Kriti Sanon undeniably plays the ace in Do Patti, mastering each move in this game of cards—until Kajol’s reshuffle throws it all off balance.
Star Cast: Kriti Sanon, Kajol, Shaheer Sheikh, Tanvi Azmi, Brijendra Kala
Director: Shashanka Chaturvedi
What’s Good: Kriti Sanon Delivering One Of Her Career Best.
What’s Bad: Kajol Not Adding Any Worth To The Story
Loo Break: Not Recommended
Watch or Not?: Yes, Definitely – To Watch Kriti Sanon Shine Like Never Before!
Language: Hindi With English Subtitles
Available On: Netflix
Runtime: 2 Hour 6 Minutes
Do Patti Movie Review: Kriti Sanon Shines Amid a Jumbled Plot, While Kajol and Shaheer Sheikh’s Gamble Misses the Mark
Do Patti is a thriller that combines classic Bollywood tropes with a contemporary storyline, featuring Kriti Sanon in a double role alongside Kajol and Shaheer Sheikh. Written and produced by Kanika Dhillon, known for her sharp and intricate narratives, the film attempts to delve into complex themes, but it’s held back by an uneven execution. Although the film presents an engaging plot with thrilling moments, it struggles with tonal shifts and character missteps that ultimately prevent it from reaching its potential. Here’s a look at how Do Patti unfolds, examining the performances, the story, and where it falters.
The Double Role Tradition: A Classic Bollywood Trope Revisited
Double roles in Bollywood have been a beloved staple, often providing ample room for suspense and drama. The “good twin, bad twin” theme, as seen in iconic movies like Seeta Aur Geeta and Chaalbaaz, has captured audiences for generations. Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal in Don is perhaps the most recent double-role performance that received universal acclaim. It’s rare for Bollywood to revisit this trope in a nuanced way, but Do Patti attempts to bring it back with Kriti Sanon at the helm. She skillfully breathes life into two contrasting characters, adding depth to the “classic” structure of good versus evil.
Plot Summary: A Familiar Story with a Dark Twist
Do Patti tells the story of two sisters, Shailly and Saumya, who have experienced a troubled past. The trauma of their childhood shapes them in opposing ways, with one sister emerging resilient and mentally strong, while the other suffers from a more vulnerable psyche. Kriti Sanon’s portrayal of the two characters creates a stark contrast, with one being compassionate and innocent, while the other harbors a darker, manipulative side.
The plot escalates when both sisters become entangled in a love triangle involving Shaheer Sheikh’s character. Sheikh plays a wealthy, arrogant Haryanvi man who initially falls for the “bad” sister’s allure but eventually marries the “good” one. This tangled relationship introduces tension, as the story delves into themes of domestic abuse and manipulation, where the lines between right and wrong blur.
Kriti Sanon as Shailly and Saumya: The Film’s Brightest Star
Kriti Sanon’s double role is the highlight of Do Patti. Her nuanced performance as both the gentle Saumya and the cunning Shailly is a testament to her versatility. Kriti’s ability to distinctly embody each character allows audiences to invest emotionally in the story. The “good” Saumya is someone viewers will empathize with, while the “bad” Shailly fascinates as a complex, morally grey character.
Sanon’s attention to detail in the contrasting portrayals of the two sisters elevates the narrative, especially in scenes where she subtly portrays the psychological impact of their shared history. Kriti brings an authenticity that keeps the viewer engaged, despite the film’s flawed story arc. Whether expressing vulnerability or cold determination, she nails each move, making her performance the film’s true “ace.”
Kajol’s Role: An Unnecessary Reshuffle?
Kajol’s presence in Do Patti is a surprising aspect that, unfortunately, doesn’t contribute much to the story. Playing a character meant to support Saumya while seeking to expose Shailly’s darker motives, Kajol’s role ultimately feels redundant. Her character’s lack of depth and inconsistent motivation detracts from the suspense, and her presence doesn’t add the emotional gravity that the story requires.
Kajol’s talent is undeniable, and there are moments where her acting prowess shines. However, these moments are fleeting and overshadowed by the weak structure of her role. The narrative fails to capitalize on her character’s potential, making her appear like an afterthought rather than a driving force within the story. As a result, Kajol’s character could be omitted entirely without significantly impacting the plot.
Shaheer Sheikh as the Weakest Link
Shaheer Sheikh’s character had the potential to be a wild card, adding unpredictability to the love triangle dynamic. He portrays a wealthy, spoiled man who is drawn to Shailly’s charm but ultimately marries the innocent Saumya. Yet, his character arc feels underdeveloped and one-dimensional. Despite his strong screen presence, Shaheer struggles to make his character resonate due to limited dialogue and an unconvincing script.
With better development, his character could have been a “joker” in this game of cards, bringing a level of unpredictability and intrigue. Instead, he becomes the weakest card in the deck, undermining the emotional stakes of the film.
Kanika Dhillon’s Writing: A Web That Entangles Itself
Kanika Dhillon’s writing often explores flawed characters and morally complex situations, as seen in her previous works like Haseen Dillruba. In Do Patti, however, her intricate web of plotlines and characters becomes tangled, affecting the clarity of the narrative. Dhillon seems to lose control of the story as it progresses, overwhelmed by the intricacies she’s woven. Her focus on female-centric narratives, while commendable, leads to a plot that becomes too ambitious, with no clear direction in sight.
Dhillon’s intent to address issues like domestic violence and psychological trauma is evident, yet these themes are explored in a way that lacks subtlety. The narrative shifts from a thriller into a heavy-handed moral lesson that detracts from the suspense and tension initially built in the first half. This inconsistency hampers the film’s climax, which could have been a poignant exploration of redemption and self-discovery.
Shashanka Chaturvedi’s Direction: A High-Stakes Gamble Gone Wrong
Director Shashanka Chaturvedi deserves credit for attempting to keep the film’s suspense alive. The first half is well-executed, with a steady buildup that keeps the audience intrigued. The pacing is controlled, and the scenes are visually compelling, enhancing the suspenseful atmosphere. However, as the story reaches its climax, Chaturvedi’s direction becomes less focused, and the narrative loses its way.
In his attempt to juggle multiple storylines and character arcs, Chaturvedi loses the thread of the plot. The mismanagement of Kajol’s role, along with the misguided attempts to inject melodrama, disrupts the flow, turning what could have been a riveting climax into a confusing sequence of events. Chaturvedi’s vision falters in the second half, as he struggles to navigate the complexities introduced by the plot.
Supporting Cast: The Unused Potential of Tanvi Azmi, Vivek Mushran, and Brijendra Kala
In supporting roles, actors like Tanvi Azmi, Vivek Mushran, and Brijendra Kala bring experience and subtlety to the film. However, their characters serve little purpose in advancing the story. Tanvi Azmi’s character, a wise mentor figure, attempts to guide Kajol’s character but doesn’t add any substantial impact to the storyline. Likewise, Mushran and Kala are present but add no real depth or consequence to the plot.
The supporting cast, unfortunately, becomes lost in the narrative’s clutter. These actors could have contributed to the overall themes of trauma and resilience, but they remain sidelined, unable to leave a lasting impression on the viewer.
A Misplaced Soundtrack
The film’s music, meant to enhance the tension, only distracts from the narrative. The addition of an unnecessary Holi song before the final act is jarring, disrupting the film’s momentum. Bollywood’s traditional use of songs to break tension can sometimes work, but here, it detracts from the atmosphere, diminishing the suspense that had been built up.
While the soundtrack could have complemented the film’s emotional beats, it instead feels out of place and dilutes the story’s impact.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity with Moments of Brilliance
Do Patti showcases Kriti Sanon’s exceptional range and highlights her potential as a lead in complex, multi-layered roles. Her portrayal of Shailly and Saumya is impressive, capturing both vulnerability and darkness in a way that elevates the film. However, the story’s structural issues, underdeveloped characters, and inconsistent pacing prevent the film from fully realizing its potential.
Kanika Dhillon’s ambition in writing complex, flawed female characters is admirable, but Do Patti ultimately falls short of creating a cohesive, impactful narrative. Shashanka Chaturvedi’s direction keeps the first half engaging, but his inability to manage the plot’s complexities results in a disappointing climax.
For fans of Bollywood thrillers and double-role dramas, Do Patti may still be worth a watch, especially for Kriti Sanon’s standout performance. However, those seeking a tightly woven, suspenseful experience may find themselves underwhelmed by the film’s inconsistent execution.
Rating: 2.5/5
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