Saif Ali Khan on SRK's reaction to 'Kartavya': 'Going to be fab'
Synopsis
Shah Rukh Khan watched 'Kartavya' and told Saif Ali Khan it was going to be 'fab' — then promised a big release. With Red Chillies Entertainment backing it and a morally complex cop at its centre, the film lands on Netflix on 15 May 2025, positioning itself squarely in India's booming crime-drama streaming lane.
Key Takeaways
Saif Ali Khan plays a morally conflicted cop named Pawan in 'Kartavya' , produced by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan .
Shah Rukh Khan reportedly told Saif he 'really liked the movie' and promised a 'great release' after watching it.
The film is directed by Pulkit and also stars Sanjay Mishra , Zakir Hussain , Manish Chaudhari , and Saurabh Dwivedi . 'Kartavya' premieres on Netflix on 15 May 2025 .
This is Saif Ali Khan's first collaboration with Red Chillies Entertainment .
Actor Saif Ali Khan is set to play a morally conflicted police officer in the upcoming drama 'Kartavya', produced by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan under their banner Red Chillies Entertainment. The film premieres on Netflix on 15 May 2025 — and according to Saif, Shah Rukh's verdict after watching it was unambiguous.
Shah Rukh Khan's Reaction
In a recent interview, Saif revealed that once 'Kartavya' was complete, Shah Rukh personally shared his response. 'It was a few words, but very nice words. The feedback after the film finished was that he really liked the movie,' Saif said.
He further recalled Shah Rukh adding: 'I am going to get a great release for it. It is going to be fab.' The endorsement from the producer himself signals strong confidence in the project ahead of its streaming debut.
Saif on His Character Pawan
Saif described his character Pawan as a man caught between personal conviction, social expectation, and the weight of protection. 'Pawan is a man constantly negotiating with himself, between what he believes is right, what's expected of him, and what he must protect,' he said.
'What drew me to Kartavya is that it doesn't offer easy answers; it puts you in uncomfortable spaces and forces you to ask what you would do when every choice comes at a personal cost,' the actor added. The role marks a departure from many of Saif's earlier screen personas, leaning into moral ambiguity rather than clear-cut heroism.
First Collaboration with Red Chillies Entertainment
Saif noted that 'Kartavya' marks his first project with Red Chillies Entertainment, calling the experience 'especially exciting.' 'Working with Pulkit and the entire cast made this journey even more compelling and thrilling. We're excited for audiences across the world to engage with this story on Netflix,' he said.
The film is directed by Pulkit and features a supporting cast that includes Sanjay Mishra, Zakir Hussain, Manish Chaudhari, and Saurabh Dwivedi in key roles.
What to Expect
'Kartavya' arrives on Netflix at a moment when Indian crime dramas with layered protagonists — think 'Mirzapur', 'Delhi Crime', 'Scam 1992' — have found large global audiences on streaming platforms. A Red Chillies-backed project with Saif in a cop role and a morally complex script is positioned to compete in that space. All eyes will be on opening-weekend viewership numbers to gauge whether the film can break through a crowded streaming calendar.
Point of View
And Red Chillies knows that. Saif's pivot to morally grey, system-critical characters also tracks a broader Bollywood recalibration: audiences have moved past the infallible hero, and the industry is catching up. Whether 'Kartavya' converts critical goodwill into viewership numbers will be the real test of whether this formula holds beyond the festival-darling circuit.
NationPress
4 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Kartavya' and when does it release?
'Kartavya' is a crime drama starring Saif Ali Khan as a police officer named Pawan, produced by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan under Red Chillies Entertainment. It premieres on Netflix on 15 May 2025.
How did Shah Rukh Khan react after watching 'Kartavya'?
According to Saif Ali Khan, Shah Rukh told him he 'really liked the movie' and said, 'I am going to get a great release for it. It is going to be fab.' Saif described the feedback as 'a few words, but very nice words.'
Who directed 'Kartavya' and who else is in the cast?
The film is directed by Pulkit. The supporting cast includes Sanjay Mishra, Zakir Hussain, Manish Chaudhari, and Saurabh Dwivedi in key roles.
What is Saif Ali Khan's character like in 'Kartavya'?
Saif plays Pawan, a cop who is, in his own words, 'constantly negotiating with himself, between what he believes is right, what's expected of him, and what he must protect.' Saif has described the role as one that does not offer easy moral answers.
Is 'Kartavya' Saif Ali Khan's first project with Red Chillies Entertainment?
Yes, Saif has confirmed that 'Kartavya' marks his first collaboration with Red Chillies Entertainment, Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan's production banner.
