Srikanth Review

We've seen movies like Kaabil, centred around a blind protagonist seeking revenge in innovative ways, and movies like Fanaa, which depict a love story involving a blind woman. Here's a movie that uniquely focuses on the daily grind of a brilliant yet blind man. You can even meet (if he has time) that person, Srikanth Bolla, upon whom the movie is based, in Gachibowli. It doesn't appear romantic in any conventional sense. However, add Rajkummar Rao into the equation, and the dynamics change - or do they?

The simple and linear plot focuses on the journey of Srikanth Bolla (Rajkummar Rao) of overcoming adversity, perseverance, and triumph against all odds. It begins with an introduction to Bolla, highlighting his birth in Seetharamapuram village in Machilipatnam, and his visual impairment from birth. It then illustrates his childhood struggles, including societal discrimination and limited opportunities due to his disability. It shows he is determined to fight against the odds, with a poignant scene showcasing his resolve when he says "mai bhaag nahi sakta, sirf lad sakta hun" (I can't run away, I can only fight).

It then zooms in on his battles with the support of his mentor Devika Malvade (Jyothika) to pursue his passion for science and technology, overcoming obstacles such as not being allowed to study science despite scoring 98% (long ago, the visually impaired were not allowed to study science) - he needs to file a court case for that. The film highlights the significance of his selection as the first international visually impaired student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Finally, the movie transitions to his entrepreneurial journey with the help of Ravi Mantha (Sharad Kelkar), highlighting his vision to create positive change despite societal norms and prejudices. He starts Bollant Industries as a groundbreaking enterprise aimed at providing employment opportunities for unskilled and differently-abled individuals while producing eco-friendly products.

The movie's greatness doesn't stem from its storyline. Most people could glance at Bolla's Wikipedia page and likely gather more information than what's presented in the film. Its greatness lies in its storytelling. It skillfully sidesteps the slippery slope that many Indian biopics stumble upon, avoiding over-glorification, excessive praise, vilification, or the convenient manipulation of facts. The characters in this movie possess grey shades, including ego, selfishness, desperation and more. However, it's the impeccable portrayal of the character's resilience in the face of adversity that truly makes it remarkable. The film successfully represents individuals with disabilities on screen, avoiding harmful stereotypes.

The movie honestly portrays the challenges confronted by disabled individuals in India. It illuminates their struggles and highlights the necessity for equal access and inclusivity. Addressing a range of issues, from basic accessibility to discrimination in prestigious institutions, the film serves as a wake-up call for the Indian education system and society at large to offer equal opportunities and support to the disabled.

The makers have poured their heart and soul into ensuring that the movie is as authentic as possible cinematically. For instance, the casting is meticulously age- and character-appropriate. With the exception of that of Bolla, blind characters are portrayed by real blind individuals spanning various ages. The blind schools featured are authentic, and Bolla's actual village in Machilipatnam is the location. MIT is the actual MIT, as are most of the people and places depicted.

The next significant and challenging task is the portrayal of Bolla himself. Here's the catch: when blind individuals speak, their facial muscles move differently compared to sighted individuals. Their gait may also be somewhat unsteady, and their speech might lack the same emotional inflection as that of sighted individuals. The movie takes meticulous care to capture these nuances.

The second half occasionally feels slightly dragged and episodic, a flaw that could have been improved upon. Nevertheless, the movie concludes on a high note.

Rajkummar Rao has showcased his versatility by investing in a variety of genres and stories, demonstrating significant growth as an actor. And true to type, his latest is his best work yet. His dedication to his craft reaches new heights; he is kind of possessed by the character. It is clear that he must have invested considerable time and effort into both embodying and later shedding the role.

Jyothika's portrayal as his mentor is essential and impressive, capturing the nuances of their layered relationship and chemistry impeccably. Their affection and respect for each other are subtly conveyed through gestures rather than explicit dialogue. Notably, this marks Jyothika's second Bollywood film after a hiatus of nearly 25 years, her first being Shaitaan. The supporting cast, including Bolla's love interest (Alaya F), and his parents and classmates, add authenticity and sincerity to the narrative.

The movie kicks off with a bang featuring the song "Papa Kehte Hai" from the iconic film "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak", which sets the tone as the recurring theme music throughout. The music in general seamlessly complements the storytelling, enhancing the film's flow without overshadowing it. Both the background score and camera work significantly contribute to the overall impact of the movie. From the captivating opening sequence to the meticulously crafted drone shots and attention to detail in capturing the essence of the characters and their surroundings, every aspect enhances the viewing experience.

Srikanth is a powerful film that effectively addresses important issues while delivering an immersive and enjoyable cinematic journey. Its portrayal of individuals with disabilities and its inspiring narrative make it a must-watch in theatres.