Intense Action and Brutal Melodrama: A Review of “KILL”

In my limited experience with Indian cinema, I have come across some truly remarkable films that combine over-the-top action with sincere melodrama. However, KILL stands out from the rest with its gritty and grimy approach to storytelling. Gone are the musical numbers that often accompany this genre, replaced instead with some of the most intense and violent action sequences I have witnessed all year.

A Love Story Amidst Chaos

The plot revolves around Amrit, an Army Commando who is hopelessly in love with Tulika, a beautiful woman set for an arranged marriage with someone else. Determined to be together, Amrit and his best friend Viresh devise a plan to run away with Tulika when they board a commercial train headed to New Delhi. However, their romantic escapade takes a dangerous turn when a gang of bandits hijacks the train, threatening the lives of everyone on board. It falls upon Amrit and Viresh to protect Tulika, her family, and the other passengers from the vicious criminals.

An Explosive Climax

The film initially builds up hype around its level of violence, but the first 40 minutes are surprisingly restrained, focusing on the commandos’ efforts to ensure the safety of the civilians. However, a shocking incident occurs, setting the stage for an exhilarating and relentless display of carnage that carries on for the remainder of the film. Amrit’s relentless rampage against the bandits is a sight to behold, reminiscent of Jason Voorhees tearing through camp counselors in the “Friday the 13th” franchise.

A Unique Blend of Action and Melodrama

Director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat skillfully utilizes the train’s limited space to capture brutal and memorable fight scenes. The choreographers, Parvez Shaikh and Se-yeong Oh, have done an exceptional job in creating intense and visually striking combat sequences. While comparisons to films like The Raid are inevitable, KILL leans closer to the hyper-violent brilliance of The Night Comes For Us.

Lead actor Lakshya delivers an impressive performance in his debut role, establishing himself as a rising martial arts star. The chemistry between Lakshya and Tania Maniktala, who plays Tulika, adds depth to the melodrama, making their love story believable, even amidst the chaos.

A Complex Villain and Unexpected Sympathy

Raghav Juyal delivers a live-wire performance as Fani, the lead villain in KILL. The film effectively portrays him as an antagonist to despise, yet it also manages to evoke some sympathy for the bandits under his command. There are moments when the bandits mourn for their fallen comrades, highlighting the complexities of their situation. However, the film falls slightly short in fully exploring this fascinating shift in tone towards the end.

An Action-Packed Masterpiece

KILL is a relentless onslaught of action that could easily become exhausting if it weren’t for its brisk 115-minute runtime. Unlike other standard Indian films, which often exceed two to three hours, KILL keeps the audience engaged with its fast-paced storytelling. This film undoubtedly stands as one of the best action films of the year, and it is a must-watch for any fan of the genre.