"Double iSmart" follows the journey of a street-smart young man who thrives on petty thefts, navigating the fringes of society. His world turns upside down when he becomes the target of a ruthless underworld kingpin, embroiled in a dangerous game. The film delves into his struggle to survive and overcome the trials that test his resilience, unraveling a complex web of motives and consequences.

Story

Shankar (Ram Pothineni), a charming streetwise young man, finds himself smitten with Jannath (Kavya Thapar), a beautiful and captivating woman. As he tries to win her heart with his playful, street-smart charm, his life takes an unexpected turn when the notorious underworld kingpin, Big Bull (Sanjay Dutt), sets his sights on him.

The film explores the motives behind Big Bull's pursuit of Shankar, unraveling a complex web of connections between him, Shankar, and his mother, Pochamma (Jhansi). Audiences are invited to embark on this thrilling journey on the big screen, uncovering the secrets and twists that lie within "Double iSmart."

Analysis

Ram Pothineni brought his signature energy and charisma to "Double iSmart," delivering a spirited performance that showcased his acting range. His energetic dance moves and captivating screen presence added depth to his character. Kavya Thapar oozed glamour, sizzled in romantic scenes, and brought fire to the special songs, creating a dynamic on-screen chemistry with Ram.

Sanjay Dutt, making his Tollywood debut, had a decent performance but struggled with the dubbing, which unfortunately didn't suit his persona. While his physique commanded attention, he failed to invigorate the action sequences. Supporting actors like Shayaji Shinde and Makarand Deshpande delivered competent performances within their roles, but Ali's comedic track tested the patience of audiences.

Despite aiming for a hit with commercial elements, added glamour, and adult dialogues, Puri Jagannath's script fell flat. The narrative, starting with a mother sentiment and a glimpse into the villain's motives, soon devolved into a predictable mix of romance, comedy, and Ali's repetitive humor. While the interval twist injected some interest, the second half felt routine and predictable, riddled with cringeworthy elements. The lack of a fresh story and uninspired direction left much to be desired.

Mani Sharma's mass tunes, aimed at B and C centers, ended up acting as speed breakers in the narrative. His background score, however, matched the storyline's mood. Sam K Naidu and Gianni Gaiannelli's cinematography was decent, while Karthika Srinivas's editing unfortunately allowed for excessive drags and repetitive scenes. The dialogues, lacking originality, relied heavily on double entendres. The production values, however, were commendable.

In conclusion, while "Double iSmart" boasted strong performances by Ram Pothineni and Kavya Thapar, it ultimately faltered due to a lackluster story, predictable direction, and poorly executed comedic elements. The film's attempts to appeal to the masses with commercial elements were unsuccessful, leaving audiences disappointed with its underwhelming execution.

Verdict

Ram delivered a spirited and energetic performance in "Double iSmart," showcasing his trademark charisma. However, Puri Jagannath's direction fell short of expectations, leaving fans and moviegoers disappointed.