Ram Pothineni’s latest film, Double iSmart, directed by the celebrated filmmaker Puri Jagannadh, continues its journey at the box office, but the initial hype appears to be waning. Despite a promising start, the film’s earnings have seen a steady decline, raising concerns about its long-term viability in a competitive market.

Box Office Performance: A Mixed Bag of Results

Double iSmart hit the screens on August 15, 2024, coinciding with the Indian Independence Day holiday, which typically boosts box office numbers. The film opened to a solid Rs 7.35 crore net, with Rs 6.9 crore coming from its Telugu version and Rs 0.45 crore from its Hindi release. The film’s initial success was largely attributed to Ram Pothineni’s strong fan base and the buzz generated by the sequel to the 2019 hit iSmart Shankar.

However, the momentum did not last long. Over the first weekend, the film’s collections started to dip, earning a combined Rs 2.9 crore net across both the Hindi and Telugu versions. This decline continued into the weekdays, with Monday’s collection dropping to Rs 1 crore net. By Tuesday and Wednesday, the film’s daily earnings had further decreased to Rs 0.49 crore and Rs 0.4 crore net, respectively. By the eighth day, Thursday, Double iSmart managed to earn only Rs 0.32 crore net, bringing its total collection to Rs 14.22 crore net.

Reasons Behind the Decline

The declining box office performance of Double iSmart can be attributed to several factors. First, the film faced stiff competition from other major releases, both in Telugu and Hindi cinema. Films like Gadar 2 and Jailer have been dominating the box office, drawing audiences away from Double iSmart. Additionally, the mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike have also played a role in the film’s diminishing returns. While some praised the film for its action sequences and performances, others criticized it for lacking the novelty that made iSmart Shankar a hit.

Moreover, the film’s storyline, which continues the narrative of iSmart Shankar, may not have resonated as strongly with a broader audience. The sequel, while banking on the success of its predecessor, struggled to bring something fresh to the table, resulting in a less enthusiastic response from moviegoers.

Sanjay Dutt on His Role and Experience

Veteran actor Sanjay Dutt, known for his powerful performances in Bollywood, has increasingly been taking on roles in South Indian cinema. In Double iSmart, he plays a significant role, and during a recent media interaction, Dutt shared insights into his growing inclination toward negative roles in South Indian films.

“Playing a villain allows me to explore a wide range of emotions and actions,” Dutt said. “These roles are more dynamic and give me the opportunity to portray a complex persona on screen, which is incredibly satisfying as an actor.”

Dutt also spoke highly of his co-star, Ram Pothineni. “It was a pleasure and an honour working with him. He is like a younger brother to me. Ram is a good performer and a hard worker, and we had a lot of fun while filming in Dubai and other locations,” Dutt added.

Puri Jagannadh’s Vision and Challenges

Puri Jagannadh, the director of Double iSmart, is known for his mass appeal films that often blend high-octane action with catchy dialogues and a pulsating soundtrack. However, with Double iSmart, he faced the challenge of living up to the expectations set by iSmart Shankar, which had become a cult hit in the Telugu film industry.

Jagannadh’s attempt to recreate the magic of iSmart Shankar with a similar template may have backfired to some extent. While the film delivered in terms of entertainment value, the lack of a fresh narrative and innovative elements likely contributed to the declining interest. Despite this, Jagannadh remains a revered figure in Telugu cinema, with a reputation for creating blockbusters that cater to the masses.

The Road Ahead for Double iSmart

As Double iSmart continues its run in theatres, the coming weeks will be crucial. The film’s performance during the second weekend will determine whether it can regain some of its lost momentum or if it will continue on its current downward trajectory. The competition from other films, both regional and national, will also play a significant role in shaping its box office fate.

In the age of digital streaming, there is also the possibility that Double iSmart could find a new audience online. Many films that have underperformed in theatres have gone on to become hits on OTT platforms, thanks to their accessibility and the growing trend of binge-watching. If Double iSmart manages to strike a deal with a major streaming service, it could still turn into a financial success in the long run.

Star-Studded Cast Adds to the Appeal

Apart from Ram Pothineni and Sanjay Dutt, Double iSmart boasts a talented ensemble cast that includes Kavya Thapar, Bani J, Sayaji Shinde, Getup Srinu, Ali, and Makarand Deshpande, all of whom play pivotal roles in the film. Their performances add depth to the narrative, making Double iSmart a complete entertainer despite its box office struggles.

Looking Ahead

While the box office numbers for Double iSmart may not be as impressive as expected, the film still holds a place in the hearts of Ram Pothineni’s fans and Puri Jagannadh’s followers. Whether it can recover its footing in the competitive landscape of Indian cinema remains to be seen, but for now, Double iSmart continues its journey, one collection at a time.

  box office collection, Double iSmart, Gadar 2, iSmart Shankar, Jailer, Kavya Thapar, Puri Jagannadh, Ram Pothineni, Sanjay Dutt, South Indian Films, Telugu Cinema