Srikanth (film)

2024 Indian film by Tushar Hiranandani

Srikanth

Theatrical release poster

Directed by| Tushar Hiranandani
Written by| Jagdeep Siddhu
Sumit Purohit
Produced by|

* Bhushan Kumar
* Krishan Kumar
* Nidhi Parmar Hiranandani

Starring| Rajkummar Rao
Jyothika
Alaya F
Sharad Kelkar
Cinematography| Pratham Mehta
Edited by| 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 (India)
Funasia Films
Marudhar (Overseas)

Release date

* 10 May 2024 (2024-05-10)

Running time

| 134 minutes[1]
Country| India
Language| Hindi
Box office| est. ₹11.95 crore[2]

Srikanth is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language biographical film on the life of Srikanth Bolla, a visually-impaired industrialist and the founder of Bollant Industries. It is directed by Tushar Hiranandani and stars Rajkummar Rao in the eponymous role with Jyothika, Alaya F and Sharad Kelkar.[3] Filming took place from November 2022 to January 2023. Initially set to release theatrically in September 2023,[4] Srikanth was released on 10 May 2024 on the occasion of Akshay Tritiya.[5]

## Plot[edit]

The Hindi language biopic tells the story of Srikanth Bolla, an Indian entrepreneur, who gained prominence as the founder of Bollant Industries. The company created in 2012 is a groundbreaking enterprise that provides employment opportunities for unskilled and differently-abled individuals to create eco-friendly products. The film chronicles the struggles of Srikanth, who was born visually impaired in 1992 in Seetharamapuram village in Machilipatnam, in then undivided Andhra Pradesh, India. The film shows his struggles from childhood, there is a line 'mai bhaag nahi sakta, sirf lad sakta hun' meaning ('I can't run away, I can only fight').[6] The film exemplifies an extraordinary narrative of perseverance and achievement by Srikanth, including filing a court case to study science as a subject, despite scoring 98%; to getting selected as the first international visually impaired student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology after being denied entry into Indian Institute of Technology. [7]

The film's tagline is 'AA RAHA HAI SABKI AANKHEN KHOLNE' meaning "he is coming to open everyone's eyes".

## Cast[edit]

* Rajkummar Rao as Srikanth Bolla
* Jyothika as Devika Malvade, Srikanth's mentor
* Alaya F as Veera Swathi
* Sharad Kelkar as Ravi Mantha
* Jameel Khan as A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
* Srinivas Beesetty as Damodar Bolla, Srikanth's father
* Anusha Nuthul as Venkatamma Bolla, Srikanth's mother
* Srikant Manna and Arnav Abdagire as young Srikanth Bolla
* Bharat Jadhav as Magistrate
* Sridhar Murthy as S N Venugopal
* Sukhita Aiyyar as Vidya Reddy
* Vinita Venugopal as Kavita Mantha
* Om Kanojiya as Mahesh
* Aarav Khot as Narendra Bolla
* Akshay Chaudhary as young Narendra Bolla
* Clarissa Saaiman as Kelly
* Siboniso Tadeus Mbatha as Edward
* Arnav Bansal as Vishnu
* Arun Malik as Convent school principal
* Saurav Joshi as a school teacher
* Vivek Mishra (special appearance)
* Hansal Mehta (special appearance)

## Production[edit]

### Development[edit]

The film was initially titled SRI, which was later changed to Srikanth.[8][9] The film's director Tushar revealed, the first film he wanted to make was the film on Srikanth Bolla, but couldn't do it as Srikanth Bolla being very busy with his work, couldn't find time to meet him. Then he approached Srikanth through his business partner Ravi Mantha. Ravi Mantha (played by Sharad Kelkar in the film) was also instrumental in getting Tushar the rights to make the film on Srikanth Bolla, who had initially given the rights to another Bollywood director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. Ravi met with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, who readily gave the rights to Tushar as he was not ready to make the film at that time. [10]

### Filming[edit]

Principal photography commenced on November 2022.[11] Filming concluded in January 2023.[12] Jyothika made a comeback to Bollywood with the film. She had initially rejected her role, but later agreed to do the film after being convinced by her husband, Suriya. [13] To prepare for the role during filming, lead actor Rajkummar Rao wore special lens from morning till evening. [14] He also spent time with visually impaired individuals to get his act right. [15] The film stands as the first-ever all-inclusive Hindi movie, that gave acting opportunities to over 70 actors with disabilities. [16]

## Marketing[edit]

The official trailer was released on 10 April, 2024.[17] As part of the film's promotional campaign, Rao visited Swarnim University, and also attended a cultural program hosted by Blind People's Association that works for upliftment of visually impaired. He also felicitated around 12 to 15 visually impaired entrepreneurs of Gujarat.[18] A promotional event was held at The Victoria Memorial School for the Blind in Mumbai, in the presence of Srikanth Bolla.[3] The song "Papa Kehte Hain" from the film was launched at an event at St. Andrew's College in Mumbai, in the presence of actor Aamir Khan and singer Udit Narayan.[4]

Release

The film was released in theaters on 10 May 2024 with special screenings at 10 am with reduced ticket prices. National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) and PVR INOX collaborated to make the film more accessible to audiences with disabilities, through specialized formats that cater to visually and hearing impaired. PVR INOX to ensure accessibility for the film, has earmarked 1600 wheelchair-friendly seats across various locations to accommodate patrons with disabilities.[19] The film is set for OTT release on Netflix. [20]

## Reception[edit]

A critic for Bollywood Hungama rated the film 4.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "On the whole, Srikanth is an inspiring tale told in an entertaining manner and is also laced with an award-winning performance by Rajkummar Rao."[21] Dhaval Roy of The Times of India rated the film 4 stars out of 5 and wrote "Breaking the biopic mold, Srikanth offers a refreshingly honest portrayal that celebrates potential over glorification. It will leave you feeling inspired and sparing a thought for those with disabilities who deserve human dignity and equal opportunities like all of us!".[22] Sana Farzeen of India Today rated the film 4 stars out of 5 and wrote "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."[23]

Mayur Sanap of Rediff.com rated 2.5/5 stars and notes "Rajkummar Rao does the best with what he is given and he ably elevates the generic story-telling. Too bad that his performance remains the only takeaway from such an inspiring real-life story".[24] Dishya Sharma of News18 rated the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "The film completely rests on Rajkummar Rao's shoulder. He has put himself outside his comfort zone to ace the nuances of the character."[25] Pooja Darade of Koimoi rated the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "Overall, Tushar Hiranandani’s film about Srikanth’s journey is a beautiful ode to human spirit and determination. It tells us that what we see as weaknesses can be another person’s strengths. Rajkummar Rao’s stellar performance and the compelling narrative about how dreams are beyond what we see through our eyes will leave a smile on your face." Ganesh Aaglave of Firstpost rated the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "On the whole, Srikanth is a film, which deserves an audience and their attention for its inspiring and spectacular craft."[26]

## Music[edit]

The music of this film is composed by Anand–Milind, Aditya Dev and Sachet–Parampara while lyrics are written by Majrooh Sultanpuri, Anand-Milind, and others. Music for "Papa Kehte Hain" from Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak is rendered by Aditya Dev, it was originally sung by Udit Narayan with lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri.[27] "Papa Kehte Hain" was launched by Aamir Khan on 22 April 2024.[28]

Track listingNo.| Title| Lyrics| Music| Singer(s)| Length

|
|
|
|
|

1.| "Tu Mil Gaya"| Shloke Lal| Tanishk Bagchi| Jubin Nautiyal, Tulsi Kumar| 3:35
2.| "Papa Kehte Hain 2.0"| Majrooh Sultanpuri| Aditya Dev| Udit Narayan| 2:55
3.| "Tumhe Hi Apna Maana Hai"| Yogesh Dubey| Sachet–Parampara| Sachet Tandon, Parampara Tandon| 2:25
4.| "Jeena Sikha De"| Kunaal Vermaa| Ved Sharma| Arijit Singh| 2:35

## References[edit]

1. ^ "Srikanth (12A)". British Board of Film Classification. 9 May 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
2. ^ "Srikanth Office Collection". Bollywood Hungama. 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
3. ^ a b "'Srikanth' trailer: Rajkummar Rao promises a hard-hitting performance in the biopic drama". The Hindu. 10 April 2024. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
4. ^ a b "Rajkummar Rao's 'Sri' now titled 'Srikanth', gets a new release date". Yes Punjab News. 30 March 2024. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
5. ^ "'Srikanth': Rajkummar Rao shares 1st look from biopic, to release on May 10". India Today. 5 April 2024. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
6. ^ "Srikanth Trailer: Rajkummar Rao As Srikanth Bolla Aims To Become India's First Blind President, Jyotika & Alaya F Shine". MSN. 10 April 2024. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
7. ^ "Srikanth Bolla: First overseas blind student at MIT, entrepreneur who employs the disabled, and subject of a new bollywood film".
8. ^ "Rajkummar Rao's SRI Is Now Titled Srikanth-Aa Raha Hai Sabki Aankhein Kholne". NFTV. 30 March 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
9. ^ "Rajkummar Rao, Alaya F's SRI Titled As Srikanth; Film To Release On May 10". Freepress Journal. 30 March 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
10. ^ "Director Tushar Hiranandani: I wanted to make 'Srikanth' as 'Srikanth' as my first film - Exclusive". 21 November 2022.
11. ^ "Rajkummar Rao-Alaya F starrer Srikanth Bholla biopic goes on floors". Bollywood Hungama. 21 November 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
12. ^ "It's a wrap for Jyotika and Rajkummar Rao starring Sri". Bollywood Hungama. 30 January 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
13. ^ "Did you know Jyotika initially rejected Rajkumar Rao's 'Srikanth'? Here's who convinced her!".
14. ^ "Sharad Kelkar and Jyothika thought Rajkummar Rao was rude: Tushar Hiranandani - Exclusive".
15. ^ "Rajkummar Rao EXCLUSIVE on being Srikanth Bolla: I wasn't sure, I pushed myself for this challenging role".
16. ^ "'Srikanth': Rajkummar Rao Starrer Promotes Inclusivity In Cinema By Casting 70 Actors With Physical Disabilities".
17. ^ "'Srikanth' trailer: Rajkummar Rao promises a hard-hitting performance in the biopic drama". The Hindu. 10 April 2024. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
18. ^ "Rajkummar Rao Kickstarts Promotions For Srikanth- Aa Raha Hai Sabki Aankhein Kholne In Ahmedabad, Felicitates Visually Impaired Entrepreneurs Of Gujarat".
19. ^ "'Srikanth': Rajkummar Rao Starrer Promotes Inclusivity In Cinema By Casting 70 Actors With Physical Disabilities".
20. ^ "Srikanth Ott Release: सिनेमाघरों के बाद इस ओटीटी प्लेटफॉर्म पर रिलीज होगी, श्रीकांत".
21. ^ Hungama, Bollywood (7 May 2024). "Srikanth Movie Review: SRIKANTH is an inspiring tale". Bollywood Hungama.
22. ^ Dhaval Roy (6 May 2024). "Srikanth Movie Review: An Honest And Understated Biopic That Goes Beyond Glorification". The Times of India.
23. ^ "Srikanth Review: Rajkummar Rao shines as the man who should've been named 'SriCan'". India Today. 6 May 2024.
24. ^ Sanap, Mayur (9 May 2024). "Srikanth Review: Flimsy Biopic". Rediff.
25. ^ Sharma, Dishya (7 May 2024). "Srikanth Review: Despite the Flaws, an Effortless Rajkummar Rao Makes This Biopic Worth Watching". News18 India.
26. ^ "Srikanth movie review: Rajkummar Rao shines in an awe-inspiring & well-crafted biographical drama". Firstpost. 9 May 2024.
27. ^ "'Papa Kehte Hain' from Rajkummar Rao's 'Srikanth' will tug at your heartstrings". India Today. 23 April 2024. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
28. ^ "Aamir Khan Gets Emotional at 'Papa Kehte Hain' Song Launch; Rajkummar Rao Has Best Reaction". News18. 22 April 2024. Retrieved 30 April 2024.

## External links[edit]

* Srikanth at IMDb
* Srikanth at Bollywood Hungama

Portals:

* India
* Film
* Bollywood

*[est.]: estimation
*[No.]: Number