“Kill” – A Unique Action Film by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat
The writer-director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat strongly emphasizes that his action-packed film “Kill” should not be simply categorized as a Bollywood production. In this intense movie, there are no extravagant song and dance numbers, but instead, the setting is a confined space within the compartments of a train, providing a claustrophobic backdrop for the characters.
Bhat drew inspiration for “Kill” from a real train robbery incident he encountered back in 1995. This personal experience is reimagined in the film, following the journey of Amrit (played by Lakshya), a skilled commando on a mission to rescue his girlfriend, Tulika (portrayed by Tanya Maniktala), from a group of rugged bandits led by the vengeful Fani (played by Raghav Juyal).
The action sequences in “Kill” showcase Amrit’s swift and brutal combat skills as he navigates the narrow train corridors. Despite his physical prowess, Amrit’s character also reveals emotional vulnerability, adding depth to the relentless action scenes, all executed with precision and technical finesse.
In a recent Zoom interview, Bhat delved into the process of choreographing fight scenes in tight spaces and shared his admiration for James Cameron’s “Aliens.” Here are some edited excerpts from the insightful conversation:
Shaping the Fighting Styles:
Bhat explained that the fighting styles in “Kill” are intricately linked to the characters and the narrative. Amrit’s background in commando warfare contrasts with the unrefined street fighting techniques of the bandits. The action sequences are intentionally raw and unpolished to reflect the emotional intensity of the film. Each fight is preceded by a sense of inner turmoil, driving the characters’ relationships forward amidst the chaos.
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 | Bhat, center, standing, with the actors Raghav Juyal, left, and Mohit Tripathi, right, on the set of “Kill.” |
