*Review: _Kartavya_ (2026) – Netflix*
*Rating: 2/5*
*Saif Ali Khan* is the film’s backbone. Restrained, angry, vulnerable — gives _Sacred Games_ vibes in a good way. He elevates an otherwise average script purely on charisma and emotional intensity.
At just over 100 minutes, director Pulkit keeps it lean and brisk. No melodrama. Small flashes of humor land well.
*Supporting Cast* Sanjay Mishra, Zakir Hussain, and Rasika Dugal are strong. Zakir as the caste-obsessed father is especially convincing. Yudhvir Ahlawat as Harpal is excellent and becomes the film’s emotional core.
*The disappointment thing is *Predictable Plot + too Many Issues*. The film tries to cram caste, child abuse, corruption, and honor killing into 2 hours and ends up doing justice to none. It looks like a social-issue checklist.
*Villain is the weakest link*, Journalist-turned-actor Saurabh Dwivedi as godman Anand Shri is a “wrong casting decision.” His expressionless dialogue delivery got him heavily trolled. He’s a meritorious journalist and meticulous anchor, famous for building Lallantop and now heading Indian Express Hindi digital. He should stick to that. Acting isn’t his cup of tea, and his performance drags the film down.
Kartavya is a lean, gritty cop thriller that’s watchable mainly for Saif Ali Khan. If you liked Bhakshak, Sacred Games, you’ll find it engaging but too familiar. Saif aside, the weak villain and overstuffed plot make it fall short.
*2/5* — Saif’s show, but the film doesn’t live up to the weight of its title.