Netflix's Kartavya Trailer Unveils Tense Crime Drama Starring Saif Ali Khan

The trailer for Netflix's upcoming film Kartavya, starring Saif Ali Khan, has been released, showcasing a gripping narrative filled with moral dilemmas and personal conflicts. Directed by Pulkit, the film promises a tense crime drama where justice is compromised, and loyalties are tested. Saif's character, Pawan, a weary police officer, faces immense pressure after a journalist's assassination, forcing him into a dangerous pursuit while protecting his family. The film's exploration of systemic corruption and personal sacrifice raises thought-provoking questions about duty and justice. Kartavya is set to premiere on Netflix on May 15.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 7, 2026, 16:38 IST

Kartavya Trailer Released

The much-anticipated trailer for the Netflix film Kartavya has been released. The opening line delivered by Saif Ali Khan sets the tone: "Dharam karte hai, karam choothta hai, karam karte hai dharam choothta hai, Kartavya tak toh baat hi nahi pohonchti." This sentiment resonates throughout the 2-minute and 25-second clip, which showcases a gripping crime drama featuring Saif Ali Khan in a complex role. Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, the film intertwines police procedural elements with deep emotional family dynamics.

Exploring Moral Ambiguity

Kartavya Trailer OUT

Directed by Pulkit, Kartavya delves into the moral complexities faced by its protagonist. The trailer presents a narrative where justice is often compromised, loyalties are tested, and faith serves as a source of strength amidst chaos. Saif Ali Khan portrays Pawan, a beleaguered police officer and devoted follower of Mahadev, who finds himself under immense pressure after a journalist he is protecting is murdered, throwing both the police force and media into disarray. As senior officials close in on him, Pawan embarks on a perilous quest to find the assassin while also safeguarding his family from emerging threats.

A Dark and Gritty Atmosphere

The trailer quickly establishes a somber tone, featuring dimly lit interrogation scenes, political intrigue, and shocking confrontations. Saif’s nuanced performance stands out, as he embodies a character weighed down by his responsibilities rather than a typical larger-than-life cop. The film intriguingly juxtaposes personal dilemmas with systemic corruption, as Pawan grapples with not only external threats but also familial tensions that put his loved ones in jeopardy, forcing him to choose between his duty and his family.

Supporting Cast and Themes

Alongside Saif, the film features a strong supporting cast, including Rasika Dugal as his wife, with Sanjay Mishra, Zakir Hussain, Manish Chaudhari, and Saurabh Dwivedi enriching the morally ambiguous landscape of the story. Each character seems to harbor secrets, complicating the distinction between heroes and villains.

Saif Ali Khan's Insights

More about Kartavya

Saif Ali Khan has described his character Pawan as “a man constantly negotiating with himself.” He expressed that what attracted him to Kartavya is its refusal to provide easy answers, instead placing viewers in challenging situations that compel them to consider the personal costs of their choices. This internal conflict is evident throughout the trailer, which diverges from traditional cop dramas that glorify righteousness, instead posing difficult questions about family loyalty and the integrity of justice within flawed systems.

Director's Vision

Director Pulkit emphasized that Kartavya explores the grey areas of morality, where every decision comes with consequences and certainty is elusive. This film marks Saif Ali Khan’s inaugural collaboration with Red Chillies Entertainment, the production company established by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan, and the high production values are evident in the trailer. Kartavya is set to premiere on Netflix on May 15.