Kartavya Movie Review: Saif Ali Khan’s flawless act can’t save journalist Saurabh Dwivedi’s cringe debut performance; fans say ‘Arjun Kapoor is 10 times better’

Saif Ali Khan has wowed us with his acting prowess in Bollywood films, and the actor stepped into the world of web series and web films a few years back. He garnered accolades for Sacred Games and Tandav, and now Saif Ali Khan is back in the OTT game, giving many stars a run for their money. His recently released crime thriller Kartavya was released on Netflix India.

In the film, Saif essays the role of a cop trapped between professional duty and the safety of his own family. The story also shows the murder of a journalist and how the cops try their best to trace the murderer, in quest for justice, system, and godman, how society, pressure, and power slowly destroy a man emotionally while he continues to wear the uniform with pride.

Set in the dusty small town of Jhamli, Kartavya takes a more realistic approach rather than commercial heroism and glorifying the lead. While Saif Ali Khan leads the film, the movie is backed not by star power but by a cast of performers known for their craft. Sanjay Mishra, Rasika Dugal and Zakir Hussain all deliver jaw-dropping performances and add to the gritty tone of the thriller. Former Lallantop journalist Saurabh Dwivedi also makes his acting debut as Anand Shri, the controversial godman at the centre of the abuse allegations, which also adds a layer of curiosity to the series.

Saif Ali Khan’s Pawan Malik is assigned to protect a journalist investigating a powerful godman and the nexus surrounding him. As the investigation deepens, Pawan realises corruption runs through politicians, police officials and even people closest to him. At the same time, his personal life begins to fall apart, forcing him to constantly choose between being a good officer and a good family man. Rasika Dugal, playing journalist Reema Dutta’s murderer, also adds to the suspense and is in sync with Saif Ali Khan’s character

The film gradually transforms from a murder investigation into a story about betrayal and emotional turmoil. Pawan finds himself surrounded by manipulation from all sides while trying to uncover the truth behind the deaths of journalist Reema Dutta and young shooter Harpal. As the conspiracy unfolds, he discovers that the people he trusted the most were involved in the cover-up.

The climax avoids the usual larger-than-life Bollywood set-up and premise. Kartavya chooses a grounded and emotionally exhausting climax. Pawan finally uncovers the truth and kills those responsible for the conspiracy, including his trusted aide, played by Sanjay Mishra and even his own father, portrayed by Zakir Hussain.

The final scenes show a shattered Pawan who may have exposed the truth but remains emotionally scarred by everything he lost in the process.

One of the biggest talking points after the film’s release has been the ending of Anand Shri’s arc. Many viewers felt the Godman character, played by Saurabh Dwivedi, deserved a stronger conclusion. Rather than giving audiences a dramatic confrontation, the makers chose to focus on Pawan Malik’s psychological state and the emotional cost of duty. The ending has a powerful message that duty always demands sacrifice.

While the performances of almost every actor received praise online, it was Saurabh Dwivedi’s acting debut that faced the harshest criticism on social media. Netizens brutally trolled his performance, with many claiming his dialogue delivery felt robotic and monotonous throughout the series. Several viewers said it looked as if he was simply reading lines from a script without emotional depth or variation in expression.

Memes quickly flooded social media, with some users jokingly apologising to actors like Arjun Kapoor, Varun Dhawan and Tiger Shroff for criticising their acting in the past.

Take a look:

Is Kartavya Worth Watching for Crime Drama Fans?

Saif Ali Khan delivers a standout performance in a flawed but watchable narrative.

If you enjoy Indian crime dramas with layered characters and moral complexity, Kartavya arrives at the perfect moment today on Netflix.