Double iSmart, directed by Puri Jagannadh, attempts to continue the story of iSmart Shankar (2019), but falls short of expectations. The film, starring Ram Pothineni and Sanjay Dutt, tries to capture the same energy as its predecessor but ends up being more frustrating than entertaining.
Storyline:
The film picks up with iSmart Shankar (Ram Pothineni) returning to his life as a goon after his brief stint with the CBI. This time, he crosses paths with Big Bull (Sanjay Dutt), a gangster involved in smuggling and weapons dealing. Big Bull, after receiving shocking news, seeks immortality by transferring his memories to another person, and Shankar becomes the prime candidate for this experiment. What follows is a chaotic narrative filled with half-baked ideas and forgettable characters.
Review:
Puri Jagannadh’s focus on making Shankar a more likeable character comes at the cost of a coherent story. The film rehashes many elements from the original, but with less impact. Shankar’s character is toned down compared to the previous film, but the attempts at humor, particularly involving a character named Boka (Ali), are offensive and unfunny.
The portrayal of women in Double iSmart continues to be problematic, with female characters reduced to mere props for male fantasies. The narrative also struggles to connect with its predecessor, with key characters from the first film being completely ignored.
Performances and Direction:
Ram Pothineni tries to bring energy to his role, but the weak script and direction hinder his performance. Sanjay Dutt’s Big Bull fails to be the menacing antagonist the film needs, and the supporting cast adds little value to the story.
Double iSmart is a disappointing sequel that fails to live up to the potential of the original. With a lack of focus, poor humor, and a disjointed storyline, the film leaves the audience frustrated rather than entertained. If you’re a fan of the first film, this sequel might test your patience.