Double iSmart, the sequel to the hit iSmart Shankar, has hit the theaters amidst high expectations. However, the film fails to live up to its predecessor’s success, as it grapples with an outlandish plot and a contrived story.
Ram Pothineni Shines, but the Story Falters
Ram Pothineni reprises his role as the ruthless and carefree Shankar from the Old City, showcasing his anger, attitude, and the pain of losing his mother in childhood with ease. His energetic performance and foot-tapping dance numbers like “Kirkiri” and “Maarmutha” are the film’s highlights. However, the actor couldn’t salvage the convoluted story, which revolves around a dreaded gunlord (Sanjay Dutt) seeking a suitable person to transfer his brain memory to overcome a brain tumor.
Sanjay Dutt’s Impressive Debut in Telugu Cinema
Sanjay Dutt, making his maiden appearance in a Telugu film, impresses with his swag, gait, and menacing performance as the antagonist. His character’s quest to find a person to transfer his memories to and trigger a civil war in India by supplying guns to South Indian protesters seeking a separate nation adds to the film’s outrageous plot.
Weak Screenplay and Contrived Story
Director Puri Jagannadh’s to pull off an action film with just hero and villain characterization and a double trick to keep the audience engaged falls flat. The screenplay turns preposterous as it delves into the hypothetical South-North divide in India, which seems far-fetched and unrealistic.
Kavya Thpar’s Underwhelming Performance
Kavya Thapar, who plays the female lead opposite Ram Pothineni, fails to impress with her acting skills and instead shows more skin than talent. Her character adds the title to the overall narrative of the film.
Puri Jagannadh’s Inconsistent Filmography
After the debacle of Liger, Puri Jagannadh returns with Double iSmart, hoping to redeem himself. However, the director’s inconsistent filmography continues with this sequel, which lacks the freshness and novelty of the original.
Mani Sharma’s Music and Sam K Naidu’s Cinematography
Manisharma’s music and Sam K Naidu’s cinematography are the film’s saving graces, with the songs and visuals providing a visual treat for the audience.
Verdict
Double iSmart disappoints fans of the original and those expecting a gripping sci-fi thriller. While Ram Pothineni’s performance and the film’s production values are commendable, the weak screenplay and contrived story make it a tough watch. puri Jagannadh needs to return to the drawing board and come up with more relatable and well-written scripts to regain his lost glory in the industry.