Set in the fictional hill station of Devipur, Shashanka Chaturvedi directorial ‘Do Patti’ tells the story of twin sisters Saumya and Shailee (alongside Kriti Sanon), whose strained relationship is united by a common bond with Dhruv Sood (played by Shaheer Sheikh). , a wealthy businessman with a violent streak. Saumya, the more docile sister, becomes Dhruv’s wife and soon faces the horrors of domestic violence, while the flamboyant and rebellious twin, Shailee, harbors deep jealousy towards her sister.

Their lives become even more complicated when Inspector Vidya Jyoti (played by Kajol), a no-nonsense cop who is also a lawyer, steps in to investigate the disturbing dynamics at play. The film emerges as both a crime thriller and a domestic drama; takes the audience through unexpected events while exploring the toxic effects of patriarchy and unresolved sibling trauma.

“Do Patti” tries to serve as both a cautionary tale against domestic violence and an Agatha Christie-style mystery, but the mix of those elements doesn’t always work here. The tone of the film oscillates between gripping drama and a social message that can feel unbalanced and forced at times. The subject is undeniably important, as the story sheds light on the plight of women trapped in abusive relationships and the social pressures that keep them silent. However, the film’s approach can feel a bit heavy-handed, as it leans into melodrama rather than allowing the seriousness of the story to emerge organically. It falls into the trap of over-explaining and loses the subtle storytelling that could have had more impact.

Kanika Dhillon, who co-produced the film with Kriti Sanon and also wrote the script, has crafted sharp dialogues that highlight the psychological complexities of the characters. However, the script itself lacks a coherent rhythm; An engaging and suspenseful first half, but it slows down and becomes predictable in the second part of the film. This inconsistency diminishes the film’s ability to fully immerse the viewer in its message.

Kriti Sanon’s performance as both Saumya and Shailee is at the center of the film and she overcomes the challenge of portraying two opposite characters with a commendable effort. While her role as Saumya represents the silent pain of a woman oppressed by an abusive husband, her portrayal of Shailee is bold and unapologetic. Kajol’s portrayal of Inspector Vidya Jyoti is another highlight. Playing a tough cop who values ​​justice above all else, he brings a lively determination to the role and lends the character a natural authority. While her performance is energetic, it is limited by uneven writing that prevents her from fully inhabiting her character.

Going against his usual romantic roles, Shaheer Sheikh plays Dhruv with a menacing attitude. His portrayal of an entitled, anger-filled husband is chilling, and Sheikh’s ability to convey both charm and cruelty makes his character compelling to watch. He delivers a standout performance, displaying a range that adds depth to Dhruv’s otherwise simple antagonist role. Unfortunately, Tanvi Azmi and Brijendra Kala, despite their strong screen presence, are relegated to smaller, more one-dimensional roles that fail to make full use of their talents.

Mart Ratassepp’s cinematography captures the misty beauty of Devipur and captures the disturbing atmosphere of the story by framing the hill station in a way that is both picturesque and haunting. But while the visuals are intriguing, Chaturvedi’s direction falls short of maintaining narrative coherence. The film starts off strong, creating an intriguing mystery, but the tension dissipates as the plot progresses. The courtroom scenes in the final act, which were supposed to intensify the drama, are sloppy and rushed. The legal aspects of the story are underdeveloped; key moments unravel too easily, and the courtroom dialogue lacks the intensity needed for a thrilling ending. The missed opportunity here is obvious; because the film could have drawn the audience deeper into the sisters’ plight with a more deliberate and risky plot.

Ultimately, “Do Patti” conveys a strong message about domestic abuse and reflects the need for continued awareness and action against such injustices. The story does not trivialize its subject and is commendable for not shying away from the harsh realities of abuse. The narrative attempts to address why victims often remain silent by depicting Saumya’s struggle in a way that encourages empathy. However, the film’s emphasis on conveying its message sometimes overshadows the plot, turning it into a “message first” narrative that feels didactic rather than naturalistic. Thematically, “Do Patti” may draw comparisons to films like “Darlings” or “Thappad,” but it lacks the subtlety and layered character exploration that makes those films truly effective.

It’s a film with noble intentions and powerful moments of social insight, but it ultimately falls victim to its inconsistencies. The script’s pacing issues and occasionally over-the-top performances prevent the script from fully realizing its potential. While Kriti Sanon and Kajol give determined performances, the film’s tonal shifts and predictable narrative reduce the impact of the thriller. However, for viewers interested in stories with a social message and themes of female resilience, it offers enough to make it worth a watch.