In Do Patti and Jafaa, the devastating effects of domestic violence are powerfully portrayed, shedding light on a pervasive issue that often goes unnoticed.
Domestic violence in relationships has become a prominent theme in modern storytelling, reflecting a harsh reality many individuals face daily. Whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, domestic abuse is a pervasive issue that often gets swept under the rug, either due to societal pressure or personal denial. In this article, we delve into two stories, comparing the abusers and victims in the film Do Patti and the drama Jafaa. We explore the lives of Dhruv and Hassan as abusers, and Somya and Zara as victims, highlighting their distinct yet disturbingly similar journeys through the horrors of domestic violence.
The Abusers Behind Domestic Violence
Disclaimer: Silence perpetuates abuse. If you know a domestic abuser, report them to the proper authorities.
Dhruv Sood: The Manipulative Abuser
Dhruv, in Do Patti, epitomizes the quintessential manipulative abuser. Initially, Dhruv appears charming and attentive, first winning over the bold and independent Shailee. However, his true colors emerge when he shifts his attention to Somya, Shailee’s more traditional and submissive sister. Dhruv’s decision to marry Somya stems from a deep-seated desire to dominate and control his partner, a trait encouraged by his equally abusive father. His manipulation begins early, creating a facade of love and care, which slowly turns into a nightmare for Somya.
Dhruv is an egotistical, narcissistic maniac with a God complex. His ruthless and brutal nature is evident in his relationship with his wife, Somya. The movie Do Patti doesn’t delve deeply into Dhruv’s past, but it’s clear that his present is dominated by an unrepentant and sadistic streak. Dhruv abuses Saumya physically and emotionally, showing no remorse for his actions. Despite Somya’s desperate clinging to him, even expressing a desire to have children with him, Dhruv remains disgusted by the idea.
Dhruv’s abuse is both physical and psychological, designed to break Somya’s spirit. He beats her for minor infractions, such as adding too much spice to food, and cruelly dismisses her desire to have a child, which he violently opposes. His abusive actions escalate to severe violence, including pushing her down the stairs and smashing her head against a table. The movie doesn’t shed much light on Dhruv’s parents’ story; however, his father was portrayed merely as a wealthy, corrupt, and brutal minister.
Hassan: The Traumatized Abuser
Now let’s talk a little bit about Hassan of Jafaa. The thing about Hassan is that he is deeply insecure about women. The story that has been told to him was that his father was a really nice man, and his mother used to cheat on him and eventually left him. This narrative, manipulated by his grandmother, had left Hassan deeply insecure about women, and he is particularly insecure about Zara. He stalks her, follows her, and is obsessively possessive, monitoring her every movement.
Hassan’s aggression is a byproduct of his traumatic childhood and unresolved psychological issues. Unlike Dhruv, whose actions are driven by a desire for control, Hassan’s violence is intertwined with his mental health struggles. Raised in an environment where his mother was a victim of severe domestic abuse, Hassan’s perception of relationships is skewed by his father’s brutal treatment of his mother. His unresolved trauma manifests in his relationship with Zara, making him volatile and dangerous. Zara, coming from a very good household with loving parents who have always taught her to stand up for herself, finds Hassan’s behavior odd and unacceptable. Despite her efforts to help him, Hassan’s violence escalates, leading to severe consequences.
He exhibits fear of abandonment and extreme jealousy, often lashing out violently when he feels threatened. Hassan’s abusive behavior is further exacerbated by his refusal to seek professional help, despite Zahra’s insistence. His actions are a tragic reminder of how untreated trauma and mental illness can devastate relationships. Hassan’s violent reactions became the breaking point for Zahra, leading her to demand a divorce.
The Victims Of Domestic Violence
Disclaimer: If you know someone who is suffering from domestic violence, encourage them to seek help and support them.
Somya: The Submissive Victim
Somya, in Do Patti, represents the classic submissive victim of domestic abuse. Her love for Dhruv blinds her to his manipulative nature, and her traumatic past only deepens her vulnerability. Growing up, Somya witnessed her mother’s brutal death at the hands of her abusive father, a trauma that left her with deep-seated fears and insecurities. This background makes Somya more susceptible to Dhruv’s manipulations, as she is desperate to avoid repeating her mother’s fate. Somya’s innocence and submissive nature become her greatest vulnerabilities.
Somya, dependent on Dhruv, tolerates his narcissistic and abusive behavior. Her desire for a child with him and her reluctance to leave are deeply rooted in her traumatic past, where her mother was brutally abused and eventually killed by her husband. Despite the daily beatings, Somya clings to the hope of a happy ending, reflecting a tragic cycle of dependency and acceptance of abuse.
She endures severe abuse, believing that she can change Dhruv through her love and patience. Despite the brutal beatings and psychological torment, Somya clings to the hope that having a child will transform Dhruv into a loving husband. However, her efforts are in vain, and it is only with her sister Shailee’s intervention that Somya finds the courage to escape the abusive marriage. Somya’s journey highlights the harsh reality many women face, trapped in abusive relationships by love, fear, and societal expectations.
Zara: The Resilient Victim
On the other hand, Zara in Jafaa is a financially independent woman and a gynecologist, coming from a sophisticated and loving family background. Her upbringing in a healthy environment contrast sharply with the toxic marriage she enters with Hassan. Zara’s strength and resilience are evident in her initial attempts to help Hassan overcome his mental instability. Unlike Somya, Zara is not submissive but is driven by a strong belief in her ability to fix Hassan’s issues. She tolerates Hassan’s abusive behavior, hoping that her support and understanding will eventually lead to his recovery.
When Hassan first raises his hand against her, she stands up to him, insisting on therapy. But Hassan deceives her, pretending to seek help while continuing his abusive behavior. Upon discovering his lies, Zara takes a decisive stand, confronts him, and ultimately chooses to leave, highlighting her self-respect and determination to live a life free from abuse.
However, as Hassan’s violence escalates, Zara realizes that she cannot continue to endanger her own well-being. Her decision to avoid pregnancy to prevent bringing a child into a toxic environment reflects her sensible approach to the situation. Zara’s parents play a crucial role in supporting her, providing a safe haven and encouraging her to prioritize her mental health and safety. Zara’s journey demonstrates the importance of having a support system and the courage to leave an abusive relationship, despite the emotional and societal challenges involved.
A Comparative Analysis
The stories of Dhruv and Somya in Do Patti and Hassan and Zara in Jafaa highlight different aspects of domestic violence. Dhruv’s manipulation and control contrast with Hassan’s trauma-induced aggression, causing severe suffering for their partners. However, there’s hope that Hassan might recover from his trauma and become a better person, as he shows remorse and seeks forgiveness, indicating his openness to change. His decision to go to therapy demonstrates his willingness to improve his situation. In contrast, Dhruv’s refusal to admit fault and his god complex suggest he might not consider change without a major reality check.
Somya is trapped in a cycle of trauma, unable to break free as her sense of normalcy is skewed. On the other hand, Zara’s approach is more empowered—she recognizes the toxicity and actively seeks to change her circumstances. She takes control, likely because she has the means and awareness to do so. This contrast illustrates how varied the impacts of domestic violence can be, influenced by one’s history and resources.
Somya’s submissive endurance and Zara’s determined efforts to help her abuser highlight the diverse ways victims cope with domestic violence. Somya represents those who cling to hope in toxic relationships, while Zara exemplifies the resilience that comes from a supportive environment. These narratives add layers to the understanding of domestic abuse’s complexity, showing that willingness to change and external support play crucial roles in overcoming such situations. Victims should strive to be more like Zara, who acts sensibly and takes control, rather than like Somya, who remains emotionally trapped and pressured.
Break The Cycle Of Domestic Violence
These narratives underscore the urgent need for societal awareness, support systems, and interventions to help victims escape abusive situations and hold abusers accountable for their actions. By recognizing the signs of abuse and offering support to victims, we can create a more compassionate society that addresses the root causes of abusive behavior. Through these stories, we are reminded of the importance of fostering open conversations about domestic violence, empowering victims, and promoting healthy relationships. Only then can we work towards breaking the cycle of abuse and building a future where love is defined by respect and safety.
Catch Up More On Drama Gup With FUCHSIA
Jafaa is written by Samira Fazal and directed by Danish Nawaz. It is produced by Momina Duraid Productions. The cast features Mawra Hocane, Usman Mukhtar, Sehar Khan, Mohib Mirza, Zarrar Khan, Farah Sadia, Nadia Afgan, and others. The drama airs every Friday at 8 pm on HUM TV.
Directed by Shashanka Chaturvedi and written by Kanika Dhillon, ‘Do Patti’ features the iconic Kajol as a police inspector and Kriti Sanon in dual roles as rival twins. The charming Shaheer Sheikh also stars, adding to this suspense-filled narrative, produced by Dhillon’s Kathha Pictures and Sanon’s Blue Butterfly Films.
