Srikanth Review: Rajkummar Rao shines as the man who should've been named 'SriCan'

Srikanth Review: Rajkummar Rao shines as the man who should’ve been named ‘SriCan’

Ever since Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies premiered on Netflix, people have been going gaga over it. Many even expressed regret about not watching the film when it was released in theatres in March. There is already a sense of fear in the industry that the same should not be the fate of Rajkummar Rao’s Srikanth. The Tushar Hiranandani directorial about the visually impaired business leader Srikanth Bolla is warm, inspiring, funny, and also has moments that would leave you teary-eyed. The film rightfully deserves a fair chance at the box office, which is currently going through a lull phase.

Five minutes into the film, you start questioning what would have happened if Srikanth’s father had decided to kill his blind child, as advised by people around him. What would have happened if he hadn’t been shamed by a classmate who called him a beggar? What would have happened if he hadn’t met ‘Devika teacher’, who went on to become an influential force in his life? What would have happened if he had not decided to become an entrepreneur and found an ally in Ravi Mantha? Above all, what would have happened if President Abdul Kalam had not shown trust in a young boy who dreamt of being the ‘first visually impaired President of India’?

Well, then, this heartening film would not have been made, and more importantly, the world would not have gotten a champion like Srikanth Bolla. He not only challenged the education system as a school student wanting to study science, but also went to Boston (MIT) on a full scholarship. He started Bollant Industries to give employment opportunities to differently-abled people and continues to be their voice.

As his story plays out in the film, there are moments when you feel this is too good to be true: how can a man succeed in all the challenges that’s thrown his way? But a quick Google search on Bolla will prove that he is a man who should have been named ‘SriCan’ instead. His parents, who came from a humble background, named him Srikanth after the popular Indian batsman. While he had no eyesight, Srikanth grew up with a vision, a dream, which he brought to life. He proved that impossible is rightly spelt ‘I’m possible’. So much so that he even got selected for the Indian blind cricket team but left the opportunity because education was his priority.

As far as acting goes, Rajkummar Rao’s portrayal has surpassed expectations. You don’t really see Rajkummar, as he sinks his teeth deep into the part, becoming Srikanth from the word go. Even when the second half treads slowly, the actor’s performance helps pull the film through. Jyothika, after Shaitaan, gives another sparkling performance, as Srikanth’s mentor. Sharad Kelkar will win over new fans with his endearing performance.

The beauty of a biopic like ‘Srikanth’ is that it celebrates the man rather than painting a sorrowful picture. There are so many moments when you are pained at the circumstances of Srikanth and what he has to endure, but even before you can blink your tears away, you are left with a smile seeing Srikanth’s love and positivity towards life. One example is a scene where Srikanth is forbidden to fly alone to the US by the airport authorities. While he breaks down anticipating him losing his scholarship, his wit and charm takes over the next moment, and he flies high towards his dream.

The real hero of the film is not only Srikanth Bolla, but also the beautiful script.  Brownie points to director Tushar Hiranandani, who has once again aced the biopic genre after Saand Ki Aankh and Scam 2003. He never tries to paint the protagonist as the hero here, and that’s what creates true magic. Unlike most biopics that whitewash the subject, the director does not shy away from showing Srikanth’s (once) bloated ego, which could have changed the trajectory of his life and career.

While the songs of the film are just about average, the usage of Aamir Khan’s ‘Papa Kehte Hai’ needs a special mention. The track not only instantly hits the nostalgic spots, but also aids the story of Srikanth, every time moving one step closer to his dreams. The film deserves a watch, if not for anyone/anything, then at least for Srikanth Bolla, a man, who, even without sight, truly sees the world in so many different hues.

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