Before Srikanth became the "family hero," he was a rising actor finding his footing. The true turning point came with Khadgam , a multi-starrer directed by Krishnavamsi. In a film about patriotism and communalism, Srikanth played Koti, a fearless Muslim boxer. His raw, intense performance alongside Ravi Teja and Sonali Bendre wasn't a typical commercial "hit" on day one, but its cult status and critical acclaim elevated Srikanth from a struggling actor to a recognized talent. It proved he could handle serious, layered roles.

Srikanth’s hit list is not about hundred-crore clubs or box-office records. It’s a list of films where an actor with limited connections but immense dedication fought for his place. From the villainy of Varsham to the solo heroics of Athanokkade and the character roles in Rangasthalam , his story is one of survival. For his fans, every film on that list is a reminder of a star who gave his all, whether as a hero, a villain, or a comedian. He remains a beloved figure—the everyman who became a star.

Ironically, while Srikanth was struggling for solo hits, he found a massive resurgence as a character artist. Soggade Chinni Nayana , starring Nagarjuna, featured Srikanth in a hilarious cameo as a hilarious, drunk brother-in-law. The film was a blockbuster, and his comedy track was a highlight.

In the vast, star-driven universe of Telugu cinema, where dynasties often dominate, the success of an outsider like Srikanth (born Meka Srikanth) is a story of resilience, timing, and knowing his audience. While never reaching the "tier-1" superstar status, Srikanth carved a loyal fanbase in the 2000s with a specific brand of family-oriented, action-comedy entertainers. His journey, marked by spectacular highs and crushing lows, is best understood through the hit movies that became milestones in his career.