Saif Ali Khan has praised producer Shah Rukh Khan for giving the team of film Kartavya complete creative freedom during its making. Speaking at the trailer launch event in Mumbai, Saif revealed that Shah Rukh personally called him to discuss the project being developed under Red Chillies Entertainment.
"He said, 'There's a lovely script, and I would like you to hear it, and do it'. Then I listened to the narration, met the director, and once the film was completed, he told me it had turned out beautifully. He was very happy," Saif said.
The actor added that Shah Rukh consciously stayed in the background to allow the cast and crew to shape the film independently.
'Sometimes Shah Rukh's presence can become overwhelming on a set, and I think he understands that. He gave us the space to make the film on our own. Still, I always felt I was working under his production sensibility,' Saif said.
Directed by Pulkit, known for Bhakshak, the film also stars Rasika Dugal opposite Saif. The actor described working with Dugal as an inspiring experience.
'It was elevating (to work with Dugal). When you work with an artist of this calibre, and she (Rasika) is such a wonderful actor, I was challenged and tried my best and it brought out the good work in me also… I'm a big fan of hers and it was nice working with her,' Saif said at the trailer preview of the movie.
The actor added that Shah Rukh consciously stayed in the background to allow the cast and crew to shape the film independently.
'Sometimes Shah Rukh's presence can become overwhelming on a set, and I think he understands that. He gave us the space to make the film on our own. Still, I always felt I was working under his production sensibility,' Saif said.
Directed by Pulkit, known for Bhakshak, the film also stars Rasika Dugal opposite Saif. The actor described working with Dugal as an inspiring experience.
'It was elevating (to work with Dugal). When you work with an artist of this calibre, and she (Rasika) is such a wonderful actor, I was challenged and tried my best and it brought out the good work in me also… I'm a big fan of hers and it was nice working with her,' Saif said at the trailer preview of the movie.
Dugal, in turn, praised Saif's energy and humour on set.
'I've been an admirer of his work for many years. I had heard that Saif is the most fun co-actor to work with and that was true and more. He has a fantastic sense of humour and he brought in a certain energy to the set, which was beautiful. I wish we had more days to shoot. We unanimously agree (that he is handsome),' she said.
Produced by Gauri Khan under Red Chillies Entertainment, 'Kartavya' follows police officer Pawan, played by Saif, as he struggles with rising threats, professional responsibilities, and the safety of his family.
The film explores themes of morality, guilt, power, and justice as the lines between right and wrong gradually blur.
Saif said the layered storytelling and emotional complexity of the character attracted him to the project.
'We did the film because it's a good story. If you put pressure on any person then you are revealing your true identity and this character goes through different kind of pressure, be it work related, family. I found that very interesting and I was like, 'How will he get out of it, what decisions will he make?' I thought it was lovely and it all builds up slowly. Pulkit is fantastic director and I thank the producer for making the film and releasing it,' he explained.
Reflecting on playing another cop role, Saif said he focuses more on the individual behind the uniform.
'I play people who happen to be police officers. It's more about the person than the cop,' he added.
Dugal, who earlier received acclaim for portraying a police officer in Delhi Crime, said 'Kartavya' also delves deeply into the human side of law enforcement.
'It's the story of exploring the human side (of a police officer) and 'Kartavya' is also about the moral conflict of a police officer and it has been explored beautifully in the film. It's the classic tussle between duty and conscious, which is the theme I'm not tired of,' she said.