Do Patti attempts to weave together a story of sibling rivalry, domestic abuse, and justice, but ultimately falls short of its potential. The film, led by Kajol and Kriti Sanon, struggles with a predictable narrative.
When the trailer of Do Patti dropped, it promised an intriguing blend of suspense and thriller, sparking curiosity about the performances of Kajol and Kriti Sanon. It showed twin sisters, a dedicated police inspector, and a dashing Shaheer Sheikh, creating anticipation for a complex and thrilling narrative. When we watched today, the story began in the quaint hill station of Devipur, where Inspector Vidya Jyoti (Kajol), referred to as VJ, is transferred. VJ is the daughter of a judge and a lawyer, with a firm, unyielding sense of justice. Her moral compass is unwavering, and she doesn’t hesitate to hold even her own brother accountable for his mistakes, sending him to jail. VJ is not just a police officer but also a lawyer, and her approach to law and justice sets her apart from others.
Story:
One evening, Vidya investigates a complaint of a fight lodged at the police station, but her pursuit leads her into a deepening mystery that disturbs her peace. During her investigation, she encounters Soumya (Kriti Sanon), a woman with visible injuries on her face. Although Soumya insists she was hurt by a cabinet, the Madam sir senses something is wrong and starts to follow her, which ultimately leads to the introduction of Soumya’s twin sister, Shailee (also played by Kriti Sanon). As Vidya delves deeper into the lives of the two sisters, the plot thickens with secrets, sibling rivalry, and hidden trauma.
The movie’s narrative shifts between the past and present, revealing the contrasting personalities of the twin sisters. Soumya is portrayed as the shy, introverted, and traditional ‘gharelu’ woman who abstains from drinking, while Shailee is the bold, extroverted, and confident twin. At one point, Shailee’s character even mirrors Deepika Padukone’s Veronica from Cocktail. The romantic angle comes into play with Dhruv Sood (Shaheer Sheikh), a wealthy businessman with a spoiled, rebellious nature, and a politician father backing him. His arrogance and disrespect for women are central to his character, creating tension in the story. Soumya falls in love with Dhruv, but their love story never quite reaches its full potential. Just as things seem to be heading in one direction, Shailee enters their lives, sparking a sibling rivalry that turns into a battle for Dhruv’s affections.
Although Dhruv marries Soumya, Shailee’s jealousy deepens, fueling her resentment toward her sister. Shailee relentlessly tries to disrupt Soumya’s life, which becomes even more tragic when Dhruv, after marriage, turns violent, subjecting Soumya to domestic abuse. This element of the story adds layers of emotional trauma, but the execution and pacing weaken the impact, making the conflict feel repetitive and drawn out.
Soumya is quiet and reserved, while Shailee is bold and rebellious, creating a stark contrast between the two. When Vidya starts investigating an apparent domestic violence case involving Soumya, it leads her into a tangled web of sibling rivalry and secrets, particularly around Soumya’s abusive marriage to Dhruv (Shaheer Sheikh).
While Don Patti, directed by Shashanka Chaturvedi, hints at a thrilling exploration of domestic abuse and sibling tension, the film struggles to find its footing. The script feels half-baked, and the narrative jumps between melodrama and suspense without creating any real emotional depth. The back-and-forth storytelling, highlighting the childhood trauma of the twin sisters, gets tedious and predictable.
Performances:
Kriti Sanon stands out as she attempts to breathe life into her dual role as the troubled Soumya and the rebellious Shailee. However, her efforts are undercut by a lack of character development, leaving viewers disengaged from the emotional stakes of the story. Kajol, playing the stern cop, takes time to settle into her role. Although dependable, her character never quite manages to leave a lasting impression, and her accent is distracting in several scenes. Shaheer Sheikh, playing the violent and arrogant Dhruv, adds little beyond surface-level menace. The unnecessary violence and his clichéd portrayal of a spoiled rich brat feel overdone and detract from the story.
The film’s climax, while predictable, tries to deliver a strong message about overcoming domestic violence, but the execution feels rushed and unconvincing. Do Patti fails to elevate its core message due to a meandering narrative that doesn’t allow for the necessary emotional punch.
Overall, Do Patti had the ingredients to be a gripping film but missed the mark due to its lack of depth and uneven storytelling.
Verdict:
Do Patti had the potential to be an intense thriller, but it ultimately falls flat due to weak writing and direction. Despite having a talented cast with Kajol, Kriti Sanon, and Shaheer Sheikh, the film fails to deliver the impact one would expect from a suspenseful drama.
Stars: 1.5
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