After Sacred Games, Saif Ali Khan is back as a cop on Netflix. Directed by Pulkit, the man behind the acclaimed Bhakshak, and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, Kartavya marks Saif’s return to gritty, morally complex cinema. Starring Rasika Dugal and Sanjay Mishra in lead roles alongside him, the film’s trailer promised a twisted crime thriller with no easy way out, the kind where every choice costs something. But does it actually deliver on that promise? Read our Kartavya movie review to know.

Kartavya, karm, dharm

Kartavya translates to duty or obligation. And that’s exactly what the film revolves around. The film follows Pawan (Saif Ali Khan), a cop from Haryana, who is assigned the task of protecting a journalist arriving in the state. But almost immediately, she is killed by two faceless men. So begins the search for the culprits. Media pressure builds, the state’s name is being dragged through the mud, and Pawan needs to clean up the mess. But as he goes further into the investigation, many knots come undone, most of which bring Pawan to a crossroads: choose between kartavya or karm.

As the case progresses, we are introduced to Godman Anand Shri, played by Saurabh Dwivedi. He is at the centre of it all in the most heinous ways you can imagine. But Pawan’s fight is not against Anand Shri; it’s against something else.

Kartavya’s ambition outpaces its execution

The movie explores dark, emotionally charged themes — a godman, a dead journalist, disappearing children, juvenile crimes, and honour killing. It’s safe to say the film sets up a lot, but that’s not the problem. The problem is that this ambition doesn’t land the way it should have. So many themes get entangled together that it becomes difficult for the makers to straighten them out towards the end. The first half is a solid buildup that draws the audience in, but the second half simply doesn’t deliver. The makers rush towards the finish line as if they just wanted to get it over with. So while you’re sitting there, fully invested in questions of justice and fairness, the movie just ends, without dealing with those emotions at all.

Even though the film is emotionally gripping, it lacks the depth that leaves you simply sitting with what you’ve just watched. Even when it forces you to acknowledge the dark realities of our world that we all choose to ignore, it fails to make a lasting impact that truly shakes you. These intense, thought-provoking themes are ultimately let down by lazy writing that falls back on a well-worn script — an underachieving cop with a greater sense of purpose fighting a corrupt system and eventually winning. We’ve seen it multiple times, and more importantly, these films almost never explore the real price you pay for standing up for what’s right.

Saif Ali Khan holds it all together

Let’s get one thing straight: Saif Ali Khan is the star of this movie. The man carries the entire thing on his shoulders. His portrayal of Pawan Malik, a conflicted police officer, strikes the perfect balance between restraint and aggression. Sanjay Mishra, who plays Pawan’s subordinate and friend, delivers a commendable performance in what is a crucial supporting role. Rasika Dugal, as Pawan’s wife, needed more screen time. Her character doesn’t give her nearly enough to work with. Kartavya marks Saurabh Dwivedi’s acting debut and he makes a good first impression.

Overall, Kartavya is a decent watch, especially if you enjoy films that engage with social issues. If you want your weekend sorted, this film can deliver, with a few caveats.

Can you watch Kartavya with your family? The movie uses abusive language in a couple of scenes. If that’s not a problem, this can make for a thought-provoking family watch.

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