Srikanth REVIEW: Rajkummar Rao shines bright in this inspiring biopic of a visually-impaired visionary

Film:
Srikanth

Director: Tushar Hiranandani 

Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Jyothika, Alaya F, Sharad Kelkar 

Run Time: 134 minutes (2hours 14minutes) 

Platform: In theatres

Srikanth Review

Tushar Hiranandani’s Srikanth: Aa Raha Hai Sabki Aankhein Kholne is the biographical film of visually-impaired Indian industrialist Srikanth Bolla. Srikanth was born blind into a Telugu-speaking family in Seetharamapuram, Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The film – also starring Jyothika, Alaya F and Sharad Kelkar, tells the story of Bolla and how he went from being called garbage as a child to becoming the founder and Chairman of Bollant Industries. 

The over 2-hour long drama has the perfect mix of emotional scenes, songs and doses of drama. It encapsulates Srikanth’s journey from studying as a blind student in a small government-run school near his village to being granted a scholarship to study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and finally starting his own company. This company employs individuals with multiple disabilities and offers them economically independent and self-sustainable lives. Along with his engineering work, the film also sheds light on his personal life. Read our spoiler-free review to know why you should watch the film in theatres. 

What Works

The biggest plus point of Srikant is Rajkummar Rao. Rao has slipped into the skin of Srikanth Bolla beautifully. At times, the line between real and reel blurs. Tushar has handled the subject with care so as not to make it look like a whitewashing of Bolla.

What Doesn’t Work

One of the drawbacks of Srikant is that the side characters, namely Jyothika as Devika teacher, Alaya F as Swathi and Sharad Kelkar as Ravi, get lost in the narrative. In fact, there are moments in the film where you wonder, ‘Will I see Alaya again?’ The film also has a missing ‘oomph’ factor that would help enhance the flavour some more, making it a 4-star film instead of a 3.5.

Technical Analysis

Direction

Tushar Hiranandani has handled the story of Srikanth Bolla delicately so as not to make it seem like other biopics used to whitewash its hero. Tushar has done well in making sure the story is as much the hero of the film as is Rajkummar.

Story, Script & Dialogues

Based on the life of Srikanth Bolla, the script of Srikanth: Aa Raha Hai Sabki Aankhein Kholne is written by Jagdeep Siddhu and Sumit Purohit. The duo deserves brownie points for telling Srikanth’s story with shades of grey and not trying to whitewash him or the things he attempted to do to further his business.

The film has some impactful dialogues that will stay with you even when the final curtains are drawn. The reason these lines will stay with you is because they will motivate you to persevere in your personal life.

Cinematography

The cinematography by Pratham Mehta is fresh but does have some repetitive elements seen in other biographical films. Mehta has managed to beautifully capture the rawness of Srikanth’s village, the richness of The States and the emptiness of the factories with finesse.

Editing

Debasmita Mitra and Sanjay Sankla have done a good job editing Srikanth. Not only did they manage to keep the run time below 140 minutes, but the transitions used in the film were immersive. The duo made sure nothing that wasn’t wanted – aka scenes that would have made the film seem long or boring, passed their sharp scissors on the editor’s desk.

Music

The background score of Srikant, provided by Ishaan Chhabra, helps in keeping the narrative engaging. The BGM adds more flavour and feelings to the scenes – especially those of loneliness, longing and love. ‘Papa Kehte Hain’ playing in the background during important sequences will connect you more to the film.

The Rajkummar Rao starrer has just three tracks and their placement doesn’t make the biographical film seem heavy with song and dance. Composed by Anand-Milind, Aditya Dev and Sachet-Parampara, the songs help with the storyline, however, aside from Papa Kehte Hain 2.0, none of the other melodies stick.  

Srikanth Star Performances

The shining star in Srikant – especially when it comes to acting, is without a doubt, Rajkummar Rao. The actor ate and left no crumbs while bringing the story of Srikanth Bolla to life in the Tushar Hiranandani directorial. From clicking his fingers to using the white cane while walking and arching his eyebrows, Rajkummar has once more proved he’s a talent that deserves more accolades. 

Aside from Rajkummar, Srikanth also stars Jyothika, Alaya F and Sharad Kelkar. Jyothika as Devika Teacher is that person we all crave to have in our lives. Someone who will always be by our side even when the world considers us useless. Sharad as Bolla’s business partner and friend Ravi Mantha leaves a lasting impression despite having limited screen time. Alaya is like the wind, she suddenly appears and disappears soon after. We wish she had a little more time in the film. 

Jameel Khan as late President APJ Abdul Kalam may have just 5 minutes in the film, but you will remember him till the end credits roll by. The child actors – especially the kid who plays a young Srikant, deserve a round of applause for the work he has done in this biographical drama. 

Conclusion

Rajkummar Rao-led Srikanth is an emotional but motivating story of Srikanth Bolla. It will push you to never give up on your dreams irrespective of what society says. Watch the Tushar Hiranandani directorial on the big screen for an enhanced experience of Bolla going from being treated like garbage to making it to Forbes magazine’s 30 under 30 list in 2017. 

Watch the trailer of Srikanth here

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