Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is set to return to the role of a police officer in the upcoming investigative drama Kartavya, produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment. The film was officially unveiled at Netflix’s Next on Netflix India showcase, where it was announced as part of the platform’s highly anticipated 2026 content slate.
Netflix marked the announcement with a teaser post that read, “Dharm aur karm ke yuddh mein, kya kartavya jeet payega?”—hinting at the film’s central conflict between moral righteousness and professional duty. The post concluded with the promise: “Watch Kartavya, coming soon, only on Netflix.”
In Kartavya, Saif Ali Khan plays Pawan Malik, a seasoned police officer navigating a high-stakes investigation that forces him to confront uncomfortable truths. As pressure mounts from multiple directions, Malik is pushed to question how far he is willing to go to uphold the law—especially when his decisions threaten the safety of his own family. The film positions itself as a tense, character-driven drama that explores the cost of duty in a morally complex world.
Directed by Pulkit, best known for the hard-hitting Netflix drama Bhakshak, Kartavya promises a grounded and realistic portrayal of law enforcement under fire. The film also stars Rasika Dugal and Sanjay Mishra in pivotal roles, adding emotional depth and gravitas to the narrative. Journalist Saurabh Dwivedi also appears in the film, marking a notable addition to the cast.
Alongside Kartavya, Netflix also announced another Saif Ali Khan-led project titled Hum Hindustani, further cementing the actor’s strong presence in the streamer’s upcoming slate. Set in post-Independence India, Hum Hindustani is inspired by real-life events and centres on a small group of officials tasked with conducting India’s first democratic election amid chaos, resistance and overwhelming odds.
Directed by Rahul Dholakia and co-starring Pratik Gandhi, the film explores the courage, conviction and uncertainty that shaped a defining moment in the nation’s history.
With Kartavya and Hum Hindustani, Saif Ali Khan continues to expand his repertoire, embracing complex roles that blend political, social and emotional stakes—while Netflix strengthens its focus on powerful, story-driven cinema for Indian audiences.