When I began watching this film, I wasn't expecting much. It seemed like just another movie, with typical scenes that felt mundane. But as the story unfolded, my perception changed. I found myself invested in the narrative and eager to recommend it to others.
Let's dive into the details.
Written by Sameer Arora, Farid Khan, and director Vivek Budakoti, "Patna Shuklla" follows the story of Tanvi, a lower court lawyer in modern-day Patna. Known as Patna Shuklla due to her involvement in a high-profile case, Tanvi takes on the legal battle of a college girl who believes she was cheated during her exams. What appears to be a simple case of exam error soon reveals a larger conspiracy involving a prominent politician.
The film isn't just about the characters and their circumstances; it's a commentary on how power can manipulate the justice system at all levels of society. It emphasises the importance of an impartial judiciary in maintaining order and justice.
Initially, the movie seemed clichéd, with scenes portraying Tanvi as the perfect wife and mother. But as the story progressed, this facade faded away, revealing a more relatable protagonist. Tanvi isn't exceptional at her job; she's just average. Through her character, the film questions society's expectations of women and the respect they deserve.
I tried to find interviews of the lead actor, Raveena Tandon, with the director but couldn't. This made me reflect on the importance of the actor-director sync in conveying the film's message effectively.
Tanvi's character is intriguingly written. She isn't a typical activist; she simply wants to be treated with respect. The film challenges the notion that women need to be extraordinary to earn respect.
However, Raveena Tandon's performance as Tanvi falls short. Her portrayal is melodramatic and overshadows the character's subtleties. Despite this, Manav Vij's portrayal of Mr. Shukla, Tanvi's husband, is commendable. His character quietly learns from his mistakes, without the need for dramatic confrontations.
"Patna Shuklla" addresses contemporary issues like political corruption and gender inequality. It sheds light on how politicians exploit legal loopholes and oppressors operate in subtle ways. The performances of Anushka Kaushik and Chandan Roy Sanyal add depth to the film.
In conclusion, "Patna Shuklla" has a compelling story but lacks faith in its own merit. While it presents fresh ideas, it relies too heavily on clichés. Nonetheless, it's worth watching on Disney+ Hotstar.
I would love to hear your thoughts after watching it!
