Indian actor Rajkummar Rao has made waves with his latest film, Srikanth, where he portrays a visually impaired man who defies all odds to become a successful entrepreneur. While the box office numbers for the film were not as high as expected, it still managed to cross the one million dollar mark in its opening weekend. With a limited release and small budget, the film was able to gross $1.7 million globally in its first weekend, with $1.4 million coming from India alone. Directed by Tusshar Hiranandani and featuring a talented ensemble cast, including Sharad Kelkar, Jyothika, Alaya F, and Jameel Khan, Srikanth is based on the real-life story of Srikanth Bolla, a visually impaired entrepreneur who fought against the Indian education system.
Receiving positive reviews and good word-of-mouth, the collections for Srikanth saw a sharp rise after a worldwide opening of $500,000 on Friday, doubling up to $930,000 on the second day. Co-produced by T-Series and Chalk N Cheese Films Production LLP, the film presents an inspiring and heartwarming account of Bolla’s journey, showcasing themes of compassion, motivation, and humanity. Rajkummar Rao’s portrayal of Bolla, along with Jyothika’s role as his mentor and guide, Kelkar as a supportive investor-turned-friend, and Alaya as Bolla’s wife, all contribute to the film’s engaging narrative.
While Srikanth may be somewhat lacking in emotional depth at the beginning, Rao’s nuanced performance as a visually impaired individual adds a layer of realism and light-heartedness to the film, preventing it from feeling overly documentary-like. With sensitive humor sprinkled throughout the narrative, the movie delivers an uplifting and enjoyable experience for viewers. Jyothika’s portrayal of a warm and motivating teacher, along with Kelkar’s role as a supportive friend, further enhance the story and highlight the determination and resilience of the characters.
In the Indian film industry, regional films such as the Punjabi film Shinda Shinda No Papa and the Malayalam movie Aavesham are garnering significant success at the box office, overshadowing high-budget Hindi films. Shinda Shinda No Papa, starring father-son duo Gippy Grewal and Shinda Grewal alongside Hina Khan, has grossed $1.5 million globally in three days, while Aavesham, directed by Jithu Madhavan and featuring Fahad Faasil and Mansoor Ali Khan, has earned nearly $18 million in a month. The success of these regional films highlights the growing popularity and appeal of films from different parts of India, showcasing diverse stories and talent to audiences worldwide.
As Rajkummar Rao continues to impress audiences with his versatile performances, Srikanth stands out as a testament to his acting prowess and commitment to portraying challenging characters on screen. With its inspiring story and talented cast, the film offers a glimpse into the life of a remarkable individual who overcame obstacles to achieve success. Despite facing stiff competition from other regional films, Srikanth’s positive reception and growing collections at the box office demonstrate the enduring appeal of stories that resonate with viewers on a personal and emotional level.
