Ismart Shankar (2020)

iSmart Shankar (2019): A Bold and Entertaining Telugu Action Thriller

Introduction

Released in 2019, iSmart Shankar is a Telugu-language action thriller that quickly became a cult hit thanks to its stylish presentation, fast-paced storytelling, and engaging performances. Directed by Puri Jagannadh, the movie stands out as a blend of science fiction and high-octane action with a touch of mass appeal, making it popular among young audiences. This film showcases Ram Pothineni in the titular role, supported by a capable ensemble, and it is celebrated for its energetic narrative and catchy music.

Plot Summary

iSmart Shankar tells the story of an emphatic and rebellious young man named Shankar (played by Ram Pothineni), who is a tough and cunning local goon with a sting in his tail. The plot takes a sci-fi twist revolving around memory transfer technology. A police officer uses this technology to implant Shankar's memories into the brain of a dead cop to solve a case, leading to an enthralling tale of action, emotion, and revenge. This clever narrative ingredient adds a unique dimension to what could have been a conventional action flick.

The film explores themes of identity, redemption, and the fight against corruption, punctuated by thrilling chase sequences, stylized violence, and witty dialogues. The screenplay, combining humor with emotions, keeps the audience glued throughout the runtime.

Main Cast and Their Performances

• Ram Pothineni as Shankar / iSmart Shankar: Ram's kinetic energy and charismatic screen presence drive the film. His portrayal of a tough yet emotionally vulnerable goon is both convincing and entertaining, capturing attention with his action sequences and comedic timing.
• Satyadev Kancharana: Playing a key supporting role, Satyadev delivers a grounded performance that complements Ram's high-voltage characterization, adding depth and balance to the narrative.

Director and Writer

Puri Jagannadh helms the movie as the director and also contributes as the writer. Known for his distinctive storytelling style rich with punch dialogues, commercial elements, and a flair for presenting maverick hero characters, Puri Jagannadh crafts iSmart Shankar as a visual feast tailored to the tastes of the young and mass audience. His direction underscores stylized action and brisk pacing, skills he has honed through previous hits in Telugu cinema.

Music and Songs

Music plays a vital role in the movie’s appeal. Composed by Bheems Ceciroleo, the soundtrack mixes contemporary beats with catchy tunes that elevate the high-energy mood of the film. Although primarily a Telugu film, the songs turned immensely popular, contributing to the film’s mass appeal. Some notable songs include "Saara Saara", which became a chartbuster thanks to its foot-tapping rhythm and vibrant choreography.

These songs are rendered by prominent playback singers who helped build the atmosphere, including:

• Vijay Yesudas
• Bhagyashree G. And Karthik
• Shreya Ghoshal

The soundtrack perfectly complements the action-packed narrative and provides energetic interludes that boost the film’s entertainment quotient.

Reception and Legacy

Upon release, iSmart Shankar received a warm reception for its racy screenplay, Mass-hero elements, and Ram Pothineni’s intense performance. Though it received mixed reviews from critics regarding its story depth, the movie was a commercial blockbuster and found special favor among fans of the action genre. Its success also led to the film being dubbed in Hindi and Urdu, increasing its reach across India and among South Asian audiences.

Its blend of science fiction with a traditional action template inspired filmmakers exploring genre combinations, and it remains a popular choice for those seeking stylized action movies from Telugu cinema.

Conclusion

In summary, iSmart Shankar (2019) is an adrenaline-pumping action thriller that combines technology-driven storytelling with a classic revenge saga. With a stellar performance by Ram Pothineni under Puri Jagannadh’s visionary direction and supported by a vibrant soundtrack, the film delivers an engaging cinematic experience that resonates especially with fans of fast-paced, commercial Telugu films. For audiences seeking a blend of action, drama, and a dash of sci-fi, iSmart Shankar is a must-watch entry in the catalog of modern South Indian cinema.

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