Do Patti Review: A Missed Opportunity in Addressing Domestic Abuse

Do Patti, starring Kriti Sanon, Kajol, and Shaheer Sheikh, sets out to address the pressing issue of domestic abuse, but unfortunately, it fails to deliver a coherent narrative or an impactful message. While the film’s ensemble cast promises much, the execution falls flat, leaving audiences with a flawed and problematic story that misses the mark in its attempt to tackle such a sensitive subject.

A Disjointed Narrative

At the heart of Do Patti is a story that focuses on the lives of three characters, each grappling with different aspects of domestic abuse. Kriti Sanon plays a woman caught in an abusive relationship, while Kajol portrays a character with her own painful history, and Shaheer Sheikh’s character adds another layer to the story. However, the film’s narrative feels disjointed, jumping between these characters’ lives without properly delving into their personal struggles or creating a genuine connection with the audience.

The structure of the film feels cluttered, with multiple plotlines that don’t come together in a meaningful or impactful way. There are moments when the film appears to offer poignant reflections on abuse, but these moments are often undercut by incoherent transitions and unconvincing character arcs. Instead of feeling like a unified exploration of trauma and survival, Do Patti seems to jump from one emotional high to another without ever establishing a clear or cohesive storyline.

Underdeveloped Characters

While Kriti Sanon, Kajol, and Shaheer Sheikh deliver competent performances, the film fails to provide them with fully realized characters. Sanon’s portrayal of a woman trapped in an abusive relationship should evoke empathy and urgency, but her character’s emotional depth is lacking. Similarly, Kajol’s character, despite her strong potential, is relegated to a secondary role that feels underwritten. As a result, the emotional stakes are never fully felt, and the audience is left struggling to connect with the characters’ journeys.

Shaheer Sheikh, though well-cast, also suffers from a lack of characterization, making it difficult to understand his motivations and role in the story. His character seems to be included more for plot convenience rather than as an integral part of the film’s exploration of abuse

A Missed Opportunity to Tackle Domestic Abuse

Do Patti sets out to address a sensitive issue—domestic abuse—but its execution ultimately undermines the gravity of the subject matter. The film occasionally touches on the psychological and emotional effects of abuse, but these moments are fleeting and often overshadowed by melodrama or overly simplistic portrayals of abuse.

The film seems to struggle with striking the right balance between showcasing the trauma of domestic violence and offering a message of hope or empowerment. The lack of subtlety in the portrayal of abuse detracts from the film’s ability to engage with the issue in a meaningful way. Instead of feeling like a raw, honest exploration of survivors’ experiences, Do Patti feels like a film that is simply checking boxes without fully committing to the complexity of its subject matter.

Problematic Themes and Execution

One of the film’s major flaws is its reliance on melodrama and sensationalism, particularly in its portrayal of abuse. There are moments that feel more like exploitation than exploration, as the film tries to shock or provoke without providing the necessary emotional depth or insight into the characters’ trauma. This detracts from the film’s overall message, making it feel like a missed opportunity to shed light on an important social issue.

Moreover, the film’s pacing and editing contribute to its incoherence, with abrupt shifts in tone and uneven character development. The script, too, suffers from inconsistencies, leaving audiences unsure of the film’s direction and its intended impact.

Conclusion

In the end, Do Patti struggles to make an emotional impact. Despite the presence of a talented cast and an important subject matter, the film falters due to its disjointed narrative, underdeveloped characters, and problematic portrayal of domestic abuse. It tries to address a significant issue, but its incoherent structure and lack of depth leave it feeling superficial and ultimately ineffective. While it may appeal to some viewers, those seeking a thoughtful and powerful exploration of domestic abuse will likely find Do Patti to be a disappointing and missed opportunity.