Star Cast: Kriti Sanon, Kajol, Shaheer Sheikh, Tanvi Azmi, Brijendra Kala
Director: Shashanka Chaturvedi
Available On: Netflix
Runtime: 2 Hour 6 Minutes
Do Patti Movie Review
Double Role Drama Returns
The concept of a double role might feel dated in Bollywood, with one of the last memorable performances being Shah Rukh Khan in Don. But the classic trope of good versus evil in identical faces has always intrigued audiences, especially when Bollywood pairs it with the theme of twins. Think Seeta Aur Geeta or Chaalbaaz! So, does Kriti Sanon’s portrayal of twins in Do Patti hit the same high note? It mostly does! But does the thriller’s storyline lead to a perfect climax? That’s where things get shaky.
A Web of Twists and Characters
Written and produced by Kanika Dhillon, Do Patti follows her established style of portraying flawed women entangled in their own webs of complications, similar to her work in Hasseen Dillruba and its sequel Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba. This time, she brings us a story with Kajol, Shaheer Sheikh, and Kriti Sanon, but surprisingly, Kajol’s character doesn’t add much weight to the plot. While the film positions her as a central figure, her absence wouldn’t drastically alter the narrative. Let’s dive deeper to see why that’s the case.
Script Analysis: Familiar, Yet Engaging
The storyline of Do Patti is fairly straightforward, echoing elements from films like Alone, Sheesha, and even Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, where troubled childhoods lead to divergent paths for two siblings. In this case, Shailly and Saumya are twins played by Kriti Sanon, with one becoming strong and the other weak. The plot thickens when both fall for the same man, played by Shaheer Sheikh. As expected, Sheikh’s character is drawn to the “bad” twin but ends up marrying the “good” one, setting the stage for domestic drama and a rivalry between the sisters.
What starts as a compelling thriller soon delves into the themes of domestic abuse. Kajol’s character steps in, trying to unravel the complex dynamics between the twins, but her role feels misguided. With the added presence of Tanvi Azmi offering advice, the film turns into a muddled game where every card is face-up, leaving no surprises.
Star Performances: Kriti Steals the Show
Despite the film’s narrative flaws, Kriti Sanon shines as the heart of Do Patti. Both of her characters—one good, one evil—are well-portrayed, and you can’t help but root for her throughout. Her screen presence and attention to detail bring depth to both roles, making the audience care about the outcome, even if they can predict it.
On the other hand, Shaheer Sheikh’s character doesn’t get the treatment it deserves. He plays a spoiled Haryanvi brat, but the script and direction don’t support his efforts, leaving him as a weak link in the story. Though he tries to embody the role, the character’s lack of complexity holds him back from making a stronger impact.
Unfortunately, Kajol, despite being a brilliant actress, is underutilized here. Her character could have easily been replaced, and the film would have remained largely the same. Tanvi Azmi and other supporting actors, like Vivek Mushran and Brijendra Kala, are present but don’t add significant value to the unfolding drama.
Direction and Music: Hits and Misses
The direction by Shashanka Chaturvedi is commendable in parts, especially during the first half, which sets up a tense, engaging thriller. However, as the story progresses, it begins to unravel, particularly when Kajol’s character is thrown into the mix in a way that feels unnecessary. By the time the climax arrives, the film struggles to maintain the momentum it had in the beginning.
The music, unfortunately, detracts from the experience rather than enhancing it. Bollywood’s habit of inserting songs into every narrative moment continues here, including an awkwardly placed Holi song before the film’s final act. It feels out of place and adds nothing to the story’s emotional arc.
The Final Word: Kriti’s Performance Stands Out
In Do Patti, Kriti Sanon is undoubtedly the star, delivering a standout performance that elevates the film. While her portrayal of Saumya feels fresh and grounded, her take on Shailly borrows a bit from Deepika Padukone’s Cocktail, which adds another layer to her performance. However, despite the film’s attempt to tackle domestic violence and abuse, it ultimately falls short of delivering the emotional punch it aims for. With a stronger climax and tighter narrative focus, Do Patti could have been more impactful.
At the end of the day, the film leaves you wondering where things went wrong, and the answer likely lies in Kanika Dhillon’s decision to play her feminist themes like a trump card, but without the necessary depth to back them up.
