The sudden demise of Srihari has emptied an important seat in Telugu Film Industry. Though he is not with us to portray any roles, Tollywood audience are in no mood to skip his character on-screen. Real Star is someone who you cannot ignore when he is on screen and there is something about the way he deliver his dialogues and often crazy expressions and not to forget the laughter he executed in King, Dhee and Don Srinu.
Srihari’s acting prowess has been lucratively used by our directors in films like Nuvvostavante Nenoddantana, Brindavanam and (probably-the-most) Magadheera. Those films would have remained as mediocre, if Real Star wouldn’t have casted in those roles (Sher Khan particularly).
So, who could now possibly replace Real Star in our Telugu films?
To reprise Srihari’s spark, one must seemingly possess guts and courage. TFI isn’t short of talented artists, but the makers are lacking in making use of them in the best way. When considering who might carry forward his role, we have to certainly consider actors like Jagapathi Babu, Sai Kumar and Rajashekar. Read along and see you people agree with us…
Jagapathi Babu- People shall remember the versatile actor for being one of the first to experiment any kind roles in Tollywood! The actor’s peculiar role in Anthapuram (1998) proves it. Babu has recently turned antagonist with Balakrishna’s Legend. If Tolly film-makers make the best use of Jagapathi Babu by adding a negative essence to his character, he would definitely flagger-stab Telugu audience.
Sai Kumar- Like Srihari, who can sound with imposing tone of voice, Sai Kumar also possess similar kind voice. We have witnessed it in the recent films like Samanyudu (2006) and Prasthanam (2010). If the complete villain character in Yevadu can accentuate the antagonism conjured by Sai Kumar, he would definitely turn as an alternate for Srihari. However, the actor can possibly deliver both positive and negative roles.
Rajashekar- Beyond doubt, Rajashekar perfectly suits to reprise Srihari’s roles. If the actor can dump his current image and try essaying negative roles, he can evolve as an undeniable alternate to Srihari. The Ankusham star was offered Prakash Raj’s role in Seethamma Vaakitla Sirimalle Chettu (2013) but due to some unknown reasons he missed the chance of playing father to Venkatesh and Mahesh. If Rajashekar successfully manages to get such roles, no qualms, he would get back his earlier stardom.
Rao Ramesh can execute passive roles but we cannot expect a surprise if he play a villain role. Arya fame Shiva Balaji is also keen on drawing negative shaded roles from the directors but he need to gain some experience to sport such characters.
All in all, Sai Kumar, Jagapathi Babu and Rajashekar are in the active race for Srihari’s place. It’s our film-makers duty to blend and mould those artists to showcase Srihari again.
Who will replace Srihari? Who has the ability to sustain his character? Passing Time will answer all those questions.