao embodies his determination and passion. While bringing a certain charm and wit in his portrayal, which leaves you in awe.

As Srikanth’s rock, the teacher who stood by him when all hope appears lost, Jyotika is excellent and infuses the character with the necessary warmth and strength. Alaya F adds the necessary touch of tenderness to the narrative and Sharad Kelkar is reliable as always. Srivinas Beesetty and Anusha Nuthula deliver solid performances. On the whole, ‘Srikanth’ is a well-crafted and understated biopic anchored by a brilliant Rajkummar Rao.