Do Patti Movie Review: Promising Drama Falls Short on Depth and Delivery
Do Patti, starring Kajol and Kriti Sanon, promises intrigue but falls short with shallow writing and underdeveloped characters. A missed opportunity for a deep drama.
“Do Patti,” led by Bollywood stars Kajol and Kriti Sanon, hints at being a gripping drama but ultimately stumbles due to shallow storytelling and underdeveloped characters. Despite its potential as a strong, character-driven piece, the film’s narrative feels like it’s unraveling rather than unfolding, leaving audiences longing for more substance.
The film arrives with high expectations as the first production from Kriti Sanon’s female-led studio, written by Kanika Dhillon and boasting an ensemble cast that includes TV favorite Shaheer Sheikh, along with Tanvi Azmi, Brijendra Kala, and Vivek Mushran. However, the promising lineup and intriguing premise don’t fully materialize on screen.
The story kicks off with an intense incident high in the mountains—a wife accusing her husband of endangering her life. Kajol’s character, local cop Vidya Jyoti (VJ), launches an investigation. Is Saumya (Kriti Sanon), whose face bears mysterious bruises, right in suspecting her husband Dhruv (Sheikh) of malice? Dhruv, the charming heir to a business empire who wooed her with sincerity, seems far from a threat—so what’s the real story? Saumya’s ambitious twin, Shailee (also played by Sanon), has her own secrets, and the older woman who’s been a constant in their lives (Azmi) might know more than she lets on.
Also Read: Netflix Unveils ‘Do Patti’: A Tale of Twisted Twins and a Determined Cop
While these plot points suggest a rich, nuanced drama, the execution lacks depth. Dhillon, who penned the well-received “Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba,” seems to miss the mark here. The twin dynamic—reminiscent of Bollywood’s iconic “Seeta aur Geeta”—is a device intended to showcase Sanon’s range, contrasting innocence with boldness. Sanon shines, particularly in the film’s climax, but her character’s “Cocktail”-like allure feels misplaced in a story grappling with domestic abuse themes.
Kajol’s VJ is introduced with a slow-motion, hero-style entry as she rushes to the scene, but this dramatic flair doesn’t hold up. She alternates between roles—detective, lawyer, face-reading expert—without much explanation, making it hard for the audience to engage. Though Brijendra Kala’s solid performance as her colleague brings occasional moments of gravity, the duo’s investigative path lacks coherence, hopping from one lead to another without grounding.
Also Read: Netflix’s ‘Mr. Plankton’ Promises a Heartfelt RomCom Journey – Premiering November 8