Courtroom dramas are a dime a dozen in Bollywood, but every now and then, one comes along that stands out from the crowd. “Patna Shukla” is such a film. It tackles a local issue – a university scam in Patna – but the underlying message about fighting for justice resonates universally.
Story
The story revolves around Tanvi Shukla (Raveena Tandon), a lawyer underestimated by everyone around her. Dismissed as a housewife by her colleagues and even her own husband, Tanvi gets a chance to prove herself when a young student, Rinki Kumari (Anushka Kaushik), approaches her for help. Rinki believes the university has unfairly failed her and wants Tanvi to fight for a re-evaluation.
As Tanvi delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a much larger scam. The university is not just failing Rinki; it’s systematically cheating numerous students. Determined to expose the truth and get justice for Rinki, Tanvi embarks on a challenging journey.
Cast
| Cast | Character |
|---|---|
| Raveena Tandon | Tanvi Shukla |
| Anushka Kaushik | Rinki Kumari |
| Satish Kaushik | Judge |
| Manav Vij | Siddharth Shukla (Tanvi’s Husband) |
| Jatin Goswami | Raghubir Singh (Politician) |
| Chandan Roy Sanyal | Neelkanth (Defense Lawyer) |
Raveena Tandon delivers a powerful performance as Tanvi Shukla. She portrays the character’s strength and vulnerability with remarkable nuance. Despite the slow pace of the film, Tandon’s acting keeps the audience engaged. The supporting cast also shines. Manav Vij is convincing as Tanvi’s supportive husband, and the late Satish Kaushik leaves a lasting impression with his portrayal of a wise judge.
Review
“Patna Shukla” isn’t your typical courtroom drama filled with dramatic outbursts and courtroom theatrics. Instead, it takes a more understated approach, focusing on the resilience of its characters and the importance of fighting for what’s right. The film doesn’t delve into the complexities of the education scam, but it effectively conveys the devastating impact it has on students’ lives.
The film’s strength lies in its simple yet powerful message. It reminds us that even ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things with unwavering determination. While the music and background score are forgettable, they don’t take away from the overall impact of the film.
Verdict
“Patna Shukla” might not be a blockbuster, but it’s a compelling watch for those who appreciate well-crafted courtroom dramas. With its strong performances, particularly by Raveena Tandon, and its focus on social relevance, this film is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, if you’re looking for a thought-provoking movie that celebrates the power of perseverance, “Patna Shukla” is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.