In the realm of visual storytelling, the credo that a gripping narrative should evoke more than it explicitly communicates has long been cherished as a cornerstone of cinema. However, in recent years, this narrative principle seems to be increasingly challenged by a slew of films released directly on OTT platforms, which often convey the message but compromise the immersive experience. “Do Patti,” a film that bypassed traditional theatrical release in favor of digital streaming, stands as another testament to this trend. The film, while seeking to highlight significant social issues, primarily domestic abuse, falls short of building a coherent and deeply engaging narrative.
Tracing its lineage to films such as “Seeta Aur Geeta” and “Darlings,” “Do Patti” embarks on its journey under the guise of a police procedural, oscillates into the realm of chick-lit, and concludes as a treatise on domestic abuse, much akin to a public service announcement. Despite the promising premise, the film struggles to maintain a consistent tone, making it a patchwork of half-realized ideas and unfulfilled narrative promise. The dialogues penned by Kanika Dhillon sparkle with more vitality than the screenplay itself, which, unfortunately, does not weave these elements into a seamless story, ultimately rendering the film unable to elicit profound empathy for its characters caught in this mélange of genres.
Set against the backdrop of the misty hills of Uttarakhand, the film narrates the saga of two sisters, both portrayed by Kriti Sanon, and a determined police officer, played by Kajol. The plot centers around their efforts to unravel a case of attempted murder. The sisters, Saumya and Shailee, manifest two distinct aspects of womanhood—the docile and the flamboyant—shaped by a tumultuous childhood that diverge into contrasting personalities, yet find common ground in their quest for the same man. Dhruv Sood, portrayed by Shaheer Sheikh, is the archetypal son of a Haryana politician: privileged, with a hot temper and an entitled demeanor.
. Despite his outward charm, he harbors a deep-seated insecurity, deeply intertwined with patriarchal mores, viewing the sisters as mere trophies that he might exhibit to different guests at will.
Though Kanika attempts to foreground the violence faced by women by permitting these adversities to unfold onscreen, partnered director Shashanka Chaturvedi stumbles in transforming poignant instances and acute social observations into a cogent and emotionally resonant narrative. Mart Ratassepp’s cinematography, though visually arresting, more effectively markets Uttarakhand’s landscapes to adventure enthusiasts than it does in charting the emotional and psychological landscapes of the film’s protagonists.
While Kriti Sanon admirably delineates the contrasting dual roles of her character, the gimmick itself stands out as an overt foreshadowing of the film’s central reveal. Instead of serving the narrative’s progression organically, it rather becomes an exercise in showcasing the actress’s capacity to channel both the submissive and rebellious traits of her characters with equal adeptness. Shaheer Sheikh, meanwhile, grapples with his role, expected to find depth in his portrayal without overshadowing the central narrative axis occupied by the protagonists, which at moments betrays an on-screen irresolution.
Kajol, following in the footsteps of peers like Raveena Tandon and Karishma Kapoor, dons the role of a police officer who, despite encountering life’s adversities and bureaucratic obstacles, retains a spirited edge. Her performance brings efficiency and an inherent spontaneity to her character; however, the local profanities peppered into her dialogues awkwardly resist the natural flow of her portrayal. Over time, what could have been an engaging performance is somewhat constrained by inconsistent writing and production constraints that hamper the film from achieving its intended emotional impact.
Ultimately, “Do Patti,” currently available for streaming on Netflix, is a cinematic endeavor burdened by its ambitious narrative scope and its failure to maintain genre cohesiveness. Its attempt to grapple with significant societal themes is marred by a disjointed storytelling approach and an incomplete execution, leaving audiences with a film that articulates its message but struggles to provide a fully engaging cinematic experience.
Published – October 25, 2024, 02:40 pm IST
Indian cinema / Hindi cinema
