Review: Double iSmart – A Mass Entertainer with Missed Opportunities
Movie Name: Double iSmart  
Release Date: August 15, 2024
Starring: Ram Pothineni, Kavya Thapar, Sanjay Dutt, Getup Srinu, Ali, Sayaji Shinde  
Director: Puri Jagannadh  
Producers: Puri Jagannadh, Charmme Kaur  
Music Director: Mani Sharma  
Cinematographer: Gianni Giannelli, Shyam K. Naidu  
Editor: Karthika Sreenivas R  
Review:
Double iSmart is the much-anticipated action thriller starring Ram Pothineni, directed by Puri Jagannadh. With high expectations following its predecessor, let’s dive into how the sequel stands up to the hype.
Story:
The plot revolves around the international mafia don Big Bull (Sanjay Dutt), who, after being diagnosed with Glioma, seeks immortality through memory transfer. They find their candidate in Shankar (Ram Pothineni) from Hyderabad. The film unfolds as Shankar undergoes the transfer, leading to a series of thrilling events that are best experienced on the big screen.
Plus Points:
- Ram Pothineni returns as iSmart Shankar, delivering a charismatic performance that fans of the first film will appreciate. His mass appeal and dynamic dialogue delivery are highlights.
- Kavya Thapar brings a decent chemistry with Ram, adding to the film’s romance. Sanjay Dutt’s role as a mafia don adds gravitas, though his performance is underwhelming.
- The action sequences are well-executed in parts, showcasing some of the film's strengths.
Minus Points:
- Despite a promising premise, the film struggles with a lackluster screenplay. The narrative fails to maintain engagement, particularly in the second half.
- Emotional moments lack depth and impact. Certain characters, including Jhansi, could have been given more substantial roles, while Pragathi's exaggerated performance detracts from the film's emotional weight.
- The comedy, primarily driven by Ali, falls flat and often feels more irritating than funny. The songs feel out of place, and their integration into the film is jarring.
- Mani Sharma’s background score, known for adding intensity, disappoints here. Sanjay Dutt’s Telugu debut lacks the punch, with awkward dubbing and a poorly developed character.
Technical Aspects:
Puri Jagannadh seems to miss the mark with this film. The execution does not do justice to the decent storyline. The film could benefit from tighter editing, as unnecessary scenes disrupt the pacing, especially in the second half. While the cinematography by Raj Thota is satisfactory, and production values are decent, Mani Sharma's score falls short of expectations.
Verdict:
Double iSmart fails to capture the magic of its predecessor, iSmart Shankar. Despite Ram Pothineni’s solid performance, the film’s potential is undermined by weak execution and a dragging second half. With minimal contributions from Kavya Thapar and a lackluster comedy track, the film struggles to deliver solid entertainment. If you’re seeking engaging and thrilling cinema, this one might not hit the mark.