What’s it about?
Once again, someone seeks out Ismart Shankar (Ram Pothineni), who earlier underwent the memory transfer experiment for memory transplantation. This time, a mafia leader named Big Bull (Sanjay Dutt) seeks him out.
Doctors have informed Bigg Bull that he suffers from a brain tumor, with a life expectancy of no more than three months. Therefore, the mafia boss desires an individual who can continue to exist and carry out his “true mission” even after his demise. His team believes that Shankar is the ideal candidate.
After the transfer was complete, Big Bull’s memories gradually overshadowed iSmart Shankar’s personal ones, but the problem is that Shankar was actually planning to take revenge and kill Big Bull. Will Shankar ever be able to seek vengeance as the ‘double sim’ in his brain activates? Why is Shankar actually planning to kill Bigg Bull, and what is his vengeance for?
Analysis
“Double iSmart” is a follow-up to the successful 2019 film “iSmart Shankar,” a first collaboration between Ram Pothineni and director Puri Jagannadh. The first film was about an assassin who had his memory transplanted by the CBI in order to crack a case. Puri Jagannadh has come up with a new concept for the same memory transplantation in the sequel, but it lacks effectiveness.
On the surface, the concept of a protagonist planning to kill the antagonist, losing his memories, and having the villain’s thoughts occupy his mind seems intriguing. But like I wrote in many of my reviews earlier, a story or a concept doesn’t make a film engaging; it is the effective narration and the tight screenplay that are important to captivate the audience. This is where “Double iSmart” suffers heavily.
The film initially emphasizes the emotional bond between the mother and son, then promptly delves into the main plot of memory transplantation. But again, it goes on with the scenes involving Ram Pothineni’s romantic involvement with Kavya Thapar. These prolonged sequences test the patience.
Ali as aboriginal Boka and his comedy track is another off-putting aspect of the film.
Thankfully, the pre-climax episodes work. Ram’s energetic acting, motherly sentiment, and some other sequences make these proceedings better. In the end, the story also takes on a devotional tone.
As far as performances are concerned, it is completely Ram Pothineni’s show. He once again sinks into the character of iSmart Shankar, a street-smart Hyderabadi guy. He does the usual antics that appeal to mass audiences, but his performance truly shines in the sequence where he talks about his deceased mother (played by Jhansi) with a mother-like character (played by Pragati). Jhansi is just as superb as Ram’s mother, Pochamma. Pragati is okay.
Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of Bigg Bull, the main villain, adds gravitas to this story. Ali’s comedy track and his acting are cheap.
Among the technicians, Mani Sharma’s work stands out. His song like “Maar Muntha” and “Hey Lafda” are effective. Cinematography is neat.
Bottom line: “Double iSmart” comes nowhere to the original. The plot has potential, and Ram makes honest efforts, but the narration spoils the show. Certain mass moments and the pre-climax work well in an otherwise typical mass action film.
Rating: 2.5/5
By Jalapathy Gudelli
Movie: Double iSmart
Cast: Ram Pothineni, Sanjay Dutt, Kavya Thapar, Jhansi, Ali, Getup Sreenu. Pragati, and others
Music: Mani Sharma
DOP: Sam K Naidu, Gianni Giannelli
Editor: Karthika Sreenivas R
Production Designer: Jonny Shaik
Action stunts: Kecha Khamphakdee and Real Sathish
Producers: Puri Jagannadh, Charmme Kaur
Written and Direction: Puri Jagannadh
Release Date: Aug 15, 2024
