Director: Tushar Hiranandani
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Alaya F, Jyotika, Sharad Kelkar and others
Where: In theatres near you
Rating: 4 stars
Glorified biopics are a thing. The set recipe of an underdog rising from the ashes and conquering the world is what our filmmakers have been trying and banking on. For a fact, biographical representations of sportsmen drive through the tested and formulaic narrative and turn out to be a safe bet commercially. But with Srikanth, things are way different and that’s why it stands out amongst the crowd.
Filmmaker Tushar Hiranandani of Saand Ki Aankh and Scam 2003 fame attempts to highlight the journey of a blind man, who, today, is a famous businessman of our country. The film journeys from his birth, to his rise, and surprisingly takes through his downfall too. The entire second half is realistic and doesn’t have a run-of-the-mill approach. Srikanth’s fears, insecurities, arrogance and the inability to handle success and his bank balance are the key points of the film.
Srikanth Bolla (Rajkummar Rao) enters this colourful world with no vision but continues to fight against all the odds right from his school. Devika (Jyotika), a school teacher sees immense potential in him and helps him to achieve his goals. The two even go against the education system. Post their victory in India, Srikanth flies off to Boston for further studies.
Swathi (Alaya F), a medical student is Srikanth’s driving force and of course, the love of his life. Srikanth returns to India to set up his own business. Ravi Mantha (Sharad Kelkar) supports his vision and joins forces with him as an investor. Rest is definitely history but the film is a lot more.
Rajkummar Rao is back and how, he is just so phenomenal! Not even for a second will he make you think that he is enacting a real person who is blind by birth. It takes only a second to go wrong but Rajkummar is captivating throughout. Jyotika is to watch out for her portrayal of Devika. She is sharp, convincing and honest. Sharad plays his part so well — his rich and famous look works in the favour of the film. Alaya F, however, has the least screen time but she carries off her part with authenticity.
Srikanth is that rare biopic which might not be in the commercial race but has its heart in the right place. It's a biopic that comes once a year, perhaps, a completely experimental one. This is by far Tushar’s best as a filmmaker. Laced with purity, morality, righteousness, Srikanth needs empathy and not sympathy.
