Do Patti

"Do Patti," released on Netflix on October 25, 2024, is a Hindi-language mystery thriller directed by Shashanka Chaturvedi and written by Kanika Dhillon. The film stars Kajol as Inspector Vidya Jyothi Kanwar and Kriti Sanon in dual roles as twin sisters Saumya and Shailee Pundir. This project also marks Sanon's debut as a producer.

The narrative centers on Inspector Vidya's investigation into a complex domestic abuse case involving the Pundir twins, delving into themes of generational trauma and the dichotomy between the 'word of law' and the 'spirit of law'.

Critics have largely given "Do Patti" negative reviews. Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com rated the film 2 out of 5 stars, commenting that its exploration of dysfunctionality "doesn't find an active voice in Do Patti's half-baked diabolism, which needed to be more Dead Ringers than The Parent Trap."

Shubhra Gupta of the Indian Express awarded it 1.5 out of 5 stars, stating that despite the potential for a substantive drama, "the unpacking turns more into an unravelling, mainly because the writing is shallow, and the characters lack depth."

Anuj Kumar of the Hindu noted that while Kajol brings "her innate spontaneity" to her role, her performance is constrained by weak writing.

 Similarly, Aakriti Agarwala of The Statesman observed that despite the film's intentions to address issues like generational trauma and domestic violence, "the unidimensional characterisations and a convenient storyline don’t leave much scope to weigh on the issues." In summary, "Do Patti" features commendable performances by its lead actors but suffers from a lackluster script and character development, resulting in a film that falls short of its potential.

-Awishka Aluthwaththa-