Director: Pulkit
Rating: ***
Released today, May 15, 2026, on Netflix, Kartavya marks the high-profile return of Saif Ali Khan to the gritty cop-drama territory that made Sacred Games a global phenomenon. Produced by Gauri Khan under the Red Chillies Entertainment banner and directed by Pulkit, the film is a taut, 104-minute descent into the systemic rot of a small North Indian town.
The Story & Script
The narrative begins on a deceptively cheerful note: SHO Pawan Malik (Saif Ali Khan) is celebrating his 40th birthday outside Jhamli station. The mood is shattered when a senior journalist, who had arrived to investigate the mysterious vanishing of young boys, is gunned down in broad daylight while under Pawan’s protection.
The script by Pulkit is a high-pressure thriller that forces Pawan to fight on two fronts. Professionally, he must navigate a web of corrupt superiors (Manish Chaudhari) and phony gurus; personally, he is dealing with his younger brother’s inter-caste elopement. The film explores the "Duty" (Kartavya) of a man caught between the laws of the state and the archaic "honor" of his community. While the premise is gripping, the script has been criticized for trying to address too many issues—honor killings, panchayat politics, and media suppression—leading to a slightly rushed conclusion.
Direction & Screenplay
Pulkit opts for a lean, no-nonsense directorial style. At just 104 minutes, the film avoids the "filler" subplots often seen in Bollywood cop dramas. The screenplay excels in its atmospheric world-building—the dusty, neon-lit nights of Haryana feel dangerous and authentic. However, the pacing in the final act is so relentless that some significant character arcs and betrayals are given only "feeble explanations," leaving some viewers wanting more depth.
Performances
Saif Ali Khan: Saif is in top form as Pawan Malik. He captures the exhaustion of a middle-aged cop who is trying to do the right thing in a world that rewards the wrong. His "laboured accent" takes a few scenes to get used to, but his physical performance and the sense of moral distress he conveys are masterful.
Sanjay Mishra: As Ashok, Pawan’s subordinate and the film's comedic relief, Mishra is fantastic. His banter with Saif provides the only warmth in an otherwise cold, brutal world.
Rasika Dugal: Unfortunately, an actress of Dugal's caliber feels underutilized here. She provides a solid performance, but her character is largely restricted to the sidelines of the central investigation.
Saurabh Dwivedi: Making a notable turn as the antagonist, Dwivedi brings a unique flavor to the villainy, though some of his more dramatic moments lean toward being unintentionally theatrical.
Music & Technical Craft
Cinematography: Anil Mehta (the legend behind Lagaan and Badlapur) is the secret weapon here. His camera captures the claustrophobia of the police station and the vast, menacing openness of the rural landscape with a moody, cinematic perfection.
Music: The score by Anurag Saikia is minimalist and effective, building a sense of dread without the need for traditional songs.
Final Verdict
Kartavya is a "Netflix-and-Chill" thriller that delivers on atmosphere and lead performances but falters slightly in its execution. It is a taut, dark, and often cynical look at the life of an honest cop. If you are a fan of Saif Ali Khan’s "serious" avatar or enjoyed the grounded tone of Kohrra, this is a must-watch, even if it feels more like a pilot for a high-quality series than a standalone feature.
