Shashanka Chaturvedi’s Do Patti, featuring the powerhouse duo Kajol and Kriti Sanon, attempts to weave a layered narrative tackling domestic abuse under the guise of a crime thriller. However, its ambitions to balance entertainment with a meaningful message leave it stumbling through mismatched tones and uneven storytelling.
A STORY THAT TRIES TO DO TOO MUCH
At its core, Do Patti borrows the broad strokes of classics like Seeta Aur Geeta, blending elements of women-led empowerment with dark comedy and crime drama.
The film opens with the promise of a gripping police procedural, hinting at suspense and intrigue. As the story unfolds, it meanders into chick-lit territory, only to pivot sharply into a social commentary on domestic abuse. This genre-hopping might have worked with a more cohesive script, but here it leaves the narrative feeling fragmented.
Kanika Dhillon’s screenplay, while occasionally sharp in its dialogue, struggles to sustain emotional depth. Characters often feel like vehicles for delivering a message rather than fully realised individuals. The themes of justice and resilience are undeniably important, but the heavy-handed execution reduces them to didactic moments, detracting from what could have been a nuanced exploration.
PERFORMANCES THAT OUTSHINE THE PLOT
Kajol brings her trademark gravitas to the role, managing to convey a simmering intensity even when the script doesn’t always give her much to work with. Kriti Sanon shows flashes of brilliance, particularly in scenes that demand vulnerability, but her character lacks the depth needed to fully engage the audience. Together, their chemistry hints at a stronger partnership than the screenplay allows them to explore.
The supporting cast does their best with limited material, but their roles are often underwritten, serving as plot devices rather than integral parts of the story.
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES IN DIRECTION
Chaturvedi’s direction feels torn between creating a taut thriller and delivering a public service announcement. While the film’s message about the prevalence and impact of domestic abuse is undoubtedly vital, the narrative’s reliance on clichés and predictable twists undercuts its potency. The result is a film that tells more than it shows, often spelling out its themes instead of allowing them to unfold organically.
VISUAL AND TECHNICAL ELEMENTS
Visually, Do Patti doesn’t stray far from the moody aesthetics typical of OTT thrillers, with shadowy corners and starkly lit rooms attempting to build tension. The score, though serviceable, doesn’t leave a lasting impression, and the pacing occasionally drags, making the 2-hours and 7-minutes runtime feel longer than it should.
VERDICT
Do Patti is a film that tries to juggle too many ambitions and ends up dropping the ball. While its themes are undoubtedly significant, the inconsistent tone and lack of narrative finesse dilute the impact. Kajol and Kriti Sanon’s performances are the film’s saving grace, but they aren’t enough to overcome the uneven script.
For a film that claims to prioritise the spirit of justice, Do Patti ironically falters in capturing the spirit of compelling cinema. It might provoke important conversations, but as a cinematic experience, it struggles to leave a lasting impression.
RATING
2.5/5