Saif Ali Khan’s latest film ‘Kartavya’ arrives as a grounded investigative drama that avoids the usual larger-than-life Bollywood treatment. Unlike mainstream action entertainers packed with songs, dramatic slow-motion entries and exaggerated fight sequences, the film takes a more restrained route. The movie feels closer to an OTT-style thriller in pacing and storytelling, focusing heavily on realism and emotional tension rather than cinematic spectacle. Despite lacking high-voltage commercial moments, ‘Kartavya’ remains engaging for most of its runtime.
‘Kartavya’ plot revolves around corruption, duty and survival
In the film, Saif Ali Khan plays Pawan, an honest police officer posted in the village of Jhamli. Trouble begins when a journalist is murdered by a 16-year-old boy, leading suspicion towards a powerful spiritual figure named Anand Shri, played by Saurabh Dwivedi. As the teenager suddenly disappears, Pawan launches an investigation while battling corruption within his own department. At the same time, his personal life spirals into chaos after his brother elopes with a girl from another caste, creating tension within the community. The film attempts to balance these two parallel conflicts while exploring themes of honesty, caste politics and abuse of power.Although ‘Kartavya’ keeps viewers invested with its fast pace and tense atmosphere, the screenplay becomes its biggest limitation. Several developments, especially the major reveal towards the climax, feel easy to predict much before they unfold on screen.
Saif Ali Khan holds the film together
According to reports, Saif Ali Khan delivers a restrained yet effective performance as a cop struggling against a corrupt system. His portrayal feels natural and emotionally grounded, especially during the film’s more intense moments. The actor’s gradual transformation from a calm officer into a furious man pushed to the edge becomes one of the film’s strongest elements.
Twitter reacts to ‘Kartavya’ with praise for its dark and gritty narrative
Soon after the release of ‘Kartavya’, social media platforms were flooded with reactions from viewers praising the film’s raw treatment and emotionally intense narrative. Many fans described the movie as a gripping crime drama that avoids commercial clichés and instead focuses on realism and tension. One user wrote, “Real, raw and engaging, but predictability holds it back.” Fans Compare ‘Kartavya’ To ‘Sacred Games’Social media users have been praising the film’s dark atmosphere and gritty realism. One user wrote: “SACRED GAMES vibes… but darker 👀🚬 If Sartaj Singh had to survive in a corrupt North Indian village filled with caste politics, betrayal & bloodshed… you’d get #Kartavya. The film carries that same grounded realism but adds raw emotional brutality.”Another reaction highlighted the intensity of the climax: “THE FINAL ACT GOES FULL THROTTLE 🚔⚡ Once the betrayals start unfolding, ‘Kartavya’ becomes relentless. Bullets fly. Loyalties collapse. Emotions explode. And Saif’s final transformation from restrained officer to furious avenger is MASSIVE.”
‘Kartavya’: A decent watch for fans of gritty thrillers
Directed by Pulkit and backed by Red Chillies Entertainment, ‘Kartavya’ premiered on Netflix on May 15, 2026. The crime thriller stars Saif Ali Khan as honest SHO Pawan Singh alongside Rasika Dugal, Sanjay Mishra, Saurabh Dwivedi, Manish Chaudhari, Zakir Hussain and Yudhvir Ahlawat. The film runs for approximately 147 minutes.
