Kartavya
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Kartavya
Kartavya (2026) is a Hindi-language crime drama film that premiered on Netflix on May 15, 2026. Directed by Pulkit and produced by Gauri Khan under Red Chillies Entertainment, the movie stars Saif Ali Khan as Inspector Pawan Malik. The plot centers on Pawan, a police officer in the fictional town of Jhamli, who faces intense professional and personal turmoil after a journalist under his protection is murdered. His investigation unravels a complex web of corruption, child exploitation by an influential godman named Anand Shri, and deeply entrenched caste-based honor killings within his own family and community. The film is described as a dark and gritty thriller that explores themes of duty, morality, family loyalty, and justice amidst a corrupt system and societal pressures. It has a runtime of 1 hour 48 minutes to 2 hours 27 minutes depending on the source and is rated TV-MA in the US for language and smoking.
Things to Consider
Violence
The film contains high levels of violence, including murders, shootouts, and themes of honor killings. The protagonist, a police officer, is directly involved in lethal acts. The narrative explores a 'violence-ridden landscape' dealing with social evils.
1. Inspector Pawan Malik witnesses a journalist being shot dead in front of him by a teenager, Harpal, who was manipulated by the godman Anand Shri. 2. Pawan Malik kills his own father, Harihar, and sets fire to his corpse to punish him for the honor killing of his younger brother, Deepak, and Deepak's wife. He also kills his colleague Ashok for his betrayal.
Scary & Intense Content
The film is a dark crime thriller with consistently tense and emotionally charged situations. It includes themes of murder, betrayal, child exploitation, and honor killings, creating a bleak and intense atmosphere. The protagonist experiences significant psychological and emotional distress.
Disrespect & Rebellion
The film prominently features themes of defiance against authority, both within the police system and against traditional familial/societal norms. A central plot point involves an act of rebellion with severe, violent consequences.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
17+ (Mature Audiences) - The film is rated TV-MA, indicating it is intended for mature audiences. This rating is justified by strong violence, including murders and honor killings, mature themes like child exploitation and corruption, implied substance use (smoking), and strong language. The complex moral dilemmas and intense subject matter may be unsuitable for younger viewers.
Good to Know
The film deals with sensitive and challenging themes prevalent in certain regions of India, such as casteism, honor killings, and the exploitation of minors by religious figures. While praised for its realism and Saif Ali Khan's performance, some reviews note that the screenplay can be predictable and that certain characters, like the godman Anand Shri, lack sufficient depth. The film's ending involves morally ambiguous choices by the protagonist, which may prompt discussion among viewers. It is important for parents to understand the cultural context of the themes presented.
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