Double iSmart (2024) - "Memory Transferred, Madness Unleashed."

 

Genre: Action, Thriller

Directed by: Puri Jagannadh
Written by: Puri Jagannadh
Starring: Ram Pothineni, Kavya Thapar, Sanjay Dutt, Getup Srinu, Ali, Sayaji Shinde
Country: India
Language: Telugu
Release Year: 2024

Plot:

"Double iSmart" revolves around an international mafia don named Big Bull, who is desperate to escape death after being diagnosed with Glioma, a terminal brain condition. A scientist offers a radical solution: transferring Big Bull's memory into another person's brain, thereby achieving a form of immortality. Their search for a suitable candidate leads them to Shankar in Hyderabad. The film's core explores the thrilling consequences of this memory transfer, with Shankar becoming the focal point of a high-stakes game of survival and power.

Performances:

• Ram Pothineni: As Shankar, Ram once again delivers a powerful performance, embodying the character with the same energy and flair that made the original "iSmart Shankar" a hit. His portrayal is dynamic, with his unique dialogue delivery and style standing out.
• Sanjay Dutt: Playing Big Bull, Sanjay Dutt brings a strong presence to the screen. However, expectations for his role were high, and while he performs well, the character could have been more developed to fully utilize his talent.
• Kavya Thapar: Adds glamour to the narrative but doesn't have much scope to showcase her acting skills.
• Supporting Cast: The rest of the cast, including Getup Srinu, Ali, and Sayaji Shinde, deliver solid performances, adding depth to the film's side stories.

Technical Aspects:

• Direction: Puri Jagannadh directs with his signature style, but the film lacks the freshness that his earlier works had. The inclusion of a comedy side track feels plain and doesn't integrate smoothly with the main plot.
• Music and BGM: The background music is effective, particularly in heightening the film's intense moments. The songs "Stepamar" and "Maar Munta" are highlights, though the rest of the soundtrack is average.
• Cinematography: The visuals are polished, with good production values that make the film visually appealing.
• Editing: The pacing is generally tight, but the narrative feels disjointed at times, especially when switching between the main plot and the comedic subplots.

Strengths:

• Ram Pothineni's Performance: Ram's portrayal of Shankar is the film's biggest asset, delivering a high-energy performance that keeps the audience engaged.
• Sanjay Dutt as Big Bull: Despite some underutilization, Sanjay Dutt's casting adds gravitas to the film.

Weaknesses:

• Story and Narration: The plot feels convoluted and doesn't provide the satisfaction that fans of the original "iSmart Shankar" might expect. The film struggles to balance its narration with the action and comedy, leading to a sense of inconsistency.
• Expectations vs. Reality: The film is marketed as a sequel but lacks the continuity or novelty that could have made it stand out. The decision to not fully connect it to the original leaves a sense of disappointment for those expecting a strong follow-up.

My Personal Take on Cinema:

"Double iSmart" is very much a showcase for Ram Pothineni, who carries the film with his electrifying performance. However, the movie falls short in terms of story and execution, feeling like a rehash of the original rather than an innovative sequel. Fans of "iSmart Shankar" may find some enjoyment in the familiar vibe, but the film ultimately leaves you wanting more, particularly in its narrative and character development.

Rating: 2.5/5