Kill, Lionsgate’s latest action movie, is a must-watch for fans of John Wick. This film, touted as the Indian equivalent of the John Wick movie franchise, promises to deliver the same level of intense, stylish action and more that has become a hallmark of Lionsgate productions. But what is it about the film that draws action lovers’ attention?
John Wick vs. Kill
Indian cinema rarely sees a film like Kill, an extreme action thriller that doesn’t hold back on violence and gore. Like the John Wick series, Kill boasts a high body count, with every death meticulously choreographed for maximum impact. The brutality is on par with Wick’s legendary fight scenes, featuring intense hand-to-hand combat and creative weapon use.
The storyline of Kill centers around an Indian army commando, Amrit Rathod, who is on a mission to rescue his girlfriend, Tulika, from a forced marriage. Their journey takes a deadly turn when a train to New Delhi is hijacked by over 40 bandits. This leads to a night of relentless, visceral action within the confined space of the train.
The makers of the film have touted it as an Indian equivalent to John Wick, promising an unparalleled experience of “blood porn.” Per Variety, renowned Bollywood producer Karan Johar claims that Kill is the most “violent” film ever made in India.
Both Kill and John Wick thrive on their depiction of violence. However, Nikhil Nagesh Bhat’s directorial takes this further with its unique Bollywood-esque setting. The entire film unfolds on a speeding train, becoming a battleground for some of cinematic history’s most creative and brutal kills.
From fire hydrants and hammers to makeshift weapons, the film spares no effort in delivering jaw-dropping moments. Each scene is meticulously crafted to maintain momentum, much like the precision kills in John Wick.
While John Wick’s storyline revolves around personal vengeance and a criminal underworld, Kill intertwines its action with a romantic subplot and a rescue mission. However, Wick and Amrit share a similar motivation: both are driven by personal loss and a deep-seated desire to protect loved ones.
What’s similar between John Wick & Kill
Wick’s journey begins with the murder of his beloved dog, a final gift from his late wife. Meanwhile, Amrit’s mission is to save his girlfriend from an unwanted marriage. This personal drive fuels their relentless pursuit of justice and vengeance, making them compelling characters that audiences root for.
John Wick movies are famed for sleek, neon-lit cinematography and stylized action sequences. However, Kill brings a unique visual style to the table with its setting on a moving train, utilizing the tight spaces to create a sense of claustrophobia and urgency.
The dynamic camera work and rapid editing in Kill mirror the frenetic energy of the John Wick films, ensuring every action scene is a visual spectacle. Furthermore, the antagonists in both films are formidable and ruthless. In John Wick, viewers see the likes of Viggo Tarasov and his son Iosef, as well as numerous skilled assassins. In Kill, Fani and his gang of dacoits bring a similar level of menace and unpredictability.
Overall, Kill stands out in the Indian cinema scene as a pioneering film in the extreme action genre. It brings something daring to the table while maintaining elements that John Wick fans will find familiar.
The film’s cast includes Lakshya as Amrit, Tanya Maniktala as Tulika, and Raghav Juyal as the antagonist Fani. It is directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, and the production collaboration is between Dharma Productions and Sikhya Entertainment. Kill will be released on July 4, 2024.
