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DailyMirror.News, August 15th,2024: Puri Jagannadh’s direction struggles to capture the magic of his earlier works. The script, though decent, suffers from weak execution. Editor Karthika Sreenivas R could have tightened the film significantly by trimming unnecessary scenes, particularly in the dragging second half. The cinematography by Gianni Giannelli and Shyam K. Naidu is satisfactory, capturing the film’s vibrant visuals. The production values are commendable, but Manisharma’s score fails to add the needed punch.
Movie Name: Double iSmart
Release Date: August 15, 2024
Starring: Ram Pothineni, Kavya Thapar, Sanjay Dutt, Getup Srinu, Ali, Sayaji Shinde
Director: Puri Jagannadh
Producers: Puri Jagannadh, Charmme Kaur
Music Director: Mani Sharma
Cinematographers: Gianni Giannelli, Shyam K. Naidu
Editor: Karthika Sreenivas R
Story..
Double iSmart, directed by Puri Jagannadh, brings back Ram Pothineni as Shankar in this action-packed sequel. The story revolves around Big Bull (Sanjay Dutt), an international mafia don who is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Glioma. Desperate to cheat death, Big Bull turns to a scientist who suggests transferring his memory to another person’s brain as a way to achieve immortality. Their search leads them to Shankar (Ram Pothineni) in Hyderabad, setting the stage for a thrilling sequence of events that unfolds on screen.
Plus Points..
Ram Pothineni reprises his role as iSmart Shankar, bringing his signature mass appeal and intense dialogue delivery back to the forefront. His performance is the film’s saving grace, capturing the energy and swagger fans loved in the first installment. Kavya Thapar adds a decent on-screen presence as the love interest, complementing Ram in a few noteworthy scenes. Sanjay Dutt, in his Telugu debut, plays the mafia don with some authority, though his performance leaves room for improvement. The action sequences, while sporadic, are executed well in certain parts.
Minus Points:
Despite a promising premise, Double iSmart falters due to a lackluster screenplay, particularly in the second half, where the narrative loses momentum. The emotional depth is lacking, leaving many characters feeling hollow and underdeveloped. Key roles, such as Jhansi’s, fail to make an impact, and the flashback scenes that could have added emotional weight fall short.
The comedy, led by Ali, fails to land, with most jokes feeling forced and out of place. The songs disrupt the narrative flow, seeming like unnecessary breaks rather than integral parts of the story. Manisharma’s background score, a potential highlight, disappoints, lacking the intensity needed to elevate key scenes.
Sanjay Dutt’s role as the villain, while notable, is poorly fleshed out, making his character feel like a routine bad guy. The dubbing for his character also feels awkward, further diminishing his impact.
Verdict..
Double iSmart falls short of living up to the expectations set by its predecessor, iSmart Shankar. While Ram Pothineni shines in his role, the film’s overall execution leaves much to be desired. The second half drags, the emotional beats lack impact, and the comedy fails to entertain. Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal as the antagonist is underwhelming, making the film feel like a missed opportunity. For those seeking solid entertainment, Double iSmart may not be the best choice.
DailyMirror.News Rating : 2.5/5..
