You are here:

iSmart Shankar

iSmart Shankar

Representation Score

4.1/10

Fair

2019

Not Rated

Director

Puri Jagannadh

Runtime

141 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

iSmart Shankar is a typical example of regional commercial cinema that prioritizes traditional archetypes and heroic individualism. It excels in ethnic authenticity and provides a localized critique of power hierarchies. However, the film lacks complexity in addressing diverse identities. It maintains conventional gender roles and does not engage with LGBTQ+ or disability narratives, adhering to established masala cinema clichés. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its cultural specificity rather than its subversion of social hierarchies.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does iSmart Shankar have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on traditional romantic relationships and does not include characters with non-binary gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does iSmart Shankar portray gender?

Limited

The movie emphasizes traditional masculinity through the portrayal of a 'mass hero.' Female characters are mostly secondary, serving as romantic interests rather than driving the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is iSmart Shankar?

Good

The film centers on a South Indian cast and urban environment, providing a strong counter-narrative to Anglo-centric storytelling.

How does iSmart Shankar represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story critiques corrupt elites by framing vigilantism as a heroic necessity. It upholds traditional moral values related to family and social loyalty.

Does iSmart Shankar include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature characters with visible or invisible disabilities and does not use disability as a central theme or tool for character development.

Present on Screen

  • High levels of regional authenticity and ethnic specificity
  • Effective critique of exploitative power dynamics and corrupt elite structures
  • Strong representation of South Indian cultural and linguistic identity

Limited or Absent

  • Lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities and non-traditional genders
  • Reliance on traditional gender hierarchies and secondary female roles
  • Absence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities

Official Synopsis

A contract killer goes on the run after eliminating a target and eventually finds himself linked to a slain cop whose memory is transferred to his brain.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.