Seeing Beyond Sight: Srikanth Bolla's Inspiring Biopic Lights Up Bollywood

A rags to riches story of the visually challenged industrialist Srikanth Bolla; the self titled Bollywood biopic turns out to be a heartwarming as well as an inspiring translation on celluloid. Rajkummar Rao's splendid performance is like an icing on the cake...

Frankly, I am quite averse to Bollywood biopics as they invariably, deify their subjects. From glorifying match fixers to underworld dons, these movies are just whitewashing exercise. Director Tushar Hiranandani springs a pleasant surprise as Srikanth doesn't hold back to show his not-so-good side (in the film's second half). Truly, this is how biopics out to be made Bollywood!!

The first half focuses on the younger Srikanth born in lower strata of Andhra Pradesh and chronicles his hard journey to America's top engineering institute. From battling bullies to taking a college to court, Srikanth (Rajkummar Rao) fights his way to the top. His teacher Devika (Jyothika) is his biggest support system.

After returning to India post graduation, Srikanth decides to start a packaging business, which will hire his fellow visually impaired. His first investor is none other than A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The entire scene with Kalam is truly awe-inspiring. Srikanth sets up the successful Bollant Industries but somewhere, loses his goodness in the bargain. Does he realise his folly? That's for you to visit your nearest theatre and find out.

Rajkummar Rao as Srikanth Bolla, is simply superb. In fact, his performance is comparable to Naseeruddin Shah in Sai Paranjpye's Sparsh (1980). His body language and expressions are extraordinary. Jyothika and Sharad Kelkar lend good support. Alaya F as his girlfriend turned wife Swathi, is also effective.

Srikanth will inspire as well as entertain you. I haven't experienced this for a long time in Bollywood...make it your weekend matinee!!

Ratings on some key aspects* :
1. Acting : 4.5/5
2. Direction : 4/5
3. Music : 3.5/5
4. Story, Screenplay and Dialogue : 4/5
5. Cinematography : 3.5/5
6. Editing : 3.5/5
7. Costume Design : 4/5
8. Special Effects and VFX : NA
9. Action : NA
10. Production Quality : 3.5/5

#SNRating for #Srikanth : 4 stars out of 5.

- Sumeet Nadkarni

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* - The overall film rating is not a simple average of all ratings on key aspects but a weighted average of the ratings where some crucial aspects (like direction, acting, story and screenplay etc) are assigned more weightage than others.

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#SNRatings barometer:
1 star = Poor
1 & 1/2 star = Below average/ Avoidable
2 stars = Average
2 & 1/2 stars = Above average/ Risk it
3 stars = Good enough/ Endurable
3 & 1/2 stars = Definitely worth a watch
4 stars = Very good
5 stars = Masterpiece/ Outstanding.

2024 SNRatings. 

Authored by Sumeet Nadkarni: