More than two decades after sharing screen space in Kal Ho Naa Ho, Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan are reuniting for Netflix’s upcoming crime drama Kartavya. While Shah Rukh is attached to the project as a producer, Saif leads the film’s cast, and the actor had plenty to say about SRK’s unique style of working behind the scenes during the movie’s trailer launch event.
Saif opened up about his “lovely and long association” with Shah Rukh Khan, revealing that the superstar personally approached him about the film. “He said that there’s a lovely script and he would like me to hear it and do the film,” Saif shared. After listening to the narration and meeting director Pulkit, Saif decided to come on board the project. Once the film was completed, Shah Rukh watched it and reportedly told Saif that he was very happy with how the movie had turned out.
However, it was Saif’s detailed comments about Shah Rukh’s producing style that quickly grabbed attention online. “I didn’t meet him on set because he’s one of the producers who believe that a director is free to operate and make the film that he wants to make. Sometimes, some kinds of presence can be overwhelming on sets and he understands that,” Saif explained. The actor added that Shah Rukh gave the team complete room to make the film they wanted without unnecessary interference.
Saif also admitted that despite SRK not being heavily involved on a day-to-day basis during filming, his creative sensibilities could still be felt throughout the production. “I felt like I was working for his production with his sensibilities. But for that, an everyday involvement wasn’t required,” he added. Fans online have been praising Shah Rukh’s approach, with many calling it a sign of confidence and trust in filmmakers.
Directed by Pulkit and produced by Gauri Khan under the banner of Red Chillies Entertainment, Kartavya is described as a character-driven crime drama exploring themes of justice, conscience, morality, and consequences against a tense investigative backdrop. The film aims to blend emotional storytelling with suspense and gritty drama.
Alongside Saif Ali Khan, the movie also stars Rasika Dugal, Sanjay Mishra, Zakir Hussain, Manish Chaudhari, and Saurabh Dwivedi in important roles. With Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan associated with the same project again after 23 years, Kartavya has already become one of the most talked-about upcoming releases on Netflix India.
The film premieres on Netflix on May 15.