Double iSmart Movie Filmy4wap Review: A Disappointing Sequel with a Few Redeeming Moments
Cast:
- Ram Pothineni
- Kavya Thapar
- Sanjay Dutt
- Getup Srinu
- Ali
- Sayaji Shinde
Director: Puri Jagannadh
Producers: Puri Jagannadh, Charmme Kaur
Music Director: Mani Sharma
Cinematographers: Gianni Giannelli, Shyam K. Naidu
Editor: Karthika Sreenivas R
Double iSmart, the latest action-packed thriller from director Puri Jagannadh, features Ram Pothineni reprising his role as iSmart Shankar. With high expectations surrounding its release, let’s delve into whether the film meets the mark.
Plot Summary:
The story centers around international mafia kingpin Big Bull (Sanjay Dutt), who is diagnosed with a life-threatening condition known as Glioma. Desperate to evade death, he turns to a scientist who suggests an experimental procedure—transferring his memory to another person’s brain as a means to achieve immortality. Their search leads them to Shankar (Ram Pothineni) in Hyderabad, and the procedure is performed. What ensues is a series of thrilling events that drive the narrative, best experienced in the cinema.
Highlights:
Ram Pothineni returns as iSmart Shankar, and he doesn’t disappoint. His portrayal of the character retains the mass appeal and impactful dialogue delivery that made him a fan favorite in the original. Kavya Thapar, playing his love interest, adds a decent touch to the film, though her role is limited. Sanjay Dutt, making his Telugu debut as the mafia don, brings some gravitas to the screen, even if his performance doesn’t quite reach its potential.
The supporting cast does a fair job, and a few action sequences are executed well, adding to the movie’s appeal.
Shortcomings:
Despite a promising concept, the film struggles with its execution. Puri Jagannadh and his team fail to craft a gripping narrative, particularly in the second half, where the screenplay lacks the required engagement. The emotional depth is missing, leaving many characters feeling underdeveloped and mere fillers. Jhansi’s role, for instance, could have been more significant, and her backstory might have provided the emotional anchor the film needed. Pragathi’s exaggerated acting only detracts further.
The comedy track, led by Ali, falls flat and fails to elicit any genuine laughter. The songs are poorly placed and disrupt the narrative flow, feeling more like forced interruptions than integral parts of the story. Mani Sharma’s background score, which could have added intensity, is surprisingly lackluster in this sequel. Additionally, the showdown scenes with Sanjay Dutt are underwhelming, hampered by a weak character setup and awkward dubbing.
Technical Aspects:
It’s clear that Puri Jagannadh needs to revisit his approach, as Double iSmart fails to capture the vintage, massy charm that his earlier films are known for. The storyline, while intriguing on paper, loses its impact due to poor execution. Editor Junaid Siddiqui could have tightened the film by cutting several unnecessary scenes, especially in the second half. Cinematographer Raj Thota delivers satisfactory visuals, and the production values are solid. However, Mani Sharma’s music, which is often a highlight in such films, does not leave a lasting impression here.
Final Verdict:
Overall, Double iSmart falls short of living up to the expectations set by its predecessor, iSmart Shankar. While Ram Pothineni shines in his role, his talent feels wasted in a film that struggles with pacing and narrative coherence. The plot had potential, but the lackluster execution, particularly in the second half, makes it a tough watch. Kavya Thapar’s role is underutilized, and Ali’s comedy fails to hit the mark. Sanjay Dutt, as the antagonist, delivers an average performance in what turns out to be a forgettable debut in Telugu cinema. If you’re looking for gripping entertainment, this sequel might leave you wanting more.