In a cinematic tour de force that’s reshaping action film standards, the Indian film ‘Kill’ has captured global attention with its electrifying sequences and unique storytelling. With the rights for an English remake snapped up by Chad Stahelski, producer of the famed ‘John Wick’ series, ‘Kill’ promises to be a game-changer in action cinema.
Released recently on Disney Plus Hotstar, ‘Kill’ has quickly become a sensation, and it's easy to see why. The film, directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, has been described as a groundbreaking experience, unlike any other Hindi action movie before it.
The storyline:
‘Kill’ revolves around Amit, an elite commando from the National Security Guard, and his turbulent journey involving his love interest, Tulika. Tulika's family is unaware of their relationship, and under family pressure, she becomes engaged to another. The plot thickens when Tulika’s family boards a train to Delhi, and Amit, accompanied by another commando, follows to ensure her safety. What begins as a routine journey soon transforms into a nightmarish ordeal.
The film's plot, while straightforward—centered on Amit's quest for vengeance—serves as a vehicle for unparalleled action sequences. Bhatt’s vision was not to focus solely on narrative depth but to dazzle audiences with innovative action choreography, a goal he has certainly achieved.
Why ‘Kill’ stands out:
Unlike traditional action films, *Kill* shines for its unique corridor action sequences. Reminiscent of the iconic corridor fight scene from Park Chan-wook’s ‘Oldboy’, this film elevates the concept with its intense, confined-space combat. The movie’s choreography merges the visceral excitement of the ‘John Wick’ franchise with the raw brutality of Korean action cinema, presenting a fresh experience for Indian audiences.
‘Kill’ is divided into two distinct parts—pre-break and post-break—which marks a significant shift in the protagonist’s character. The first half introduces a fearful hero, while the latter half reveals him as a relentless force of terror.
Running at a taut 1 hour and 47 minutes, the film is relentless in its action, bypassing romantic subplots to dive straight into adrenaline-pumping sequences. The blend of emotion with high-octane action adds layers to the story, making the audience invested in both the characters and their harrowing experiences.
Critical acclaim:
Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September last year, ‘Kill’ made a notable impact, securing the position of first runner-up in the ‘People’s Choice Award: Midnight Madness’ category. Since its theatrical release on July 5, the film has been met with critical acclaim.
With a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 74, the film has been lauded for its exceptional action choreography and Lakshya Lalwani’s performance as Amit. India Today critic Jinya Banerjee awarded it 4.5 out of 5 stars, describing it as a must-watch for action aficionados. Rediff.com’s Sukanya Verma praised the film not just for its portrayal of violence but for its artistic execution.
International critics have also joined the chorus of praise. Variety described *Kill* as "the most brutal movie ever made in India," highlighting its unprecedented level of action. The Guardian and The Hollywood Reporter echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the film’s innovative approach to the genre.
Performances and impact:
Lakshya Lalwani’s debut performance as Amit has been particularly praised. Drawing on his background in wrestling, Lalwani’s preparation for the role involved eight months of rigorous training, contributing to his dynamic portrayal. Raghav Jual, as the film’s antagonist, delivers a chilling performance as a ruthless killer, complementing Lalwani’s intense role. Tanya Maniktala, although in a brief role, adds depth as Amit’s love interest.
‘Kill’ stands as a bold testament to innovative action filmmaking, blending emotional storytelling with groundbreaking stunts. Its impact is already being felt worldwide, and with its English remake in the works, the film’s influence is set to expand even further.
