Rajkummar Rao takes on the main role in Srikanth, a biopic portraying the journey of Srikanth Bolla, an entrepreneur who overcame the challenges of visual impairment to achieve success in both life and career. Directed by Tushar Hiranandani of Saand Ki Aankh fame, the film also stars Alaya F as the female lead, alongside Jyothika (fresh from the success of Shaitaan) and Sharad Kelkar. Srikanth is scheduled for release on May 10, marking the sole big Bollywood release on that date. Srikanth: Rajkummar Rao’s Film to Feature Audio Description for Visually Impaired Audience.

Undoubtedly, Rajkummar Rao is a phenomenal actor, evidenced by his National Award for Best Actor for Shahid. Even if the film falls short, Rao's performance is often a highlight. Unless, of course, he's buried under layers of prosthetics, a la Raabta!

Yet, despite his talent, Rao's brand doesn't always translate into box-office success. Certainly, commercial viability isn't always his primary consideration when choosing roles. Films like Omerta, Trapped, and Newton weren't crafted with blockbuster ambitions. But when Rao has ventured into more mainstream projects, only a couple have resonated with audiences in theatres.

Watch the Trailer of Srikanth:

His biggest solo hit, Stree, remains his only Rs 100 crore grosser. Bareilly Ki Barfi, co-starring Ayushmann Khurrana, earned praise but only achieved moderate success at the box office, much like Newton. Rao's standout commercial hit, apart from Stree, was Queen, yet his role was that of the antagonist and more of an extended cameo, and Kangana's stellar lead performance primarily fueled its box-office triumph.

Check Rajkummar Rao's Box Office Report Card for the Past 10 Years:

Bheed

Release Date: March 24, 2023

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 2.03 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Flop

Hit – The First Case

Release Date: July 15, 2022

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 9.29 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Flop

Badhaai Do

Release Date: February 11, 2022

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 20.62 Crore

Box Office Verdict:Flop

Roohi

Release Date: March 11, 2021

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 23.25 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Flop

Shimla Mirchi

Release Date: January 03, 2020

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 0.03 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Flop

Made In China

Release Date: October 25, 2019

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 9.63 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Flop

Judgementall Hai Kya

Release Date: July 26, 2019

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 33.11 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Flop

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga

Release Date: February 01, 2019

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 20.28 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Flop

5 Weddings

Release Date: October 26, 2018

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 0.36 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Flop

Stree

Release Date: August 31, 2018

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 129.90 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Super-Hit

Fanney Khan

Release Date: August 3, 2018

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 10.55 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Flop

Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana

Release Date: November 10, 2017

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 11.14 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Flop

Newton

Release Date: September 22, 2017

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 22.80 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Average

Bareilly Ki Barfi

Release Date: August 18, 2017

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 34.55 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Average

Behen Hogi Teri

Release Date: June 9, 2017

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 1.99 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Flop

Trapped

Release Date: March 17, 2017

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 2.83 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Flop

Aligarh

Release Date: February 26, 2016

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 2.5 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Flop

Dolly Ki Doli

Release Date: January 23, 2015

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 19.26 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Flop

Citylights

Release Date: May 30, 2014

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 8.51 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Flop

Queen

Release Date: March 7, 2014

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 61 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Hit

As for Alaya F, the relative newcomer had made her acting debut with the 2020 film, Jawaani Jaaneman. She was noted for her confident performance then. By 2024, Alaya had acted in five movies, two of which - Freddy and U-Turn - had directed OTT releases. However, the rest of her movies didn't work at the box office, including the recent Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. Srikanth Censor Update: Rajkummar Rao’s Biographical Film Gets U Certificate – Check Runtime!

Check Alaya F's Box Office Report Card:

Jawaani Jaaneman

Release Date: January 31, 2020

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 28.98 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Flop

Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat

Release Date: February 3, 2023

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 0.25 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Flop

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan

Release Date: April 11, 2024

Total Box Office Collection: Rs 56.62 Crore

Box Office Verdict: Flop

So What to Expect From Srikanth?

As the only Bollywood biggie of the week (there is also Deepak Tijori's Tipppsy... but let's be honest, how many remember it's also releasing?), Srikanth has a fair chance of getting attention from the audience. In April 2024, films like Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Maidaan, Do Aur Do Pyaar, LSD 2 all came and tanked at the box office, so there is a drought. The trailer of Srikanth has been well-received, with particular praise for Rao's performance, the feel-good appeal and the use of the QSQT song "Papa Kehte Hai". Some of the press who have managed to catch the movie on select media trials have also given glowing reviews to the film.

However, Srikanth's advance sales seem to be on the lower side. Most of the known trade experts and pundits have not provided an exciting update for the film, even when Srikant opened its booking window on Wednesday. That said, if the good press reviews turn into positive word-of-mouth from the viewers, you can expect Srikanth to be a slow-but-steady winner at the box office if Luck is in its favour.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 09, 2024 01:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).