It’s rare that an Indian action film focuses less on the star and more on the story. Bollywood films rarely feature the level of violence seen in international films, as the action usually serves as a backdrop to the narrative rather than the main event. However, Nikhil Nagesh Bhatt’s Kill departs from tradition. The film is an entertaining, powerful thrill ride set on a train to Delhi. Although the plot is straightforward – a battle between good guys and bad guys on a train – the execution is anything but simple. Kill is a genre-breaking film that explores violence in a bold and surprising way, reflecting the growing adventurous spirit of Indian cinema.
Story:
Kill takes the audience into a tense situation on a train to New Delhi. We meet our protagonist Amrit, played by Lakshya, who returns from a mission to find that his girlfriend Tulika, played by Tanya Maniktala, is engaged to someone else. To her surprise, he along with his army friend Viresh boards the train on which Tulika and her family are travelling. The journey is suddenly interrupted by a ruthless gang led by the mad Fani, played by Raghav Jual. When the gang takes over, a seemingly simple journey turns into a desperate struggle for survival and the safety of the passengers. Amrit and Viresh clash with the gang. What happens next? Will they be able to save the citizens? Will Amrit and Tulika’s love reach the end? All your questions will be answered by the end of the movie.
Directing and Writing:
Kill doesn’t waste time on elaborate background or philosophical musings. It immediately springs into action, plunging us into a battle of survival. The action choreography is brutal and balletic, with influences from John Wick to The Raid: Redemption. Bhatt has fights in narrow corridors, cramped compartments and even on top of a speeding train, maximizing the claustrophobia and tension. The stunt work is impressive, with the actors themselves doing some bone-breaking moves. Be careful though, hitting is not for the faint of heart. The violence is utterly graphic, with rupturing arteries and bone-shattering injuries depicted in gruesome detail.
However, Kill is more than just a blood sport. The first ten minutes of the film, where the hero gets engaged to the girl, are so different from the bloody scenes that follow that if you are unfamiliar with the plot, you will find it hard to believe that they are part of the same film. Although drama and emotional elements are not the main focus of the film, every action sequence is meaningful. You’ll find yourself cheering for every headshot, your adrenaline pumping, you can’t help but admire every kill – that’s what makes the writing so compelling.
There is only one song in the film, which comes at the end, but the kill score is a character in itself. It’s not jaw-dropping like the so-called action filmmakers in India, but it compliments the action on screen. The music isn’t covering any of the narrative here, but it’s there, enough to keep you with the characters, with the scene.
Acting Performance:
Lakshay gives a powerful performance as Amrit, portraying the quiet strength of a soldier whose patience gradually grows as the situation progresses. The physical demands of the role are clear, and the target meets them with impressive dedication. Her portrayal is especially compelling in the quiet moments, where her eyes convey a deep range of emotions. Action scenes don’t seem like much; The story establishes him as a commando, justifying every action he takes. Even when he takes on 40 goons one by one, it doesn’t seem overly dramatic. Lakshay’s performance makes you question if this is really his first feature film.
Raghav Jual
Raghav Jual is excellent in the role of Fani. He has abandoned his usual comic persona and played a character that is creepy and strange. His unpredictable outbursts and darkly humorous monologues make him an interesting villain. Fani is not a one-dimensional monster; Juil imbues it with an exuberant energy that thrills the audience. Her scenes with her father, played by Ashish Vidyarthi, give a glimpse of her personality and add depth to her character.
Amid strong performances from Lakshay and Jual, Tanya Maniktala as Tulika stands out. Maniktala imbues Tulika with quiet strength and determination, making her character the catalyst for Amrut’s fury. Her presence on screen with Lakshay gives a sense of calm amidst the chaos. Even amidst the non-stop action, the lead actors’ chemistry is palpable.
The supporting cast also deserves praise. Ashish Vidyarthi, Harsh Chhaya, Abhishek Chauhan and others have strongly supported the lead characters and enhanced the narrative with their powerful performances.
How is the movie?
Kill is an important milestone for Bollywood. It pushes the boundaries of action cinema in Indian films, and shows a willingness to embrace a more violent aesthetic. It is not for the faint of heart. The violence is graphic and gory, but it serves a purpose, highlighting the brutality of the situation and the desperation of the characters. Furthermore, beneath the surface of the action lies a compelling story about redemption, human resilience, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
Lakshay, Raghav Jual and Tanya Maniktala have given excellent performances that elevate the material. Director Nikhil Bhatt makes extraordinary use of the limited setting to create a continuous and exciting experience. A must-see for fans of kill action cinema who appreciate a film that doesn’t hold back with punches, literally and figuratively, you must have a strong stomach for its graphic violence. The film will release in theaters on July 5, 2024.
Watch the trailer:
