Do Patti: Review | Story | Cast

Do Patti, directed by Shashanka Chaturvedi and starring the formidable duo of Kriti Sanon and Kajol, is a gripping romantic thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of familial relationships, jealousy, and the harrowing realities of domestic violence. Released on Netflix on October 25, 2024, this film marks a significant milestone for Kriti Sanon, as it is her first production venture under her banner, Blue Butterfly Films. With a runtime of 126 minutes, the movie promises an engaging narrative that intertwines suspense with emotional depth.

Plot Overview

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the fictional town of Devipur in Uttarakhand, Do Patti revolves around twin sisters Saumya and Shailee Sood, both portrayed by Kriti Sanon. The twins are starkly different in personality: Saumya is gentle and demure, while Shailee is wild and rebellious.

Their lives take a tumultuous turn when they become embroiled in a murder mystery that involves their boyfriend Dhruv Sood (played by Shaheer Sheikh), a wealthy businessman with a dark side. The film opens with a shocking incident that sets the tone for the unfolding drama.

As the narrative progresses, we see Saumya trapped in an abusive relationship with Dhruv, who embodies the archetype of a charming yet violent partner. The tension escalates when Vidya “VJ” Jyothi (Kajol), a determined police officer with a law degree, enters the scene to investigate an attempted murder case linked to Dhruv. The intricate web of family secrets and sibling rivalry forms the crux of this compelling story.

Kriti Sanon as Saumya and Shailee Sood

Kriti Sanon delivers an impressive performance in her dual role as Saumya and Shailee. She adeptly captures the contrasting personalities of the twins—Saumya’s vulnerability juxtaposed against Shailee’s fiery spirit. The emotional depth she brings to Saumya’s character, especially during scenes depicting domestic abuse, is both heart-wrenching and powerful.

Critics have noted that her portrayal makes you sympathize with Saumya’s plight while simultaneously feeling a visceral hatred for Shailee’s manipulative actions. Shailee’s character arc is particularly intriguing; her jealousy towards Saumya stems from childhood trauma after their mother’s death. This jealousy manifests in destructive ways, including seducing Dhruv and attempting to undermine Saumya’s happiness. Kriti’s ability to embody both characters convincingly makes Do Patti a standout performance in her career.

Kajol as Vidya Jyothi

Kajol takes on the role of Vidya Jyothi, marking her first portrayal of a police officer. Initially, her performance seems somewhat restrained; however, as the film progresses, she finds her footing in this complex role. Vidya’s determination to seek justice for Saumya adds layers to her character as she navigates through personal and professional challenges. Critics have pointed out that while Kajol’s performance is commendable, it occasionally feels overshadowed by Kriti’s dual roles.

Shaheer Sheikh as Dhruv Sood

Shaheer Sheikh shines as Dhruv Sood, bringing depth to a character that could easily fall into cliché. His transition from charming suitor to abusive partner is chillingly effective. Critics have praised his ability to portray Dhruv’s complexities—his insecurities rooted in privilege and patriarchal entitlement make him both relatable and reviled. This role serves as a significant departure from his previous work in television, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Themes Explored

Do Patti tackles several weighty themes that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences:

Domestic Violence: The film does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of domestic abuse. It explores the psychological impact on victims like Saumya and raises questions about societal complicity in such situations.

Sisterhood and Rivalry: The dynamics between Saumya and Shailee serve as a poignant exploration of sibling relationships marked by jealousy and competition. Their bond is tested throughout the film, leading to moments of profound emotional conflict.

Justice: The quest for justice is central to the narrative, embodied by Vidya’s relentless pursuit to uncover the truth behind the attempted murder case. The film raises critical questions about legal systems’ effectiveness in addressing domestic violence.

Cinematography and Music

Mart Ratassepp’s cinematography captures the scenic beauty of Uttarakhand while also effectively framing the tension within intimate settings. The visual storytelling complements the narrative’s emotional beats, enhancing viewer engagement. The music composed by Sachet–Parampara adds another layer to the film’s atmosphere but has received mixed reviews from critics. While some tracks resonate well within their cinematic context, others feel forgettable compared to more memorable soundtracks in recent films.

Critique

While Do Patti has garnered praise for its performances and thematic depth, it is not without its flaws:

Pacing Issues: Some critics have noted that while the first hour maintains an engaging pace filled with suspense and intrigue, the final act falters slightly as it stretches out key confrontations and resolutions. This can detract from the overall impact of what could have been a more tightly woven narrative.

Predictability: Certain plot twists may feel predictable to seasoned viewers of thrillers. While this does not diminish the film’s emotional weight or performances, it can affect overall suspense.

Character Depth: While Kriti and Shaheer deliver compelling performances, some critics argue that Kajol’s character lacks sufficient development early on, making it challenging for audiences to connect with her until later in the story.

Cast

Kajol as Inspector Vidya “VJ” Jyothi Kanwar

Kriti Sanon in a dual role as Saumya Pundir Sood and Shailee Pundir

Shaheer Sheikh as Dhruv Sood

Tanvi Azmi

Brijendra Kala

Vivek Mushran

Prachee Shah Paandya