Exploring the Depths of Human Emotion in Kartavya: A Conversation with Pulkit

In a revealing conversation, director Pulkit discusses his latest series, Kartavya, which tackles the themes of corruption and the emotional toll of survival in India's heartland. He reflects on the complexities of his characters, the unique casting of Saif Ali Khan, and the freedom that digital storytelling offers. Pulkit emphasizes that his work aims to confront the uncomfortable truths of violence rather than glorify it. As he continues to explore these dark themes, he also shares insights into his upcoming project, Sundar Poonam. Discover how Kartavya stands out in a landscape filled with narratives of lawlessness and moral decay.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 23, 2026, 05:46 IST

Pulkit's Return to Dark Themes in Kartavya

Pulkit has once again delved into unsettling themes with his latest series, Kartavya, following the impactful Bhakshak, which addressed the serious issue of child abuse. In Kartavya, he revisits the pervasive corruption and moral decay found in India's heartland, showcasing his deep understanding of flawed characters.

In your new project, Kartavya, you convey intense emotions similar to Bhakshak. Would you consider urban violence your specialty?

I wouldn’t label urban violence as my specialty. To me, violence is not something to be glorified; it often reflects deeper issues like silence, power struggles, fear, and societal collapse. My focus lies on the human toll it takes—the emotional aftermath, the inherited anger, and the survival instincts that urban life demands. Both Bhakshak and Kartavya aim to confront the harsh realities of violence rather than romanticize it.

Saif Ali Khan as a rustic cop seems like an unexpected choice, what are your thoughts?

I don’t see it as an unusual choice at all. For me, casting is about the emotional authenticity an actor brings to a role. This cop isn’t a traditional hero; he’s complex, vulnerable, and flawed. Saif possesses the unique ability to portray these imperfections without striving for heroism, which is invaluable for a filmmaker.

Did you need to focus on Saif's diction and body language?

Saif is a remarkably intuitive actor who grasps the emotional nuances of his character. We dedicated time to exploring the character's internal struggles, but I wouldn’t categorize it as hard work since he arrived well-prepared. Our focus was on authenticity rather than performance.

The semi-lawless rural backdrop seems popular among filmmakers. Does this genre encourage violence?

This setting offers rich dramatic potential, as the characters often lack the luxury of politeness or emotional refinement. Their raw emotions can lead to violence, which serves as a means of expressing power, helplessness, or even dignity. However, I believe this genre reveals the repercussions of violence rather than enticing it. If audiences only remember the brutality, then the storytelling has missed its mark.

Do you find the digital space more comfortable?

I wouldn’t describe it as comfort but rather as freedom. The digital realm allows storytellers to experiment without the constraints of traditional formulas or box office expectations. It provides a platform for complex characters and uncomfortable truths. Nonetheless, cinema remains the ultimate aspiration; nothing compares to the experience of sharing a story on a grand screen with an audience.

With many recent films addressing small-town corruption, what distinguishes Kartavya?

While the themes of small-town corruption and moral decay may seem familiar, Kartavya goes beyond mere lawlessness. It examines the emotional toll of navigating such a system. The film focuses on human conflict, exploring how power affects ordinary lives, how compromises become habitual, and how morality can blur in the face of survival.

What’s next for you?

Currently, I am working on Sundar Poonam, a feature film for Prime Video, produced by Vikram Malhotra, featuring Sanya Malhotra and Aditya Rawal.