Amrit (Lakshya), a commando, embarks on a journey to New Delhi from Patna alongside his fellow army comrade (Abhishek Chauhan) in order to reunite with his beloved, Tulika (Tanya Maniktala). Despite Tulika’s recent engagement, which took place in Amrit’s absence due to his mission, she remains resolute in her decision to marry him. However, the train ride turns dangerous when a gang of dacoits led by Fani (Raghav Juyal) discreetly infiltrates the train and wreaks havoc. These dacoits are not ordinary criminals – they have strategically placed jammers and detached three compartments from the rest of the train by closing their shutters. Their sole objective is to acquire money, even if it means resorting to violence. The rest of the story is about how Amrit faces the gang of dacoits and what challenges/dangers they throw at him.
Raghav Juyal’s performance in the film is remarkable. Despite being known for his comedic dancing, he effortlessly transitions into the role of Fani, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Not only does he master the UP/Bihar accent, but he also embodies the character’s body language flawlessly. Additionally, his delivery of the character’s dialogues is impeccable, solidifying his talent as a performer. Lakshya, who debuted in this film, impresses in the action sequences. He strikes a perfect balance, never going too far. While the violence may be unsettling, it is his performance and dedication that garners applause and cheers from the audience when he takes extreme measures to eliminate his enemies.
Tanya Maniktala does not have much scope to perform. Nevertheless, she demonstrates a compelling on-screen presence in the scenes allotted to her. She embodies the vulnerability and resilience required for her character. Ashish Vidyarthi was perfect as the head of the dacoits gang and the rest of the actors who appeared in the gang also did a good job.
Director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat has a clear vision for the audience’s experience. He guides us through the journey without any unnecessary diversions, keeping the focus on the action sequences. The limited dialogue and story allow the audience to fully immerse themselves in the perfectly executed sequences, enhancing the overall experience. The audience would find themselves on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating what would happen next. While not a thriller, the film’s intensity keeps you engaged. The movie starts off light and easy, lulling you into a false sense of security. The film’s antagonist initially appears to be an ordinary guy, someone you might encounter at a gas station, perhaps resorting to theft for extra cash. However, the story turns dramatically when he unleashes the menace that drives the narrative forward. Kill takes a big tragic turn at the midpoint that works as a catalyst for the carnage the protagonist creates in the second half, making the audience go through varied feelings such as thrill, shock, and finally, relief.
Action films often focus on the protagonist and their motivations, but Kill also pays significant attention to the ‘antagonists.’ The action in Kill is not gratuitous like the violence often seen in Bollywood – every character has a reason for their actions. The stakes for the ‘hero’ are personal, but the film also portrays the dacoits as a family. The film is marked by feelings of grief and loss, emphasizing that even the mightiest individuals stop to grieve the loss of a loved one. This attention to detail makes the film stand out, as it relishes brutality while acknowledging the human cost of such violence. The movie conveys the weight of human lives lost through those left behind to mourn the loss without justifying the actions of the dacoits.
The action directors deserve special recognition. Se-Yeong Oh collaborates with Parvez Shaikh again, but this time, the pair elevates the action choreography to a new level. Cinematographer Rafey Mehmood returns with ‘Kill’ (having previously worked on ‘Lagaan’). It becomes immediately apparent why the film maintains such a seamless flow without unnecessary detours!
The love track is slightly detached from the main plot. One can understand its importance because of the major twist that follows, but one cannot help but feel that those scenes are silly. Also, after the first attack from the hero, the film gets a bit repetitive for a while with the antics of the villain gang.
