Double iSmart, directed by Puri Jagannadh and starring Ram Pothineni, has been one of the most anticipated Telugu films 2024. As the sequel to iSmart Shankar, which was a box-office success, expectations were high for this instalment. However, the film, which also stars Sanjay Dutt and Kavya Thapar, has struggled to live up to the hype, as reflected in the mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.
The plot of Double iSmart revolves around the international mafia don Big Bull (Sanjay Dutt), who is facing a terminal brain condition. Desperate to escape death, he seeks a memory transfer to achieve immortality. Shankar (Ram Pothineni), who is already living with a technological device in his brain, becomes the ideal candidate for this transfer. The rest of the story focuses on the ensuing conflict between Big Bull and Shankar following the memory transfer, making for a seemingly thrilling premise.
Performance and Direction
Ram Pothineni, reprising his role as iSmart Shankar, once again delivers an electrifying performance. His mass appeal, energetic dialogue delivery, and impressive screen presence are among the few highlights of the film. According to 123telugu, Ram’s mass attitude and intense dialogue delivery are once again entertaining. However, despite his strong performance, the film falters in other areas, most notably in its execution.
Sanjay Dutt, making his Telugu debut as the antagonist Big Bull, has a significant role but fails to leave a lasting impact. His performance has been described as lacklustre, with some critics noting that he sleepwalks through the role. His character’s arc, which had the potential to create an engaging face-off with Ram, falls flat, and the villain’s presence is not as menacing or thrilling as one might expect.
Puri Jagannadh, the director who delivered memorable mass hits like Pokiri and Businessman, has been criticized for failing to recreate his magic. The screenplay of Double iSmart is described as routine and unengaging, especially in the second half. According to OTTplay, the movie has only a few moments that go its way. While the first half has some promising moments, the second half quickly loses momentum, dragging the film towards an unsatisfying conclusion.
Music and Technical Aspects
Mani Sharma, who composed the soundtrack for the original iSmart Shankar, returns for the sequel. However, while the songs are decent, his background score has been criticized for being too loud and ineffective in heightening the emotional or action-packed moments. This contributes to the overall disconnection between the film’s technical elements and its emotional core.
The cinematography by Gianni Giannelli and Shyam K. Naidu is adequate, capturing the energetic vibe of Ram Pothineni’s character, but it doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking. Editing, handled by Karthika Sreenivas, could have been tighter, especially in the second half, where the film noticeably drags.
Audience Reception
Despite the presence of big names and an exciting premise, Double iSmart has received generally underwhelming reviews from critics and audiences alike. Most reviews point to the film’s lacklustre screenplay and absence of emotional depth. Sites like 123telugu and Bollyflix have rated the film at 2.5/5 and 2.75/5 respectively, signalling that the film falls short of expectations.
Audiences who loved the mass appeal of the first film have also expressed disappointment in the sequel. The character of Shankar, while still entertaining, does not have the same fresh appeal that made iSmart Shankar a hit. Moreover, Sanjay Dutt’s role as Big Bull, which was meant to add gravitas to the story, has been criticized for being poorly executed.
Strengths
- Ram Pothineni’s Performance: Ram’s energetic portrayal of Shankar is one of the saving graces of the film. His ability to maintain the intensity of his character is commendable.
- Action Sequences: Some action scenes, particularly in the first half, are well-executed and will likely appeal to fans of the genre.
- Visual Appeal: The film has strong production values, with some good-looking locations and decent cinematography.
Weaknesses
- Weak Screenplay: One of the most common criticisms is the routine, uninspiring screenplay. The plot had potential, but the execution lacked the excitement and twists necessary for a mass entertainer.
- Underutilized Cast: Sanjay Dutt’s role as the villain had the potential to create an intense face-off with Ram’s character, but his performance and the writing of his character fall short.
- Poor Comedy: The comedic relief, primarily delivered by Ali, fails to land. Many reviews have called the comedy cringeworthy and cheap, detracting from the overall experience
- Music and Background Score: While the songs are decent, the background score, which is crucial in elevating key scenes, has been described as loud and jarring, further diminishing the impact of the film.
Final Verdict
Double iSmart is a classic case of a sequel that fails to live up to its predecessor. Despite Ram Pothineni’s commendable performance and a few entertaining moments, the film’s weak screenplay, underwhelming villain, and lack of emotional depth make it a disappointing follow-up to iSmart Shankar. Critics like Hindustan Times have described the movie as “double annoying” for its failure to engage audiences as the original did.
With ratings averaging around 2.5/5 from multiple review sites, Double iSmart is a film that might appeal to die-hard fans of Ram Pothineni, but for most viewers, it offers little beyond a few sparks of entertainment.
