Double iSmart is a long-awaited successor to the movie, iSmart Shankar by Puri Jagannadh. However, even if Ram Pothineni’s energetic acting may be brilliant, but because the movie does not have a great sci-fi plot it fails. Sanjay Dutt's debut in Telugu cinema adds intrigue but fails to elevate this disjointed action thriller. What went wrong with this over-ambitious sequel?
Ram Pothineni reprises his role as the fierce and carefree Shankar, embodying anger, pain, and attitude. His electrifying dance moves in songs like “Kirkiri” and “Maar muntha” are a treat for fans. But despite his intense performance, even Ram's energy can’t save the film from its inconsistent plot. His mother’s sentimentality, although heartfelt, goes overboard.
Bollywood icon Sanjay Dutt makes his Telugu debut as the villainous gun lord Big Bull. While his screen presence and menacing portrayal create moments of tension, his poorly fleshed-out character limits his impact. The lacklustre face-off scenes with Ram Pothineni further diminish what could have been a powerful performance. Will this be a stepping stone for Dutt in Telugu cinema?
Double iSmart introduces an outlandish sci-fi narrative where a mafia don seeks immortality through brain memory transplants. The premise could have sparked excitement, but instead, it spirals into absurdity, introducing improbable elements like a South vs. North Indian civil war. The movie struggles to maintain coherence as it juggles too many outlandish ideas, losing the audience along the way.
One of the movie's significant downfalls is its emotional disconnect. The childhood flashbacks, meant to build sympathy for Shankar, feel undercooked. Characters like Ali’s tribal role and Pragathi’s exaggerated performance add little value. The humour falls flat, leaving the audience more irritated than entertained. Could the emotional beats have saved this movie with better writing?
Kavya Thapar’s role as the love interest feels like an afterthought. While she shares some screen time with Ram, her character is underdeveloped, offering little more than glamor. With her performance overshadowed by her appearance, Kavya's presence in Double iSmart becomes forgettable. Will future projects offer her more depth and range?
Despite the potential for a gripping action-packed sequel, Double iSmart falters with a weak script and poor execution. While Ram Pothineni shines, and Sanjay Dutt tries to make an impact, the movie falls short in too many areas to be considered a success. For fans of the original, this sequel may leave you with more questions than satisfaction.