Patna Shuklla Review: Raveena Tandon’s Hotstar Film is a Simple Watch

– No Spoilers –

Patna Shuklla is a drama film that brings to light a roll number scam that takes place in a university and affects the life of a poverty-stricken girl who wants nothing but the truth. To get justice, she approaches Tanvi Shukla, a small-time lawyer in a lower court and what starts off as a simple case of rechecking, turns into something more dangerous and dark that pushes Tanvi into the depths of corruption that threaten her own life as well as her family’s.

When the movie starts, it gives off the vibe that it is a light-hearted, silly presentation with goofy characters and a somewhat deep story that makes you question a few things. The background score, at least, doesn’t make us question the comedic moments, as well as Satish Kaushik’s judge saab becoming a comic relief whenever he is on-screen. However, it takes a sharp pivot a bit later, and things, as expected, get serious very quickly.

Raveena Tandon‘s newest film focuses on an interesting and important topic, an issue that has destroyed the lives of many hard-working students who don’t have a chance against the rich and powerful who try to take advantage of them. The heart behind it is sound and Tandon’s fiery lawyer is the perfect blend of sweet and scary. Her home life with her husband and son gives a moment of respite for viewers and creates a boundary that showcases different aspects of her personality.

Tanvi is someone we would like to get behind and root for. She’s fearless but realistic and makes for a good protagonist that is somewhat relatable. Meanwhile, her husband, played by Manav Vij, is caring and supportive and although almost became the quintessential terrible spouse at first, cleaned by his act and supported his wife in spite of whatever that brought his way. There’s sweetness in their relationship that is warm to watch and take in.

That being said, the storyline is simplistic and without many twists. It goes as you’d expect, makes you root for Rinki Kumari’s crusade and showcases the determination of our youngsters who will stop at nothing until the truth and justice prevail. However, even from a movie perspective, this isn’t realistic because, if this really ever happened in real life, we know what would become of both Rinki and Tanvi if they find themselves in something as dangerous as this. The situation is idealistic and without depth and glosses over many things that would make such a case impossible, at least at the stage in which we see it.

Towards the end of the runtime, Patna Shuklla takes a sudden turn and delivers a twist that is not only grossly silly but extremely convenient as well. It catapults the situation in Tanvi’s favour in a way that feels like will never happen in reality and adds emotion and drama to a situation which would’ve benefited from straying away from it. We like seeing the justice system be impartial and unemotional; adding this tearful twist in the mix is a cliche like no other and makes for unnecessary melodrama that will make you shake your head.

However, sometimes viewers might enjoy a simple story with a happy ending, regardless of the simplicity and for those who want a break from the gritty crime dramas with a ton of bloodshed, this will be a good watch with the family. Safe, simple and forgettable is what I felt while watching it. The film is definitely warm and funny sometimes and its simplicity might be the reason for it, especially for those who want to watch something without the horrible gore and violence that have become synonymous with shows of the genre.

Patna Shuklla Review: Conclusion

The title of the film is what people start to call Tanvi after she stands up against the rich and the famous and asks for justice for a young woman with big dreams. Its idealistic worldbuilding might just be a winning strategy for it and infused with humour from time to time, it’s a forgettable watch that attempts to bring something important to the table.

Patna Shuklla is streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.

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