Netflix has officially announced that Kartavya, a gritty police drama led by Saif Ali Khan, will begin streaming on May 15, 2026. Produced by Gauri Khan under Red Chillies Entertainment, the film marks the second collaboration between director Pulkit (of Bhakshak fame) and the streaming giant.
The Plot: A Heartland Thriller
Set in the Indian hinterlands, Kartavya is described as a morally complex exploration of justice and power.
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The Lead: Saif Ali Khan plays a police officer pushed to his psychological and ethical limits.
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The Conflict: The story follows his journey as he navigates rising threats, balancing the weight of his official duty against the safety of his family.
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Themes: The film delves into the consequences of silence and the blurred lines between right and wrong in a world with no easy answers.
Ensemble Cast and Crew
The film boasts a strong lineup of versatile actors known for their work in realistic and socially relevant cinema:
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Starring: Saif Ali Khan, Rasika Dugal, Sanjay Mishra, Zakir Hussain, and Manish Chaudhari.
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Acting Debut: Saurabh Dwivedi makes his first on-screen appearance in a key role.
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Direction: Pulkit, who received critical acclaim for his previous social thriller Bhakshak.
Industry Perspectives
Venky Mysore, CEO of Red Chillies Entertainment, highlighted that the film focuses on the difficult choices made when morality is tested. Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films at Netflix India, added that while the story is rooted in the Indian heartland, its themes of power and guilt are universal.
By combining Red Chillies’ high production standards with Pulkit’s nuanced storytelling, Kartavya aims to be a thought-provoking addition to Netflix’s original Indian film slate this summer.
