Double iSmart box office collection day 1:  Ram Pothineni and Sanjay Dutt's film earns Rs 4.17 crore

Puri Jagannadh's latest action-packed entertainer, Double iSmart, starring Ram Pothineni, was one of the most anticipated films of the year. Released in five languages on August 15, the sequel to the hugely successful iSmart Shankar aimed to replicate its predecessor's success. The film's reception, however, has been somewhat mixed, reflecting the high stakes and pressure on both the lead actor Ram Pothineni and the director Puri Jagannadh.

The stakes for Double iSmart were sky-high. Following the massive success of iSmart Shankar, Ram Pothineni has faced a series of back-to-back box office failures. This film was anticipated to be his breakthrough, potentially reviving his box office appeal. The urgency for a hit also extended to Puri Jagannadh, whose recent films have not performed as expected. The film's release was met with a blend of anticipation and concern, with both the actor and director needing a significant success to bolster their careers.

 
In Double iSmart Ram Pothineni reprises his role as Ustaad iSmart Shankar, with the character Arun also playing a significant part. The film also introduces Kavya Thapar in a crucial role, alongside an ensemble cast that includes Sayaji Shinde, Bani J, Getup Srinu, Ali, Makarand Deshpande, Uttej, and Mustaweem Jhalaria. Veteran actor Sanjay Dutt adds star power to the film, portraying the character Big Bull.

 
According to reports from Sacnilk, Double iSmart had a promising start at the box office. On its first day of release, the film grossed  Rs 4.17 crore across all languages in India, marking a strong opening. This performance was crucial, given the expectations surrounding the film and the need for a box office hit for both Ram Pothineni and Puri Jagannadh.

 
The film recorded a 60.1% occupancy* ratio for its morning performances, one of the highest for Ram Pothineni's career. The expectations were that the film would continue to perform well throughout the day, with estimates placing the first-day earnings at Rs 3.38 crore. These numbers suggest that Double iSmart has the potential to maintain momentum over its opening weekend, although the final figures will depend on audience reception and word-of-mouth reviews.

 
Despite the strong opening, the reception for Double iSmart has been uneven. While some fans of the original iSmart Shankar appreciated the high-octane action sequences and Ram Pothineni's dynamic performance, others felt that the film did not live up to the standards set by its predecessor. The film's success will ultimately depend on its ability to connect with audiences beyond the opening weekend.

 
The coming days will be critical for Double iSmart. If the film can maintain its box office momentum, it could mark a significant comeback for both Ram Pothineni and Puri Jagannadh. However, if audience interest wanes, the film may struggle to achieve the long-term success needed to rejuvenate their careers fully.