Double iSmart
{{Short description|2024 Telugu film by Puri Jagannadh}}
{{Unreliable sources|date=August 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Double iSmart
| image = Double iSmart.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = Puri Jagannadh
| writer = Puri Jagannadh
| producer = {{plainlist|
- Puri Jagannadh
- Charmy Kaur}}
| starring = {{plainlist|
| cinematography = {{Plainlist|
- Shyam K. Naidu
- Gianni Giannelli}}
| editing = Karthika Srinivas
| music = Mani Sharma
| studio = Puri Connects
| distributor = {{Plainlist|
- Primeshow Entertainment
- Mythri Movie Makers (Telugu)
- Sakthi Film Factory (Tamil Nadu)}}
| released = {{film date|2024|8|15|df=y}}
| country = India
| language = Telugu
| budget = {{estimation}} {{INR|90 crore}}
| gross = {{estimation}} {{INR|25 crore}}
}}
Double iSmart is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language science fiction action film directed by Puri Jagannadh, who co-produced with Charmy Kaur under Puri Connects. It is the spiritual sequel{{cite news |title=Puri Jagannadh confirms the sequel to 'iSmart Shankar'; Title registered as 'Double iSmart' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/puri-jagannadh-confirms-the-sequel-to-ismart-shankar-title-registered-as-double-ismart/articleshow/70276252.cms |access-date=18 July 2019 |website=The Times of India|date=18 July 2019 }}
to iSmart Shankar. The film stars Ram Pothineni, alongside Sanjay Dutt (in his Telugu debut), Ali, Kavya Thapar, Sayaji Shinde and Bani J.{{cite web | url=https://zeenews.india.com/regional/puri-jagannadhs-double-ismart-shoot-begins-in-mumbai-with-action-sequence-2634530.html | title=Puri Jagannadhs Double iSmart Shoot Begins in Mumbai with Action Sequence | website=Zee News | access-date=2024-01-21 | archive-date=2023-07-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714005150/https://zeenews.india.com/regional/puri-jagannadhs-double-ismart-shoot-begins-in-mumbai-with-action-sequence-2634530.html | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/puri-jagannadh-confirms-the-sequel-to-ismart-shankar-title-registered-as-double-ismart/articleshow/70276252.cms | title=Puri Jagannadh confirms the sequel to 'iSmart Shankar'; Title registered as 'Double iSmart' | newspaper=The Times of India | date=18 July 2019 | access-date=21 January 2024 | archive-date=21 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421120306/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/puri-jagannadh-confirms-the-sequel-to-ismart-shankar-title-registered-as-double-ismart/articleshow/70276252.cms | url-status=live }} The music was composed by Mani Sharma, while cinematography and editing were handled by Gianni Giannelli & Shyam K. Naidu and Karthika Srinivas.
Double iSmart was theatrically released on 15 August 2024, coinciding with Indian Independence Day. The film received negative reviews from critics and eventually became a box-office bomb.{{cite web |title=More trolls than collections: Double iSmart draws a meagre Rs 17 cr after 10 days! |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/double-ismart-made-with-rs-90-cr-collected-rs-17-cr-puri-in-mess-1818684 |website=Deccan Chronicle |access-date=31 August 2024 |date=23 August 2024}}
Plot
Big Bull, a notorious assassin, wants to achieve immortality and decides to transfer his memories to "iSmart" Shankar, who already has another's person's memories transferred to him, thus setting the stage for the intense confrontation between Shankar and Big Bull.
Cast
Adapted from the opening credits:{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0F6YDAI0VA3SYR1JPPHILVAJB8 |title=Double iSmart |language=te |publisher=Puri Connects |year=2024 |place=India |access-date=5 September 2024 |via=Amazon Prime}}{{cbignore}}
{{Cast listing|
- Ram Pothineni as Ustaad "iSmart" Shankar alias Double ismart
- Chekiri as young Shankar
- Sanjay Dutt as Big Bull
- Ali as Boka
- Kavya Thapar as Jannat Mehrunnisa , Shankar's love interest
- Sayaji Shinde as CBI Officer Parmeshwaram
- Bani J as Bentley
- Makarand Deshpande as Dr Thomas
- Jhansi as Pochamma, Shankar's mother
- Pragathi as Old Pochamma
- Temper Vamsi as Addagutta Akbar
- Jairoop Jeevan as Harshvardhan
- Uttej as CI K. Ravi Prakash
- Getup Srinu as Shankar's friend
- Rohini as lady constable
- Ganesh Yadav as police inspector
- Kecha Khamphakdee as Chinese mafia Wong
- Vishal Sharma as security officer
- Puri Jagannadh as himself in the song "SteppaMaar"
}}
Production
Double iSmart was officially announced on 14 May 2023 by Ram Pothineni and Puri Jagannadh. Sanjay Dutt joined the cast as the main antagonist, making his debut in Telugu cinema.{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/sanjay-dutt-slays-as-fearless-big-bull-in-double-ismarts-first-look-8869226/ | title=Sanjay Dutt slays as fearless Big Bull in Double iSmart's first look | website=The Indian Express | date=31 July 2023 | access-date=21 January 2024 | archive-date=31 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731200100/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/sanjay-dutt-slays-as-fearless-big-bull-in-double-ismarts-first-look-8869226/ | url-status=live }}
Principal photography commenced on 12 July 2023, after a grand launch in Hyderabad.{{cite web | url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/100723/ram-pothineni-puri-join-hands-again.html | title=Ram Pothineni, Puri join hands again | website=Deccan Chronicle | date=10 July 2023 | access-date=21 January 2024 | archive-date=16 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716152033/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/100723/ram-pothineni-puri-join-hands-again.html | url-status=live }} The first schedule wrapped on 31 July 2023, featuring an action sequence filmed in Mumbai.{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/double-ismart-ram-pothineni-and-puri-jagannadhs-film-wraps-first-schedule-in-mumbai/articleshow/102265027.cms?from=mdr | title=Double iSmart: Ram Pothineni and Puri Jagannadh's film wraps first schedule in Mumbai | newspaper=The Times of India | date=31 July 2023 | access-date=21 January 2024 | archive-date=21 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121062843/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/double-ismart-ram-pothineni-and-puri-jagannadhs-film-wraps-first-schedule-in-mumbai/articleshow/102265027.cms?from=mdr | url-status=live }} The second schedule commenced in Thailand in August 2023.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}} Some sequences of the film were shot in Mumbai in May 2024, following which the production faced delays due to financial constraints though later resolved.{{cite web |access-date=4 May 2024 |title=Ram-Puri's Double iSmart Resumes in Mumbai |url=https://www.gulte.com/movienews/290785/ram-puris-double-ismart-resumes-in-mumbai |website=Gulte|date=4 May 2024 }}{{cite web |access-date=23 April 2024 |title=Has Ram Pothineni halted Double Ismart's shoot due to pay issues? We clarify... |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/has-ram-pothineni-halted-double-ismarts-shoot-due-to-pay-issues-here-is-the-clarity/692b269fed712 |work=ottplay.com}} The climax of the film was shot in Mumbai, where a large set worth ₹8 crore was made. The principal photography was wrapped on 5 July.{{Cite news |access-date=5 July 2024 |title=Ram Pothineni Starrer 'Double Ismart' Wraps Up Shoot |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ram-pothineni-starrer-double-ismart-wraps-up-shoot/articleshow/111509421.cms |website=The Times of India}}
Soundtrack
{{Infobox album
| name = Double iSmart
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = Mani Sharma
| cover =
| alt =
| caption =
| released = 20 August 2024
| recorded = 2023–24
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = Feature film soundtrack
| length = 20:02
| language = Telugu
| label = Aditya Music
| producer =
| misc = {{external music video
| header = Official audio
|{{YouTube|z0FMWbD9Cl0|Audio Jukebox}}
}}
}}
The soundtrack album and background score for the film were composed by Mani Sharma.{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mani-sharma-on-board-ram-pothineni-puri-jagannadhs-double-ismart/article67572746.ece | title=Mani Sharma on board Ram Pothineni – Puri Jagannadh's 'Double iSmart' | newspaper=The Hindu | date=25 November 2023 | access-date=21 January 2024 | archive-date=4 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204160334/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mani-sharma-on-board-ram-pothineni-puri-jagannadhs-double-ismart/article67572746.ece | url-status=live }} The audio rights were acquired by Aditya Music.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
The first single titled "SteppaMaar" was released on 1 July 2024.{{cite web | url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/news/2024/Jun/29/first-single-of-double-ismart-to-be-out-on-this-date | title=First single of Double iSmart to be out on this date | website=Cinema Express | date=29 June 2024 }} The second single titled "Maar Muntha Chod Chinta" was released on 16 July 2024.{{cite web |access-date=16 July 2024 |title=Second Single Maar Muntha Chod Chinta From Ram Pothineni's Film Double Ismart Is Out! |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/telugu/second-single-maar-muntha-chod-chinta-from-ram-pothinenis-film-double-ismart-is-out-article-111785165 |website=Times Now|date=16 July 2024 }} The third single titled "Kya Lafda" was released on 29 July 2024.{{cite web |access-date=30 July 2024 |title='Double Ismart': Ram Pothineni & Kavya Thapar shine with electric chemistry in Kya Lafda |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/features/music/double-ismart-ram-pothineni-kavya-thapar-shine-with-electric-chemistry-in-kya-lafda-3126763 |work=Deccan Herald}} The fourth single titled "Big Bull" was released on 8 August 2024.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}} The fifth single titled "Mother Song" was released on 17 August 2024.
{{Track listing
| headline =
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = SteppaMaar
| lyrics1 = Bhaskarabhatla
| extra1 = Anurag Kulkarni, Sahithi
| length1 = 3:52
| title2 = Maar Muntha Chod Chinta
| lyrics2 = Kasarla Shyam
| extra2 = Rahul Sipligunj, Keerthana Sharma, Dhanunjay Seepana
| length2 = 3:51
| title3 = Kya Lafda
| lyrics3 = Sri Harsha Emani
| extra3 = Dhanunjay Seepana, Sindhuja Srinivasan
| length3 = 4:31
| title4 = Big Bull
| lyrics4 = Bhaskarabhatla
| extra4 = Prudhvi Chandra, Sanjana Kalmanje
| length4 = 4:07
| title5 = Mother Song
| lyrics5 = Krishna Kanth
| extra5 = Ramya Behara
| length5 = 3:32
| total_length = 20:02
}}
Release
=Theatrical=
The film was initially set to release on 8 March 2024 (Maha Shivaratri), but was later postponed to 15 August 2024 coinciding with Independence Day.{{cite news |date=29 November 2023 |title=Puri Jagannadh's 'Double iSmart' gets a release date |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/puri-jagannadhs-double-ismart-gets-a-release-date/article67586022.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213210132/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/puri-jagannadhs-double-ismart-gets-a-release-date/article67586022.ece |archive-date=13 December 2023 |access-date=21 January 2024 |newspaper=The Hindu}}{{Cite web |date=2024-06-15 |title=Puri Jagannadh's 'Double iSmart' gets a release date |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/puri-jagannadhs-double-ismart-gets-a-release-date/article68292952.ece |language=en-US |website=The Hindu}}{{cite web |access-date=15 June 2024 |title=Ram Pothineni, Sanjay Dutt's Double iSmart release date announced; fans wonder about Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/ram-pothineni-sanjay-dutts-double-ismart-release-august-15-allu-arjuns-pushpa-2-101718455003321.html |website=Hindustan Times|date=15 June 2024 }} The film received an A (adults only) certification from the Central Board of Film Certification on the account of violence and strong language.{{cite web |access-date=8 August 2024 |title=Puri Jagannadh's 'Double iSmart' gets A-rating from censor board, check run-time |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/puri-jagannadh-double-ismart-gets-a-rating-from-censor-board-check-run-time-2579006-2024-08-08 |website=India Today|date=8 August 2024 }}
=Distribution=
The distribution rights of the film were acquired by Primeshow Entertainment and Mythri Movie Makers.{{cite web |access-date=23 July 2024 |title=Primeshow Entertainment bags theatrical rights for Double iSmart |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/news/2024/Jul/23/primeshow-entertainment-bags-theatrical-rights-for-double-ismart |work=Cinema Express|date=23 July 2024 }} The distribution rights were acquired to Sakthi Film Factory in Tamil Nadu{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}.
=Home media=
The digital streaming rights to the film were acquired by Amazon Prime Video for {{INR}} 33 crore.{{Cite web|date=26 July 2024|title=Ram Pothineni's Double iSmart locks deal with THIS OTT platform for a whopping amount?|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/ram-pothinenis-double-ismart-locks-deal-with-this-ott-platform-for-a-whopping-amount-1332400|website=Pinkvilla}} The satellite rights were sold by Zee Telugu and Zee Cinemalu respectively. The film was premiered on Amazon Prime Video from 5 September 2024.{{cite web |access-date=5 September 2024 |title=Ram Pothineni's Film Double iSmart Released Silently on OTT Platform |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/telugu/ram-pothinenis-film-double-ismart-released-silently-on-ott-platform-article-113078314 |work=Times Now|date=5 September 2024 }}
Reception
BVS Prakash of Deccan Chronicle gave 2/5 stars and wrote "After a flop like Liger, noted director Puri Jagannadh returns with Double iSmart, but the sci-fi plot he has chosen is not exciting enough."{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-review/double-ismart-sci-fi-sequel-fails-to-deliver-struggles-with-outlandish-plot-1816601|title=Double iSmart: Sci-Fi Sequel Fails to Deliver, Struggles with Outlandish Plot|first=B. V. S.|last=Prakash|date=15 August 2024|website=Deccan Chronicle}} Sashidhar Adivi of Times Now gave 2/5 stars and wrote "Double iSmart is a tedious affair!."{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/reviews/telugu/double-ismart-review-a-tedious-affair-review-112542847|title=Double iSmart Review: A Tedious Affair!|date=15 August 2024|website=Times Now}} Sowmya Rajendran of The News Minute gave 1/5 stars and wrote "Puri fries our brain with double the torture."{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/double-ismart-review-puri-fries-our-brain-with-double-the-torture|title=Double iSmart review: Puri fries our brain with double the torture|first=Sowmya|last=Rajendran|date=15 August 2024|website=The News Minute}} In a negative review, Neeshita Nyayapati of Hindustan Times wrote "Puri Jagannadh focuses so much on making his protagonist likeable that this time around, he forgets to focus on a coherent story."{{cite web |access-date=15 August 2024 |title=Double iSmart review: Ram Pothineni, Puri Jagannadh's film is 'double' annoying |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/double-ismart-review-ram-pothineni-puri-jagannadhs-film-is-double-annoying-101723707338095.html |work=Hindustan Times}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb title|27610677}}
{{Puri Jagannadh}}
Category:Indian action drama films
Category:2020s Telugu-language films
Category:Indian science fiction action films
Category:Films directed by Puri Jagannadh
Category:Films shot in Hyderabad, India
Category:Films shot in Thailand
Category:Indian films about revenge
Category:Indian vigilante films
Category:2024 science fiction action films