‘Kill’ Review: A Film Unlike Anything Seen Before in Hindi Cinema

‘Kill’ Review: A thrilling and inventive film set on a speeding train filled with intense violence. Not for the faint-hearted.

Hindi cinema has never seen anything like Kill. This film has ventured into new territory for Mumbai cinema, pushing the limits of violence and gore much further than any Bollywood action movie has before.

Instead of using the typical, sanitized Bollywood action scenes made for fans of big action stars, Kill throws out the safety measures. Its intense, no-holds-barred style results in continuous pounding, cuts, and frantic, bloody fights.

In the film Kill, directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat and produced by Karan Johar and Guneet Monga, the hero and the main villain are portrayed by actors who aren’t constrained by the usual limits of fame.

They don’t have an image to break away from, although it’s interesting to see dancer and choreographer Raghav Juyal cast as a high-profile killer. The contrast between their on-screen personas shows that these seemingly ordinary guys have extraordinary tendencies.

When they fight, whether with bare fists or in other ways, the result is electrifying. The actors have the freedom to fully embrace the film’s nonstop intensity, which is where its power comes from.

Kill is all about a no-holds-barred showdown between two off-duty Black Cat commandos and a group of armed criminals who attack a train heading to Delhi. The film goes all out with the action, embracing a lot of violence and making the most of its intense scenes.

The movie is tightly wound, intense, and incredibly creative in its portrayal of violent scenes inside a speeding train at night. It’s not suitable for those who are easily disturbed.

In “Train to Busan,” zombies terrorize the passengers, while in this express ride to Mughalsarai, it’s train raiders who are the threat. However, there’s a key difference: the raiders soon become easy targets themselves. They switch between being aggressive to defend themselves and growing increasingly fearful of a new and unknown enemy.

The stunt choreography by Parvez Shaikh and Se-yeong Oh (the action director for Bong Joon-ho’s Snowpiercer as well as the Bollywood thrillers War and Tiger 3) gives Kill a gritty layer of shocking realism. When throats are slit, torsos are ripped open, or fingers are chopped off, the audience is left gaping in numbing horror.

Indeed, the violence is relentless. Men are impaled, one thief has his head smashed with a fire extinguisher, and another’s face is set on fire. Some are beaten to death, while skulls are split open with weapons like meat cleavers, axes, and hammers. The film isn’t easy to watch, but it’s oddly captivating.

The story is simple: Tulika Singh (played by Tanya Maniktala) is in love with Captain Amrit Rathore (played by Lakshya) and wants to marry him despite her family’s objections. Her controlling father, Baldev Singh Thakur (played by Harsh Chaya), who runs a transport business in Jharkhand and is feared for his powerful connections, forces her to get engaged to a man he chooses.

Tulika’s family, including her younger sister Aahna (Adrija Sinha), is returning to Delhi from an unspecified city on the Rajdhani Express. During the journey, their train is attacked by a gang of desperadoes led by Beni (Ashish Vidyarthi) and his hot-headed son (Raghav Juyal).

The gang starts robbing the passengers, just another day for these train thieves. But this time, things might get tough when they encounter Amrit and his NSG buddy Vishesh Atwal (played by Abhishek Chauhan).

The man, along with his best friend from the army, secretly boarded the train. He doesn’t want to lose sight of Tulika. Suddenly, they are ambushed by a group of bandits. Realizing the danger, they quickly jump into action.

The violence continues until the train finally reaches Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction (formerly Mughalsarai Junction) about seven hours later. The chaos is both terrifying and strangely satisfying—terrifying because it’s shockingly brutal and pointless, satisfying because the attackers don’t escape justice.

Despite suffering losses on both sides, the outnumbered commandos prove to be more than a match for the bad guys. The bad guys manage to inflict some casualties, but their horrific deeds are swiftly and equally brutally avenged.

Kill has a strong sense of right and wrong, understanding the reasons behind the conflict happening. ‘You’re fortunate you’re not near the border,’ one commando tells a robber he’s subdued, ‘or you’d be dead by now.’ The situation is tense and requires careful handling.

Both sides refuse to give up. The violence is incredibly intense. It’s hard to distinguish between what’s morally acceptable and what’s shockingly wrong. With the rising death toll, it’s affecting both sides psychologically.

The invaders find themselves unexpectedly facing a life-or-death situation that greatly diminishes their numbers. In their desperation to survive, they resort to horrifying acts both out of self-preservation and sheer panic. Despite growing doubts, they are keenly aware that they must prove themselves capable of confronting the formidable and fierce lone Black Cat.

The commandos, who are trained to intervene in the most dire situations, find themselves having to attack without hesitation. After their first lethal encounter, they feel uncertain about whether their actions were justified. The man responsible for the unintended death describes it as a quick decision made in an instant.

When the thieves kill someone unexpectedly, their leader scolds the killer for acting impulsively and warns of consequences. ‘We have rules,’ the leader insists. But his son dismisses this, saying, ‘We’re criminals; we don’t have rules.’

The director creates a bleak and intense atmosphere on a passenger train, which contrasts sharply with its usual settings. Cinematographer Rafey Mehmood’s clever camera work adds to this effect. The editing by Shivkumar V. Panicker keeps the film moving briskly, reflecting its dynamic and fast-paced storyline without any moments of stillness.

Kill is intense and thrilling, offering a mix of grimness and cinematic glory. It’s not for the faint-hearted, though—it can be disturbing.

Conclusion

“Kill” Review: This film breaks new ground in Hindi cinema with its unique storytelling and visuals, unlike anything seen before. It challenges traditional narratives, pushing boundaries in its exploration of themes and characters. The cinematography captivates, offering a fresh perspective on familiar tropes. “Kill” delivers a gripping experience, blending intense drama with artistic flair. It’s a must-watch for those seeking innovation and bold filmmaking in Indian cinema.

FAQ