*'Double iSmart'* is a highly anticipated sequel that unfortunately falls flat, leaving viewers questioning the necessity of its existence. Directed by Puri Jagannadh and starring Ram Pothineni and Sanjay Dutt, the film attempts to recreate the success of its predecessor, *'iSmart Shankar,'* which was a significant milestone for both the actor and the director. However, instead of delivering an engaging continuation of the story, *'Double iSmart'* ends up as a disappointing rehash of old ideas, lacking the freshness and energy that made the original film a hit.
The plot centers around Big Bull (Sanjay Dutt), an international drug and weapons kingpin, who comes to India seeking revenge for his mother’s murder. His mission becomes more urgent when he is diagnosed with glioma, a form of brain tumor, which adds an unexpected twist to his character. The introduction of a sci-fi element, where a scientist named Thomas (played by Makarand Deshpande) suggests a "memory transfer" procedure using Shankar (Ram Pothineni) as a vessel, could have been an innovative plot device. Shankar, who famously has a USB port implanted in his head, is drawn into a convoluted narrative that intertwines his memories with those of Big Bull.
Despite the potentially intriguing premise, *'Double iSmart'* fails to deliver on multiple fronts. The film is marred by poor writing and a screenplay that feels both shallow and uninspired. Puri Jagannadh, who was on a quest to redeem himself after the failure of *' Liger,'* unfortunately, does not succeed in crafting a compelling story. The film's humor, which was a defining feature of the first movie, descends into tastelessness, with excessive reliance on below-the-belt jokes and objectification of women. The character of Ali, who plays 'Boka,' brings in a separate comedic angle, but his scenes are more cringe-worthy than amusing, adding to the film’s overall sense of discomfort.
Ram Pothineni tries his best to bring life to his role, but even his energetic performance can’t salvage a script that seems determined to undermine itself at every turn. Sanjay Dutt, who steps into yet another gangster role, brings a certain gravitas, but his character is underdeveloped and lacks the depth or menace needed to make a lasting impression. His portrayal of Big Bull is reminiscent of past roles, making his performance feel repetitive rather than fresh.
The film’s production values are high, with slick cinematography and flashy action sequences, but these elements alone cannot compensate for the weak narrative. The loud and over-the-top presentation, which worked in *'iSmart Shankar,'* feels forced in the sequel, lacking the originality and punch that made the first film stand out.
*'Double iSmart'* ultimately suffers from sequel fatigue, where the attempt to capitalize on the success of the original film results in a product that feels more like a pale imitation than a worthy continuation. The film’s reliance on gimmicks and recycled ideas, rather than developing a new and engaging story, leaves the audience with little more than a headache. It’s a film that makes you question whether a sequel was needed at all, or if it was merely an exercise in trying to cash in on past glory without offering anything new or substantial.
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