Srikanth - Detailed Review

Director: Tushar Hiranandani
Writers: Jagdeep Siddhu, Sumit Purohit
Producers: Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Nidhi Parmar Hiranandani
Starring: Rajkummar Rao, Jyothika, Alaya F, Sharad Kelkar
Cinematography: Pratham Mehta
Editing: Debasmita Mitra, Sanjay Sankla
Music by:

• Songs: Anand–Milind, Tanishk Bagchi, Sachet–Parampara, Ved Sharma, Aditya Dev
• Background Score: Ishaan Chhabra
  Production Companies: Chalk and Cheese Films, T-Series Films
  Distributed by: AA Films
  Release Date: 10 May 2024
  Running Time: 134 minutes
  Country: India
  Language: Hindi

Plot:

Srikanth follows the inspiring journey of a young man from rural India who defies all odds to become the first visually impaired student at MIT. The film starts with Srikanth's birth into a family that initially sees his blindness as a severe disadvantage. However, his life takes a turn when he gets admitted to a school for the blind and meets Devika (Jyothika), whose influence helps him excel in the sciences. Srikanth's determination and intellect eventually lead him to MIT in America.

Performances:

• Rajkummar Rao delivers a top-notch performance as Srikanth, capturing the essence of his character's struggles and triumphs with depth and authenticity. His portrayal is both inspiring and compelling, making Srikanth's journey resonate deeply with the audience.
• Jyothika as Devika, Srikanth's mentor, is exceptional in her role. She brings warmth and strength to her character, making her a perfect foil to Rajkummar Rao's Srikanth.
• Alaya F and Sharad Kelkar offer strong support, though their characters are more peripheral compared to the leading duo.
• The supporting cast does a commendable job, contributing to the overall impact of the film.

Technicians:

• Director Tushar Hiranandani handles the inspirational biopic genre with finesse, though the film occasionally veers into melodrama.
• Cinematography by Pratham Mehta captures the contrasting landscapes of rural India and the urban settings of MIT effectively.
• Editing by Debasmita Mitra and Sanjay Sankla is crisp, although the second half of the film feels slightly jaded.
• Music by Anand–Milind, Tanishk Bagchi, Sachet–Parampara, Ved Sharma, and Aditya Dev complements the narrative well, with Ishaan Chhabra's background score enhancing the emotional beats of the film.

Strengths:

• Rajkummar Rao's Performance: His portrayal of Srikanth is phenomenal, anchoring the film with his nuanced acting.
• Supporting Role by Jyothika: Her character, Devika, is well-crafted and adds significant depth to the narrative.
• Final Speech: Srikanth's final speech is well-written and impactful, emphasizing the theme of equal treatment and personal inspiration.

Weaknesses:

• Dramatic Elements: Certain scenes, like the electric bill incident, feel forced and unrealistic, detracting from the film's authenticity.
• Supporting Cast: The supporting characters often feel underdeveloped, serving more as background props to Srikanth's journey rather than fully fleshed-out individuals.
• Second Half: The latter part of the film loses some momentum, feeling more like a documentary that glorifies the protagonist rather than maintaining a gripping narrative.

My Personal Take on This Film:

Srikanth is a film that aims to inspire through the real-life struggles and achievements of its protagonist. Rajkummar Rao's stellar performance as Srikanth is undoubtedly the highlight, bringing both depth and sincerity to the role. Jyothika's portrayal of Devika provides a strong supporting pillar, creating a dynamic mentor-student relationship that is central to the film's emotional core.

However, despite its strengths, Srikanth struggles with pacing and occasionally falls into melodramatic territory. The second half, in particular, starts to feel jaded, and some scenes seem contrived, which might detract from the overall impact. The film's attempt to balance a linear, inspirational narrative with realistic portrayal sometimes falters, making it feel more like a glorified documentary at times.

Nonetheless, Srikanth succeeds in delivering a powerful message about determination, resilience, and the importance of equal treatment. It's a commendable effort that, while not perfect, offers a compelling story driven by strong performances.

In my opinion, there's no perfect review for biopics because it's all about perspective; no one knows which biopic will inspire which one.

Rating: 2.75/5