‘Double iSmart’ review: Ram Pothineni-Sanjay Dutt’s film will blow your mind
‘Double iSmart’ review: Director Puri Jagannadh’s film starring Ram Pothineni and Sanjay Dutt is a dull sequel. With shallow writing, the film makes you question whether a sequel was needed in the first place.
Actor Ram Pothineni’s 2019 release ‘iSmart Shankar’ turned out to be a career-defining film for him and filmmaker Puri Jagannadh. The film, despite being a lot of noise and shock, featured a man who would have been rejected in today’s times. Still, ‘iSmart Shankar’ struck gold thanks to some inventive sci-fi angles along with commercial elements. Almost five years later, Puri Jagannadh and Ram Pothineni are back with ‘Double iSmart’, a spiritual sequel to the already superhit film.
Big Bull (Sanjay Dutt) runs an international drug and arms gang. He comes to India to avenge the murder of his mother Pochamma (Jhansi). In a sudden turn of events, Big Bull is diagnosed with glioma (brain tumor) and wants to complete his mission. A scientist named Thomas (Makarand Deshpande) suggests ‘memory transfer’ and finds Shankar (Ram Pothineni) suitable, as he has a USB port in his head.
Meanwhile, Shankar falls in love with Jannath (Kavya Thapar), who has moved to Hyderabad from Delhi. Shankar and Big Bull’s paths (and memories) cross, and the consequences form the crux of the story.
Director Puri Jagannadh is back after the big failure of ‘Liger’ and is trying to redeem himself. What better option than to bank on the success of his hit film and one of the most famous characters ‘iSmart Shankar’? If the director manages to create a good story for the sequel (and that’s a big if) his vision ensures great prospects. Sadly, this is not the case with ‘Double iSmart’. The film feels like a slap on your senses.
Watch the trailer of ‘Double iSmart’ here:
The first part establishes that there is no question of morality in the world of ‘iSmart Shankar’. There is absurd humour, objectification of women and loud and raunchy dialogues aplenty. With ‘Double iSmart’, it is a double test of your patience. There is a different comedy angle featuring Ali as ‘Boka’. This alone is the worst, most shameful and cheap humour you will ever see in your life!
If you get past this, Puri Jagannadh’s shallow and pointless screenplay will keep you hooked. Eventually, it is up to Ram Pothineni who tries to save what is left. Sanjay Dutt appears in yet another gangster role after ‘Leo’ and there is nothing special about his characterization.
‘Double iSmart’, once again, makes you wonder if a sequel is even necessary to capitalise on the success of the first part.