Double iSmart

Double iSmart is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language science fiction action film directed by Puri Jagannadh, who also co-produced it with Charmy Kaur under the Puri Connects banner. It serves as a spiritual successor to *iSmart Shankar*. The cast includes Ram Pothineni in the lead, along with Sanjay Dutt, Ali, Kavya Thapar, Sayaji Shinde, and Bani J. Mani Sharma composed the music, while cinematography was handled by Gianni Giannelli and Shyam K. Naidu, and editing by Karthika Srinivas.

The film was released in theatres on 15 August 2024, coinciding with Indian Independence Day. Critics panned it, and it became Puri Jagannadh’s second consecutive box-office failure after *Liger*.

The plot follows Big Bull, a notorious assassin seeking immortality, who attempts to transfer his memories into “iSmart” Shankar—who already carries another person’s memories—leading to a confrontation between the two.

Production was announced on 14 May 2023 by Ram Pothineni and Puri Jagannadh. Sanjay Dutt joined as the main antagonist. Principal photography began on 12 July 2023 after a grand launch in Hyderabad, with the first schedule wrapping on 31 July 2023 after filming an action sequence in Mumbai. A second schedule took place in Thailand in August 2023. Some scenes were shot in Mumbai in May 2024, though production faced delays due to financial issues that were later resolved. The climax was filmed in Mumbai on a set costing ₹8 crore. Principal photography concluded on 5 July.

The soundtrack and background score were composed by Mani Sharma, with audio rights acquired by Aditya Music. Five singles were released: “SteppaMaar” on 1 July 2024, “Maar Muntha Chod Chinta” on 16 July, “Kya Lafda” on 29 July, “Big Bull” on 8 August, and “Mother Song” on 17 August.

Originally slated for release on 8 March 2024 (Maha Shivaratri), the film was postponed to 15 August 2024. It received an A (adults only) certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification due to violence and strong language. Distribution rights were acquired by Primeshow Entertainment and Mythri Movie Makers, with Sakthi Film Factory handling Tamil Nadu. Digital streaming rights went to Amazon Prime Video for ₹33 crore, and satellite rights were sold to Zee Telugu and Zee Cinemalu. The film premiered on Amazon Prime Video on 5 September 2024.

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