For the longest time, the art of filmmaking has centered on the belief that a compelling narrative must be evocative and expressive without being overly explicit. This delicate balance, however, seems to be challenged by the recent influx of content on over-the-top (OTT) platforms, where the overt telling often eclipses the subtle showing. One such film that exemplifies this shift is “Do Patti,” a production that bypasses the traditional theatrical release in favor of streaming, seeking to deliver deep messages but often falling short of truly captivating storytelling.
Drawing inspiration from classics like “Seeta Aur Geeta” and the more recent “Darlings,” “Do Patti” embarks on a thematic journey into the realms of a police drama, transitioning into lighthearted chick-lit territory, and ultimately landing as a profound exploration of domestic abuse. It’s reminiscent of a visual public service announcement for the Bell Bajao campaign against domestic violence. Scripted by Kanika Dhillon, the movie’s dialogues carry a punch that the screenplay often lacks, with the inconsistency in tone leaving the audience yearning for a more unified narrative structure. This disconnect highlights an interesting irony: while the film champions the spirit of law over the literal, it struggles to apply this principle to its cinematic execution.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Uttarakhand’s misty hills, “Do Patti” weaves the tale of two sisters, both portrayed with depth and conviction by Kriti Sanon, alongside a tenacious police officer brought to life by Kajol. The plot revolves around unraveling a case of attempted murder, with the narrative’s core focusing on the sisters, Saumya and Shailee. Despite sharing a tumultuous upbringing, they evolve into distinct personalities; one is gentle and compliant, while the other exudes boldness and self-assurance. Both, however, find themselves entangled in a complex relationship with the same man, fueled by familial discord and romantic entanglements.
Dhruv Sood, played by Shaheer Sheikh, is a character enmeshed in complexities—a scion of a politically influential family from Haryana, marked by a sense of entitlement and uncontrolled temper.
. His duality is striking; beneath his charismatic facade lies an insecure individual molded by the vestiges of patriarchal conditioning, viewing the sisters not as individuals but as possessions to be flaunted or suppressed depending on societal expectations. Dhillon skillfully underscores the violence that often marks women’s lives but partners with director Shashanka Chaturvedi, the attempt to weave social commentary into a cohesive narrative sometimes stumbles. Mart Ratassepp’s cinematography beautifully captures the scenic essence of Uttarakhand, yet leaves much to be desired in terms of delving into the emotional turbulence of the characters.
Kriti Sanon navigates the dual role with skill, embodying both the docile and defiant facets of the feminine psyche. However, the decision to have one actress portray both sisters hints at the film’s climax too early, reducing the narrative device to more a showcase of Sanon’s versatility than an effective plot mechanism. Shaheer Sheikh’s portrayal of Dhruv attempts to strike a balance, demonstrating vulnerability amidst his character’s bravado, but occasionally falls flat.
Meanwhile, Kajol’s portrayal of the determined police officer channels the gritty spirit of other actresses like Raveena Tandon and Karishma Kapoor who stepped into similar roles, but her usually vibrant performance is somewhat restrained by the uneven writing and constraints imposed by the production. Her character, vibrant and resilient despite professional and personal challenges, evokes empathy, yet the dialogues peppered with strong language feel an awkward fit in her otherwise natural delivery.
With “Do Patti” currently streaming on Netflix, viewers have the opportunity to explore its narrative at their own pace. While the film underscores crucial social issues, it serves as a reminder of the delicate interplay between storytelling and message delivery, urging creators to delve deeper into the complexities of human experiences. As Hindi cinema continues to evolve, films like “Do Patti” open up crucial conversations, albeit reminding us that the journey of crafting truly impactful cinema is ongoing.
