Pic Credit: iDiva
15/5/2024: “Srikanth” is not just a film; it’s a narrative that transcends the ordinary, charting the life of Srikanth Bolla, a visually impaired industrialist who founded Bollant Industries. Directed by Tushar Hiranandani, this 2024 biographical drama stars Rajkummar Rao in the titular role, with Jyothika, Alaya F, and Sharad Kelkar in pivotal roles.
The film opens with the birth of Srikanth in Seetharamapuram village, Machilipatnam, capturing his early life struggles due to his visual impairment. Despite scoring 98%, Srikanth faces a setback when he is denied the opportunity to study science. Undeterred, he files a court case, asserting his right to education, which sets the stage for his relentless pursuit of excellence.
The plot thickens as Srikanth’s journey takes him to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology, making him the first international visually impaired student to be admitted. The film’s tagline, “AA RAHA HAI SABKI AANKHEN KHOLNE” (He is coming to open everyone’s eyes), encapsulates the essence of his mission—to enlighten and inspire.
“Srikanth” is a celebration of determination and human spirit. It showcases how Srikanth, played masterfully by Rajkummar Rao, navigates through entrepreneurial challenges and personal sacrifices to establish Bollant Industries. This enterprise is not just a business but a social revolution, providing employment opportunities to unskilled and differently-abled individuals while focusing on eco-friendly products.
The film’s impact is further amplified by its inclusive casting, featuring over 70 actors with disabilities, marking it as a pioneering effort in Bollywood’s history. The narrative is a poignant reminder of the obstacles faced by the visually impaired in academics and business, and how one man’s vision can pave the way for many.
The cinematography by Pratham Mehta and the editing duo of Debasmita Mitra and Sanjay Sankla weaves a visual tapestry that brings Srikanth’s story to life. The soundtrack, a collaborative effort by Anand–Milind, Tanishk Bagchi, Sachet–Parampara, Ved Sharma, and Aditya Dev, resonates with the film’s uplifting theme, while Ishaan Chhabra’s background score subtly underscores the emotional depth of the narrative.
“Srikanth” has been received with critical acclaim, reflected in its impressive box office collection of ₹17.91 crore. The film’s release on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya only added to its allure, drawing audiences to witness this cinematic marvel.
The performances are stellar across the board, with Rajkummar Rao’s transformative portrayal of Srikanth Bolla being a beacon of brilliance. Jyothika as Devika Malvade, Srikanth’s mentor, delivers a compelling performance, while Alaya F and Sharad Kelkar support the narrative with their strong character portrayals.
“Srikanth” is an experience that moves, inspires, and captivates audiences more than just a film. It’s evidence of the ability of movies to uplift and educate audiences in addition to providing entertainment. As the movie comes to an end, it’s impossible not to be in awe of Srikanth Bolla’s unwavering determination and the creative vision that carried his tale to the big screen. It’s a trip worth going on, a tale worth hearing, and a movie worth seeing.
By Sujata Muguda, Shreyas WebMedia Solutions