India’s Superwoman, Raveena Tandon, catches attention
The film is a social courtroom drama called “Patna Shukla” featuring actress Raveena Tandon and directed by Vivek Budakoti and Rajendra Tiwari. The production is available on Disney Plus. The story was inspired by Bihar’s roll number scandal in 2016. Which focused attention on corrupt practices within the educational system. It is set in an ordinary middle class Indian home that stands for values.
While Bollywood movies are commonly known for their intense drama, ‘Patna Shukla’ also deals with themes such as marriage relationship, feminism and humanism. Through her role as the Lead actress, Raveena Tandon makes a seductive performance that has earned her the moniker ‘Super Woman’. The late actor Satish Kaushik also shines through some memorable moments on screen. Though it may not be counted among best of Bollywood court dramas like Mulk, Oh My God or Pink, Patna Shukla is still a worthwhile watch.
Raveena Tandon plays Tanvi Shukla who lives a happy life with her husband Siddharth (Mr. Vij) and their son. She works as an advocate in the lower court of the district where she wins cases but remains low profile always. In another case when Rinki Kumari (Miss Anushka Kaushik) approaches Tanvi wanting her exam recollect having failed it, Tanvi assumes that it will be just a usual matter.
However this case becomes a turning point in both her personal and professional life when she realizes that there are big shots involve and takes unexpected turns leading to suicidal attempts and family muddle up for her family. How does a simple reassessment case become so momentous? To find out you have to watch this movie.
Tanvi of this film is depict as quintessential Indian housewife like representation of Goddess Durga. She is a loving wife who irons her husband’s shirt for his meeting. And chases after her son’s school bus to give him his tiffin box. Such scenes as “Jugaad” with toothpaste and the kiss on cheek are sweet and leave a smile on audience’s face.
Tanvi has strong bonds both with her son and husband. Her relationship with Arun Kumar Jha, a colleague is portray as perfect office friendship. Raveena portrays Tanvi so beautifully that she seems realistic and down-to-earth; ultimately, becoming the showstopper.
The comedy writing could have been better considering Satish Kaushik in the cast who was waste in this role. Nevertheless, full utilization of his role was not made possible though it had some notable moments such as the courtroom fight over underwear or Satish Kaushik’s obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Which deserves an extra credit?
Dialogue writing is particularly effective in certain scenes like climax where Arun Jha outsmarts Neelkanth Mishra thereby showing that he has more experience than latter one. Raghubir Singh’s claims of being don of the new era in which illegal things are done legally inside courtrooms are also thought provoking ideas. These scenes and dialogues make for an interesting viewing for everyone.
The drama in ‘Patna Shukla’ has been effectively portray. For example, the argument scene regarding evaluation of exam paper as a recount during the previous election is really captivating. The background music gives a touch of reality to the picture while also capturing its essence. The film also ends quite well leaving the audience satisfied.
In one scene, Tanvi is given some serious kitchen names such as vegetable and utensil user, rather than working in the court with files or cases. This reflects societal hostility over female employees since they are rarely appreciated for their worth. Siddharth’s ungrateful attitude towards his wife Tanvi is because of her lack of recognition by others too.
‘Patna Shukla’ also castigates political corruption and questionable qualifications held by politicians who have a long history of this problem. It echoes key aspects in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail. Which talk about how breakable our educational system can be. Both films explore these issues conscientiously.
If you’re familiar with courtroom dramas set in Bollywood by directors like Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury. Anubhav Sinha, and Umesh Shukla then you might find “Patna Shukla” to be a good film but not great among them. However, if you’ve never watch this genre before get ready.
“Patna Shukla” does not star in any particular area though it isn’t exactly dull either. Generally speaking, it’s that kind of movie that will entertain both fans and newbies alike.
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