Ram Pothineni’s “Double iSmart” REVIEW

Story:
International mafia don Big Bull (Sanjay Dutt), diagnosed with Glioma and desperate to avoid death, learns of a radical solution: transferring his memory to another person’s brain. The search for the perfect candidate leads them to Shankar (Ram Pothineni) in Hyderabad. After the memory transfer, the plot takes an intriguing turn, sparking a thrilling sequence of events. The intense storyline and dramatic twists make this film a must-watch on the big screen.

Pros:
Ram Pothineni shines again as iSmart Shankar, showcasing his signature mass appeal and intense dialogue delivery in the sequel. Kavya Thapar provides a decent romantic angle as his love interest. Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of the mafia don adds gravitas but is underwhelming. The supporting cast performs adequately, and while the action sequences are well-executed in parts, they don’t always hit the mark. Overall, the film delivers a mix of entertainment and intensity, but some aspects fall short of expectations.

Cons:
While the plot of “iSmart Shankar 2” holds potential, the execution falls short of expectations. Puri Jagannadh and his team seem disengaged, leading to a lackluster screenplay, especially in the second half, making it hard for viewers to stay invested. The emotional elements miss their mark due to insufficient depth, and several characters appear as mere screen fillers. Jhansi’s role, in particular, could have been more impactful, with her flashback scenes failing to add emotional weight. Pragathi’s exaggerated performance and the flat comedy, especially Ali’s irritating attempts at humor, further detract from the film. The placement of songs feels disjointed from the narrative, serving more as interruptions than enhancements. Manisharma’s usually intense background score is notably absent, failing to elevate the film. Sanjay Dutt’s Telugu debut falls flat; his character is poorly established, and the face-off scenes lack impact. The dubbing feels awkward, and the film doesn’t capitalize on his presence as expected. Overall, while the sequel had the potential to build on the first installment, it falters due to these issues, leaving it less impressive than anticipated.

Technical Aspects:
Puri Jagannadh needs to reassess his approach to reviving the classic massy style many fans miss. Unfortunately, this film falters, with a decent storyline undone by weak execution. Editor Junaid Siddiqui should have cut unnecessary scenes that disrupt the flow, especially in the second half. Raj Thota’s cinematography and the production values are satisfactory, but Manisharma’s music fails to elevate the film where needed. Overall, it’s a missed opportunity for Puri Jagannadh to reignite his signature style.

Verdict:
On the whole, “Double iSmart” falls short of the high expectations set by its predecessor, “iSmart Shankar.” While Ram Pothineni delivers a commendable performance, his talent feels underutilized. The plot has promise but suffers from weak execution, particularly in the dragging second half. Kavya Thapar’s role is minimal, and Ali’s comedy track misses the mark, failing to generate laughs. Sanjay Dutt’s villainous portrayal is routine and lacks impact. Despite some good action sequences, the film doesn’t deliver the solid entertainment expected. If you’re looking for a high-energy, engaging film, “Double iSmart” may not be your best choice.

#Rating: 3/5

Director: Puri Jagannadh
Starring: Kavya Thapar, Sayaji Shinde, Ali, Ram Pothineni, Sanjay Dutt, and Getup Srinu
Music Director: Mani Sharma
Cinematographer: Gianni Giannelli, Shyam K. Naidu
Editor: Karthika Sreenivas R
Producers: Puri Jagannadh, Charmme Kaur