MUMBAI: The much-anticipated Netflix film Do Patti, starring Kriti Sanon, Kajol, and Shaheer Sheikh and directed by Rajesh Sharma, revolves around the lives of twin sisters harboring deep secrets. Both sisters are portrayed by Sanon, with Kajol playing a tenacious police officer determined to crack the case of attempted murder. 

Set in the fictional hilly town of Devipur, the film's premise centers on the lives of twins Saumya and Shailee. These two individuals had complicated pasts marked by troubled childhoods, dealing with domestic violence and their complex relationship. Saumya suffers from anxiety and depression, while Shailee, forced to move to a hostel, resents being separated from her family. Eventually, both sisters fall for the same man, Dhruv Sood (played by Sheikh), who marries one of them, sparking the other’s desire for revenge. An accident and an attempted murder unfold, drawing in Kajol as Inspector Vidya to investigate. She finds herself involved in a series of unsettling events.

Although the story begins with the promise of engaging drama, with paragliding going downhill and other curious events, the eager lawyer-turned-cop Vidya is keen to crack the mystery. However, as the narrative meanders through a series of disjointed events that fail to create a meaningful connection with the audience, the execution falls flat. Despite the presence of a talented cast, who have tried to give their best, the writing is sometimes sloppy, with characters frequently becoming disconnected. For instance, the cop Vidya changes her lingo so many times that her background becomes incomprehensible. As the film switches between characters, it struggles to maintain a cohesive narrative, leaving the audience confused and ultimately unsatisfied.

One of the primary issues with Do Patti is its inability to establish a clear and engaging storyline. The film jumps between various subplots, creating a sense of confusion and disconnect, making it challenging for the viewer to invest in the characters and their journeys. The pacing is uneven, with some scenes dragging on and others feeling rushed, further exacerbating the lack of narrative coherence. Additionally, the film's visual style feels disconnected, and the cinematography fails to elevate the narrative. The overall aesthetic feels uninspired, lacking attention to detail and missing the opportunity to use the medium to enhance the storytelling.

The performances, while not entirely lacklustre, are not enough to salvage the film. The actors, including the lead protagonists, seem to grapple with an underwhelming script, unable to fully bring their characters to life. The lack of chemistry between the lead actors further undermines the emotional core of the story, leaving the audience emotionally detached with a sense of dissatisfaction. There is a missed opportunity to explore the complexities of human relationships in a meaningful way.

For those seeking a well-crafted and emotionally resonant cinematic experience, Do Patti falls short of the mark. Its flaws outweigh its strengths. Despite the talented actors' best efforts to bring out the director's vision, the film's inability to craft a compelling and coherent narrative, along with its technical shortcomings, results in a viewing experience that is more frustrating than engaging.