Netflix’s thriller Do Patti, directed by Shashanka Chaturvedi and written by Kanika Dhillon, is already making waves as a film of "firsts." It marks the debut of Kriti Sanon in a dual role, her first stint as a producer, Kajol playing a cop, and television heartthrob Shaheer Sheikh making his big-screen debut. With such high stakes does the film live up to its hype? Let’s dive into the complexities and see what this romantic thriller has in store.

Plot and Storyline: A Tale of Twins and Twists

Set against the beautiful valleys of Devipur, Do Patti revolves around Saumya (Kriti Sanon), an orphan struggling with depression and anxiety. Saumya is timid, soft-spoken, and kind, living with her nanny (played by Tanvi Azmi) and uncle. Her life takes a turn when she enters into a romantic relationship with Dhruv Sood (Shaheer Sheikh), who brings a semblance of happiness into her otherwise lonely world. However, things spiral when Saumya’s estranged twin sister, Shailey (also Kriti Sanon), re-enters her life.

Shailey is the exact opposite of Saumya – bold, outgoing, and seductive. The two sisters despise each other, and soon, a rivalry for Dhruv’s affection unfolds. As the tension builds, what starts as a romantic conflict escalates into a series of dark twists, drama, and a crime that disrupts their lives. Kajol enters as Inspector Vidya Jyothi, tasked with untangling the web of lies, betrayal, and chaos the twins leave in their wake.

While the premise holds potential, the film struggles with execution. The screenplay starts strong but falters midway, losing momentum due to unresolved subplots and questions left unanswered. For instance, who financially supports Shailey while she’s in a hostel? Why is the connection between Dhruv and Saumya left underdeveloped? These gaps in the narrative leave the audience wanting more clarity, and the overall coherence of the story suffers.

Screenplay, Writing, and Direction: A Mixed Bag

Makers attempt to blend multiple genres in Do Patti, with domestic violence serving as the underlying issue. However, this core theme feels lost amid the thriller packaging. Instead of delving deep into the emotional and psychological nuances of domestic abuse, the film gets distracted by its attempt to be a high-octane drama. The result is a story that feels like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces.

The issue lies in the film's tonal inconsistency. Is it a romantic thriller? A psychological drama? Or a commentary on domestic violence? The multiple identities clash, diluting the intended impact. The thriller elements, while intriguing at times, don’t entirely land due to these narrative inconsistencies.

Shashanka Chaturvedi’s direction, while competent in parts, doesn’t salvage the screenplay’s weaknesses. There are moments of brilliance, especially in scenes that involve the sisters’ confrontations and Dhruv’s complex emotions, but the film struggles to maintain a steady pace.

Performances: Kriti Sanon Steals the Show

Despite the film’s flaws, Kriti Sanon shines in her dual role, delivering one of the best performances of her career. As Saumya, she convincingly portrays vulnerability, anxiety, and the emotional scars of an abusive past. Her portrayal of the timid, soft-spoken Saumya is heart-wrenching, particularly in scenes where she deals with physical and emotional abuse. Her character arc as the “abla naari” (helpless woman) is nuanced, showcasing the mental toll of trauma and how it shapes her timid personality.

In sharp contrast, Sanon’s portrayal of Shailey is a breath of fresh air. As the brash, bold twin, she exudes confidence, sass, and an “I can get whatever I want” attitude. From her seductive demeanor to her careless lifestyle, Shailey is the quintessential “pick me” girl. Sanon navigates both roles with ease, capturing the essence of each sister’s persona with conviction. It’s no surprise that Sanon, fresh off her National Award win, has cemented her status as a versatile and powerful performer.

Shaheer Sheikh, in his film debut, makes a solid impression as Dhruv Sood. He brings a layered complexity to the character, portraying Dhruv’s charming yet flawed personality. He’s an abuser with a short temper, but Sheikh manages to make his character feel human. His chemistry with Kriti is palpable, adding depth to the romantic arc. However, much like the film itself, Dhruv’s character lacks the proper backstory, and his relationship with his father is underexplored, leaving potential untapped.

Kajol, as Inspector Vidya Jyothi, unfortunately feels underutilized. Despite her natural screen presence, Kajol’s character is reduced to delivering caricatured Haryanvi one-liners, stripping her of the gravitas she deserves. The transition from cop to lawyer for her character also feels forced, further diminishing her role. It’s a shame because Kajol could have added a lot more to the film had her character been fleshed out better.

Technical Elements: Cinematography and Settings

Visually, Do Patti captures the stunning beauty of Devipur’s valleys. The cinematography by Sudeep Chatterjee deserves praise for its scenic depiction of para-gliding shots and picturesque locations, effectively grounding the film in its serene yet mysterious setting. However, the choice of using zoomed-in and focused shots, particularly in tense courtroom scenes, feels overused. Wider shots or mid-range frames could have added more depth and tension, allowing viewers to absorb the full emotional weight of the drama.

The costume design, while helping differentiate the twins, falls into stereotypical tropes. Saumya, in soft, traditional attire, and Shailey, in bold, revealing outfits, reinforces a tired dichotomy between "good" and "bad" women, which feels outdated and unimaginative.

The Verdict

Do Patti is a film brimming with potential, but it suffers from confused packaging. While the film sets out to deliver a powerful message about domestic violence, it gets lost amid the convoluted mix of romance, drama, and thriller elements. The film’s saving grace is undoubtedly Kriti Sanon’s tour-de-force performance, along with Shaheer Sheikh’s commendable debut. Kajol, however, is wasted in a role that could have been much more substantial. 'Do Patti' ends up being a decent, watchable thriller that, while entertaining in parts, leaves you wanting more.