KILL premiered at TIFF 2023 and ever since its first screening at Midnight Madness, it has been getting rave reviews and has already been described as a landmark movie in Indian cinema. It has also been making waves in Hollywood. Its theatrical rollout on July 4th by Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions marks one of the first times a mainstream Hindi-language film is partnering with a Hollywood studio for a theatrical release in North America and the U.K.
Our review of KILL describes it as ‘A Relentless Slaughterfest’ and ‘A blood-soaked blade of brutality’. It stars Lakshya in his debut feature, Raghav Juyal and Tanya Maniktala. It follows an NSG commando Amrit (Lakshya) and his fellow soldier Viresh on a quest to save the love of his life Tulika (Maniktala) from a forced arranged marriage. It is written and directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, and produced by Dharma Productions and Sikhya Entertainment. We had a chance to speak to its lead cast members and the makers at its Red Carpet Premiere at TIFF 2023, and here’s what they had to say.
Karan Johar on KILL and Franchise Plans–
Ace Indian producer Karan Johar describes his latest production as ‘A relentless nonstop actioner on steroids’ and ‘A lot of Midnight Madness’. ‘It is exactly when the film unfolds’ he adds. He calls it ‘A very huge honor to be at TIFF’ and to have a slot at Midnight Madness. The R-rated out-and-out action flick which Johar also calls ‘Blood Porn’ stands at an impressive 93% on rotten tomatoes. The movie has been in the works for over 3 years with initial development starting Pre-COVID. The movie has also been termed as the ‘Most bloody and gory movie ever produced in Indian Cinema’.
Karan Johar also talked to us about his plans to turn KILL into a franchise and how he plans to take it forward. KILL was always developed with franchise plans in mind and the makers already have initial plans drafted for the next installment in the franchise. “I hope that KILL is the start of a franchise and many more to follow“, confirmed Johar. He also says that they will be taking the anthology route if they are to greenlight a second feature, which would mean a completely new story with a new cast and characters, and it would be expected to take place in a different location. Johar jokingly says “When you see it you’ll realize that you can’t continue this” and adds “In this one, I think they’re all dead by the end.”
Karan Johar on Dharma’s Evolution and his Directorial Future–
Dharma Productions has been known for its expertise in Love stories and comedies, even though they have produced some acclaimed movies in other genres. When asked about his production house being stereotyped under one genre Johar says “I don’t think Dharma has been confined to a box, though we have been perceived to be. We’ve been doing unusual films for a while, starting from Agneepath way back in 2013, then we did Kesari, we did Raazi, Shershaah. We’ve done all kinds of films and all kinds of genres.” He also adds that he is ‘glad that finally, people are associating Dharma Productions with different content other than just love stories and family dramas’.
Dharma Productions’ slate has been becoming more and more diverse over the years with unconventional projects like Brahmastra, Shershaah, Ittefaq, Raazi etc. They are constantly looking to make films in a variety of genres and not just stick to romcoms. They are also focusing on building franchises such as Brahmastra, Dhadak, Dulhania, etc. and they also hope to turn KILL into a franchise as we mentioned. Johar also reconfirmed that he plans to be on floors this year with his next directorial venture.
KILL gears up for a huge International rollout–
Apart from being one of the first times an Indian production has partnered with a Hollywood studio on a theatrical release in North America and the UK for a mainstream Hindi-language film, KILL is also one of the first out-and-out action movies produced in India and the first to be almost entirely set inside a moving train. The makers and distributors are very confident in the movie and have spent more than its production budget on its marketing campaign, which is also rare. An English-language remake has also been announced by Lionsgate, Roadside Attractions, and 87 Eleven Entertainment, who are also the producers of the John Wick movies. Chad Stahelski, Jason Spitz, and Alex Young will produce the remake for 87Eleven Entertainment.
Read our full review for KILL here – https://thehollywoodhandle.co/2023/movies/kill-review-this-express-ride-delivers-a-relentless-slaughterfest/
Kill is set to hit the cinemas on July 4 in North America and the UK, and July 5 in India.
