Double Ismart, directed by Puri Jagannadh, is the much-anticipated sequel to the 2019 film iSmart Shankar. Released on August 15, 2024, the film stars Ram Pothineni reprising his role as the titular character, alongside a notable cast including Sanjay Dutt, Kavya Thapar, and Ali. The film aims to blend action, comedy, and drama while exploring themes of memory transfer and vengeance. However, it has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, raising questions about its execution and narrative coherence.

Story:

Double Ismart follows Shankar (Ram Pothineni), a local thug who finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes plot involving memory transfer. The story kicks off with Big Bull (Sanjay Dutt), an international mafia don diagnosed with a terminal illness, seeking a way to escape death. A scientist proposes that he transfer his memories into another person’s brain to achieve immortality, leading them to Shankar as the ideal candidate.

As Shankar navigates this bizarre situation, he is thrust back into a world of crime and chaos, where he must confront Big Bull and his henchmen. Along the way, Shankar’s relationship with Jannat (Kavya Thapar), his love interest, becomes central to the narrative, adding layers of complexity to his character. The film explores themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of one’s past actions as Shankar grapples with the implications of memory transfer.

Review

Plus Points:

1. Ram Pothineni’s Performance: Ram delivers a charismatic performance, effectively embodying the duality of his character as both a thug and a reluctant hero.
2. Action Sequences: The film features well-choreographed action scenes that provide excitement and keep the audience engaged.
3. Cinematography: The visual presentation is commendable, with vibrant cinematography that captures the essence of the film’s setting and enhances the overall viewing experience.
4. Potential for Humor: Some comedic moments, particularly those involving Shankar’s interactions with Jannat, offer light-hearted relief amidst the chaos.

Minus Points:

1. Weak Screenplay: The screenplay suffers from pacing issues and lacks coherence, particularly in the second half, making it challenging for viewers to stay engaged.
2. Predictable Plot: The storyline feels derivative and predictable, failing to deliver the unexpected twists that could have elevated the narrative.
3. Underdeveloped Characters: Many supporting characters, including Jannat and Big Bull, lack depth and motivation, reducing their impact on the story.
4. Misogynistic Humor: The film contains several instances of crude and misogynistic humour that detract from the overall experience and leave a negative impression.

Technical Aspects:

The technical execution of Double Ismart is a mixed bag. The cinematography by Gianni Giannelli and Shyam K. Naidu effectively captures the film’s vibrant visuals, while the production values are commendable. However, the editing by Karthika Sreenivas could have been tighter, as the film feels bloated with unnecessary scenes that disrupt the flow. The music by Mani Sharma, while occasionally effective, fails to resonate throughout the film, with some songs feeling out of place.

Performance:

Ram Pothineni shines as Shankar, showcasing his ability to balance action and comedy. His chemistry with Kavya Thapar adds a layer of charm to the film, although her character lacks substantial development. Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of Big Bull is serviceable but does not leave a lasting impression, as his character feels one-dimensional. The supporting cast, including Ali as Boka, attempts to inject humour but often falls flat, contributing to the film’s overall tonal inconsistencies.

Conclusion:

Double Ismart is a sequel that struggles to live up to the expectations set by its predecessor. While it features strong performances, particularly from Ram Pothineni, the film suffers from a weak screenplay, predictable plot, and underdeveloped characters. The attempts at humour often miss the mark, and the film’s reliance on crude jokes detracts from its overall appeal. Despite its action-packed sequences and vibrant visuals, Double Ismart ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to build on the intriguing premise established in iSmart Shankar. Fans of the original may find some enjoyment, but for many viewers, the film may not deliver the excitement and depth they were hoping for.

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