Kill 2024 - Detailed Review

Director: Nikhil Nagesh Bhat

Writer: Nikhil Nagesh Bhat
Producers: Karan Johar, Guneet Monga, Apoorva Mehta, Achin Jain
Starring: Lakshya, Raghav Juyal, Ashish Vidyarthi, Harsh Chhaya, Tanya Maniktala
Cinematography: Rafey Mehmood
Editing: Shivkumar V. Panicker
Music: Vikram Montrose, Shashwat Sachdev, Haroon-Gavin
Production Companies: Dharma Productions, Sikhya Entertainment
Distributed by: AA Films (India), Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate (International)
Release Dates: 7 September 2023 (TIFF), 5 July 2024 (India)
Running Time: 105 minutes
Country: India
Language: Hindi

Plot:

Kill takes place on a train to New Delhi, which becomes a combat battleground when a pair of commandos face off against an army of invading bandits. The story starts with the hero, Amrit (Lakshya), a commando who has just returned to the army. Amrit plans to get engaged to his girlfriend, Tulika (Tanya Maniktala), after a train journey. However, their journey takes a deadly turn when bandits attack the train. Amrit initially tries to prevent bloodshed, but the situation escalates when his girlfriend is killed, prompting him to go on a vengeful killing spree.

Performances:

• Lakshya delivers a strong performance as Amrit, effectively portraying the transition from a disciplined commando to a vengeful fighter.
• Raghav Juyal stands out with a performance that, in some ways, overshadows the hero. His portrayal of Fani is compelling and memorable.
• Tanya Maniktala shines as Tulika, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotions with just her eyes. Her performance leaves a lasting impression despite limited screen time.
• Ashish Vidyarthi, Harsh Chhaya, and Adrija Sinha perform well in their respective roles, adding depth to the supporting cast.

Technicians:

• Director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat crafts a gripping action film with Kill, showcasing his ability to balance intense action sequences with character-driven moments. However, the lengthy scenes and the frequent focus on the bandits' perspective can sometimes distract from the hero's emotional journey.
• Cinematography by Rafey Mehmood captures the confined and tense environment of the train, enhancing the film's claustrophobic and thrilling atmosphere.
• Editing by Shivkumar V. Panicker maintains a brisk pace for most of the film, although some sequences could have been tighter.
• Music by Vikram Montrose, Shashwat Sachdev, and Haroon-Gavin complements the film's action-packed narrative, adding to the overall intensity.

Strengths:

• Action Sequences: The film excels in its well-executed and choreographed action scenes, which are thrilling and engaging.
• Performances: Strong performances, particularly by Raghav Juyal and Tanya Maniktala, elevate the film.
• Good Execution: The direction and technical aspects, such as cinematography and music, are top-notch.

Weaknesses:

• Lengthy Scenes: Some scenes feel unnecessarily prolonged, which can slow down the narrative's pace.
• Bandit Perspective: The frequent shifts to the bandits' point of view can distract from the hero's emotional arc and the main storyline.

My Personal Take on This Film:

Kill offers a thrilling ride with intense action sequences and commendable performances. Lakshya delivers a powerful performance as the protagonist, but it's Raghav Juyal who steals the show with his portrayal of Fani. Tanya Maniktala's emotive acting adds depth to the narrative, making her character's tragic fate all the more impactful.

While the film excels in action and maintains a gripping pace, the frequent focus on the bandits' perspective detracts from the hero's emotional journey. The director's attempt to show multiple shades of the bandits could have been executed more succinctly, allowing the narrative to remain tightly focused on the commando's story.

Despite its flaws, Kill is a commendable effort in the action genre. The plot serves as a backdrop for the action, and the film effectively explores the theme of revenge. For action lovers, Kill is a must-watch, offering a blend of high-octane sequences and strong performances.

Rating: 3/5