Synopsis: When army commando Amrit (Lakshya) finds out his true love Tulika (Tanya Maniktala) is engaged against her will, he boards a New Delhi-bound train in a daring quest to derail the arranged marriage. But when a gang of knife-wielding thieves led by the ruthless Fani (Raghav Juyal) begin to terrorize innocent passengers on his train, Amrit takes them on himself in a death-defying kill-spree to save those around him — turning what should have been a typical commute into an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride.
Don’t allow fear to stop you from doing what is right, take action. If you choose not to, everything around you could come crumbling down. Even if the moment isn’t initially a life-or-death situation, it doesn’t mean that it won’t become one later due to inaction. It may be difficult, it might feel foolish, embarrassing, or unnecessary at the time, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you helped. For those committing atrocities whether big or small, be wary about those you decide to wrong, you may awaken a monster.
“Tulika!”
Most of us would die for the ones we love, but would you kill for them? Written and directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, Kill is a brutal nonstop adrenaline rush. This is a film that when it’s over, can be summed up by saying, that was gnarly, that was awesome, or holy shit! It’s filled to the brim with bone-breaking, head-smashing, bad-guy-killing thrills. Feeling like Ong-Bak or an offshoot of The Raid: Redemption, Kill is gritty and raw with epic levels of badassery. Deciding to forego the endless amounts of bullets and gun fights that we’ve become accustomed to, the action is filled with knives and various blades heightening the danger and leading to intense edge-of-your-seat sequences. Residing almost exclusively on a train as a heist ensues the film thrives and amazes with close-quarters combat.
Protected by love and driven by vengeance, the Indian feature follows Army commando Amrit Rathod as he follows his beloved Tulika secretly as she is arranged to take the hand of another. Kept anonymous from her family, Amrit can only admire from afar and steal kisses when no one is looking. Before the train they’re on reaches its destination, a large group of plain clothes bandits take the opportunity to rob and kill anyone they like. Now, no one is safe, not even the bandits. To help those closest to him and those needing help, Amrit becomes an unstoppable and unrelenting dealer of death. Blending a once terrifying reality in India of armed robbers called dacoits and the difficulties of true love adjacent to arranged marriages, there’s a cultural relevance that can be strongly felt. Outside of that, it’s all action all the time. The martial arts and fight choreography are impressive, the body count is high, and the kills are graphic. If you’re a fan of the hallway scene in Daredevil, this movie is for you. The fights feel and look real. There aren’t a bunch of cinematography tricks used to hide bad choreography or bright backgrounds that pull focus. Along with a few other films, this is as authentic-looking as it gets. Kill is easily one of the best action films of the year.
“He’s killing everyone.”
Besides its theme of love, the story also focuses on duty and responsibility. For Amrit, he not only feels the call to help as a soldier but as a citizen. When in uniform, there is an obligation to help those in need, however, this film relays the message that the obligation should extend itself to anyone who can defend others in any capacity. As the perpetrators become the victims, there is also a family dynamic as the bandits become uneasy about their involvement and leadership. Director Nagesh Bhat also poses an important question, who kills like this? Is our hero a protector or a monster?
As much as this may seem like a straightforward ass-kicking extravaganza, there is plenty of depth. From its introspective tendencies to its cultural relevancy, we also are gifted with layered and flawed characters. The villains are more than cannon fodder and the love expressed is profound. The story unfolds between the punches, and it’s a complex one. This is a movie event that you won’t want to miss. Its rewatchability is high.
Pace & Pop
This full-throttle locomotive of mayhem is perfectly paced. Like adding gasoline to a fire, once the title graces the screen 45 minutes in, the film goes fucking around to fatalities. Initially, Amrit wanted nothing more than to beat the criminals and see them arrested. However, once they cross the line, say goodbye to their spine. As soon as they go too far, bodies are tossed from the railcar. To paraphrase the YoungbloodZ, if they don’t give a damn, he don’t give a fuck. What popped for me were the multiple fights with the seemingly unbeatable and gigantic Siddhi. It’s a battle between the unstoppable force and the immovable object. You’ll never guess how it ends.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Lakshya, Tanya Maniktala, Raghav Juyal
What an intense journey. This blew me away. Big-screen newcomer, Lakshya is going to be a star. He possesses not only the look but also the magnetism and talent. You could feel the electricity between his character Amrit and Tanya Maniktala’s character Tulika. However, when he has to face off against our antagonist and all-around scumbag, Fani portrayed by Raghav Juyal, the film is on fire. Fani is the perfect bad guy for this action-filled throwdown because you can’t wait to see how he gets demolished after the crimes he committed. You’re going to love it.
KILL releases in theaters on July 4, 2024. Stay safe and protect your loved ones.
Rated: R Runtime: 1h 55m Director: Nikhil Nagesh Bhat Writer: Nikhil Nagesh Bhat Producers: Hiroo Yash Johar, Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Guneet Monga Kapoor, Achin Jain
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
