The next action spectacular from filmmaker Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, “Kill,” doesn’t mince words when it comes to its title. It presents an unrelenting display of violence, deftly fusing the savagery of foreign action films with the emotional weight of Bollywood. Get ready for an exciting adventure that defies genres.
A Story Steeped in Tragedy
The plot is rather straightforward. On what appears to be a routine train ride, we meet two elite commandos, Amrit (Lakshya) and Viresh (Abhishek Chauhan). But boiling under the surface is anger. A past tragedy haunts Amrit, and Viresh has a deeply devoted buddy. The straightforward ride devolves into a full-fledged conflict when Ashish Vidyarthi, a vicious criminal, and his homicidal thugs take control of the train.
The way “Kill” explores sorrow and retaliation raises it above a mindless action movie. Amrit’s tough exterior belies a profound sadness that motivates him to take revenge with every action. Lakshya makes a strong start, emulating the subdued intensity of a guy on the verge of tears. Amidst the violence, Amrit and Viresh’s friendship offers a much-needed emotional anchor. With his outstanding fighting prowess and sincere compassion for his comrade, Chauhan exudes charm in the part.
Action Unmatched: A Global Gumbo
Bhat is obviously influenced by a number of action movie tropes. The painstakingly crafted battle scenes are reminiscent of the balletic violence seen in Hong Kong films. Imagine gut-wrenching kicks and razor-sharp knife fights captured on camera with such emotional intensity that it will make you cringe in your seat. However, the action also has a very Bollywood feel to it. The crowd cheers amid the chaos as the dance is interspersed with extraordinary acts of bravery and acrobatic feats.
The movie also honors the grim realism of contemporary Korean vengeance thrillers. With blood spurting and bone-crushing strikes that leave a lasting imprint, the violence is unrelentingly horrific. Not for the faint of heart, but “Kill” is an excellent visceral action movie for those who enjoy that kind of thing.
A Bollywood Beauty with Gritty Undertones
There are several issues with the movie. During the few calmer moments of the movie, the romance subplot between Amrit and Tulika (Tanya Maniktala) appears undercooked and is limited to sly looks and corny banter. Maniktala has a great on-screen presence, but the forced romance doesn’t feel like it belongs in the story; rather, it feels like a Bollywood tradition.
However, the stunning visuals more than compensate for any narrative shortcomings. The camerawork is dynamic, keeping pace with the frenetic action and capturing the claustrophobic atmosphere of the train environment. The use of slow motion during key fight scenes adds a touch of artistic flourish, transforming the brutality into a morbid ballet of violence.
The Verdict: A Must-Watch for Action Aficionados
“Kill” is a genre-bending experience that will make you gasp and maybe feel a bit sick to your stomach. Though it’s not a movie for everyone, “Kill” is a must-see for anyone looking for an exhilarating thrill journey full of inventive action and unadulterated passion. Bhat’s picture defies convention in Indian action filmmaking, exhibiting a level of narrative intricacy and technical skill never seen in previous works. All you need to do is be ready for the ultimate sensory overload.
