Puri Jagannadh, known for his dynamic direction, faced a setback with his previous film, Liger. Now, he returns with Double iSmart, which has generated much anticipation due to its connection with the hit iSmart Shankar. However, the film struggles to live up to its predecessor. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.
The Story:
Double iSmart follows the journey of Ismart Shankar (Ram Pothineni), who is from the Old City and involved in a heist involving Big Bull’s (Sanjay Dutt) money truck. At the same time, Big Bull is diagnosed with a brain tumor and has only three months left to live. To prolong his life and achieve his goals, Dr. Thomas (Makarand Deshpande) suggests a radical solution: memory transfer. Shankar becomes central to this plan. The film unfolds with Shankar’s kidnapping, the involvement of heroine Jannat (Kavya Thapar), and the complications of the memory transfer process. The film explores these elements to unravel the larger narrative.
Double iSmart Review: Are There Any Hopes?
Puri Jagannadh has had success with films featuring strong emotional elements, especially those centered around maternal sentiments. While he aimed to recreate that magic with Double iSmart, the result falls short. The film does have some intriguing moments, particularly in the initial setup and the memory transfer scene during the interval. However, it falters due to a lack of engaging storyline and a sluggish pace that diminishes audience interest.
The movie begins with a promising start and a flashback that showcases the hero’s relationship with his mother. Despite this strong emotional foundation, the story soon loses momentum. The director’s attempt to build excitement falters as the film progresses, with repetitive and uninspiring scenes in the second half. The climax, though it tries to be impactful, ends up being underwhelming.
Performances and Music:
Ram Pothineni delivers an energetic performance, staying true to his dynamic persona. Kavya Thapar’s presence adds a visual appeal, while Sanjay Dutt’s performance is notable, though at times overly dramatic. Unfortunately, Ali’s track as Boka is a significant letdown. The music by Manisharma fails to impress, and the film’s overall build quality, while decent, does not compensate for its narrative shortcomings.
Plus Points:
- Two standout songs
- A climax that, despite its flaws, holds some interest
- Ram Pothineni and Kavya Thapar’s glamour
Minus Points:
- A weak and unoriginal story
- Numerous slow and tedious scenes
Double iSmart Review Rating: 2/5
Double iSmart doesn’t manage to reinvigorate Puri Jagannadh’s directorial reputation. It’s a missed opportunity to capitalize on the success of iSmart Shankar, leaving fans and audiences with a smart double blow.