In recent years, the cinematic landscape has witnessed a dramatic shift with the advent of OTT platforms that have revolutionized the way movies are consumed by audiences globally. While these platforms provide an opportunity for a diverse range of content, they sometimes seem to champion a style of storytelling that prioritizes exposition over visual narrative. ‘Do Patti,’ a film that has opted for a direct-to-streaming release, is emblematic of this trend, offering a narrative that is laden with messages but, unfortunately, little else of cinematic substance.
‘Do Patti’ positions itself as a spiritual successor to classic films like ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’ and the more contemporary ‘Darlings.’ Its narrative structure is a fusion of genres, beginning as a police procedural, diving into the realms of chick-lit, and ultimately settling on a poignant exploration of domestic abuse. The film could be seen as an extended public service announcement, echoing the sentiments of campaigns such as Bell Bajao. However, it seems to struggle with consistency in tone and coherence throughout its storytelling, detracting from the potential impact on its audience.
Written by Kanika Dhillon, the film’s dialogue manages to deliver sharp and impactful lines, yet the screenplay fails to match this intensity. Despite her attempts to navigate through a variety of themes and genres, the patchy narrative fails to evoke the desired emotional response. While the film aims to prioritize the ethos of justice over the rigidity of the law, it seems unable to maintain this principle within its cinematic expression.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Uttarakhand’s picturesque hills, ‘Do Patti’ follows the tumultuous journey of two sisters portrayed by Kriti Sanon. The sisters, Saumya and Shailee, embody contrasting personalities; one exhibits a gentle nature while the other exudes flamboyance and conceit. Their shared tumultuous past shapes them into individuals who ultimately contend for the affections of the same man. The duo’s paths intertwine with that of Kajol’s character, a tenacious police officer determined to solve a case of attempted murder that entwines her fate with theirs.
The male lead, Dhruv Sood, portrayed by Shaheer Sheikh, is depicted as the privileged son of a Haryana politician, with a dark history of anger issues simmering beneath his charming exterior.
. This captivating yet deeply flawed character exemplifies the oppressive legacy of patriarchy that threatens to engulf the lives of the two sisters, reducing them to mere objects to be flaunted.
Despite the potential for poignant exploration of gender violence and social critique, ‘Do Patti’ falls short of crafting these themes into a seamless narrative. Director Shashanka Chaturvedi and writer Dhillon appear to bypass opportunities for deeper, introspective storytelling. The film shines sporadically with cinematographer Mart Ratassepp capturing the enchanting vistas of Uttarakhand. However, for audiences seeking a deeper connection to the characters, these visuals may offer little solace.
Kriti Sanon tackles the challenge of a double role with commendable skill, capturing both vulnerability and rebellion adeptly. However, the narrative device serves more as an exhibition of her acting prowess rather than adding depth to the storyline, inadvertently leading viewers to anticipate the plot’s major twist well in advance. Shaheer Sheikh, meanwhile, grapples with a demanding role that requires emotional nuance without dominating the narrative. This struggle reflects on screen, revealing moments of apparent ambiguity.
Kajol’s portrayal of a spirited law enforcement officer, reminiscent of roles undertaken by contemporaries such as Raveena Tandon and Karishma Kapoor, introduces an element of grit to the proceedings. Yet, as the story unfolds, her performance seems confined by uneven scripting and predefined boundaries imposed by the film’s creative direction. This constraint becomes evident as her character’s dynamism dwindles amidst the unfolding drama.
As ‘Do Patti’ strives to blend its multifaceted genres and profound themes, its journey appears marked by unfulfilled ambition. Despite a talented cast and compelling thematic intentions, the film grapples with unsteady narrative execution, leading to an experience that, while thought-provoking in parts, feels inadequately fleshed out. Now streaming on Netflix, ‘Do Patti’ invites audiences into a story that promises much yet delivers intermittently, leaving viewers to ponder the delicate balance between storytelling and message-driven cinema.
