‘Kartavya’ Review: Netizens Praise Cast but Criticise Plot

The most recent offering from Saif Ali Khan on Netflix, the crime thriller 'Kartavya', has received divided responses from audiences soon after its release. The movie, directed by Pulkit, is an attempt to portray the reality of the police world through a gritty portrayal.

Even though people are complimenting the acting, particularly that of Saif Ali Khan, most of them believe that the plot and timing of the film are not up to the mark.

Kartavya Movie Details

Kartavya Story Overview

This tale revolves around the life of Pawan, a sincere policeman deputed to work in a small village of Haryana plagued by corruption and caste clashes.

Upon the murder of a journalist, Pawan starts probing into the incident, eventually discovering a larger connection, including some important figures and a controversial godman called Anand Shri.

As the investigation progresses, the film explores themes of duty, morality and survival inside a broken system where truth comes at a heavy price.

The rest of the story focuses on whether Pawan can fight the corrupt system without losing himself in the process.

Kartavya Review: Strong Performances, Weak Screenplay

Without doubt, the most impressive feature of Kartavya has to be its performances. Saif Ali Khan gives a performance that many people feel is very much comparable to his performances in Sacred Games and Vikram Vedha.

His portrayal of a tired and morally conflicted cop keeps the film engaging even during slower portions.

Rasika Dugal and Sanjay Mishra are also appreciated for bringing an emotional element to the narrative. The entire supporting cast does well with the kind of dark tone that the movie establishes.

But the script is now considered the most criticized aspect of the film. Many viewers online noted that the storyline was quite predictable and inconsistent, especially when it comes to its twists.

The slow pacing and abrupt ending further reduce the emotional impact of the film.

Social Media Reactions Remain Divided

While many viewers praised Saif Ali Khan’s acting, reactions toward journalist-turned-actor Saurabh Dwivedi have been largely negative.

His performance received some criticism from users on Reddit and X, describing it as being “stiff” and “bland", whereas some even thought that his acting diminished the gravity of some important scenes.

On the other hand, some viewers admired the realism of the movie, appreciating the down-to-earth approach of the story.

Technical Aspects and Visual Tone

The film maintains a dark and realistic atmosphere throughout. The rural setting, muted visuals and serious tone help create tension during several scenes.

The background score remains subtle and supports the thriller elements without becoming overpowering. However, some critics felt the polished visual treatment reduced the rawness the story demanded.

What Are the Weak Points?

• Predictable twists
• Slow pacing
• Weak climax
• Uneven screenplay

Is Kartavya Worth Watching?

Watch it if you:

• Enjoy slow-burn crime thrillers
• Like realistic cop dramas
• Are a fan of Saif Ali Khan
• Prefer dark and grounded storytelling

Skip it if you:

• Expect fast-paced action
• Want unpredictable twists
• Prefer commercial entertainers
• Dislike slow narratives

Final Verdict

Kartavya does a great job at providing powerful acting and a convincing setting, but what keeps it from becoming an unforgettable thriller is the script.

For the second time, Saif Ali Khan manages to display his skills at portraying complex characters, but the predictable storyline and inconsistent narrative hinder the movie's success.

Rating: 3/5

Overall, Kartavya is a decent one-time watch for viewers who enjoy grounded crime dramas with strong performances.