July 5th 2024.
The highly-anticipated action-packed movie, Kill, has officially hit cinemas in the UK and US. This two-hour adrenaline-fueled film, produced by the legendary Karan Johar, is making waves in the world of South Asian cinema as it continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
In recent years, Hollywood's action-thriller genre has suffered a decline. Major films like Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga failed to meet expectations at the box office. Even highly-anticipated streaming releases such as The Killer on Netflix and Road House on Prime received lackluster reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, with scores of only 61% and 53%, respectively, despite strong viewership.
But while Hollywood seems to be stuck in a cycle of predictable sequels and tired action figures, Indian cinema is breaking new ground on a global scale. Karan, a well-known filmmaker in the world of Bollywood with beloved hits like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham under his belt, has now released his biggest project yet. This collaboration between his production company Dharma Productions and Lionsgate has resulted in the release of Kill.
"It's not your typical release," the veteran of Hindi cinema said, reflecting on the historic partnership. "Usually, our films are made for the diaspora in India, but this time, it's for a global audience with international distribution," he added.
Kill, created by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, follows the story of Amrit, an Indian army commando, who boards a train to Delhi with his secret fiancee Tulika and her wealthy family. However, when a large gang led by Fani hijacks the train to rob and terrorize passengers, Amrit must fight his way through the train to protect his loved ones. The movie is filled with intense action sequences, graphic violence, and emotional moments that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
Is Kill surpassing the tried-and-tested Hollywood blockbusters? The excitement surrounding its potential box office success has already sparked talks of an English-language remake, with John Wick director Chad Stahelski rumored to be on board.
This release couldn't have come at a better time as Indian cinema gains global recognition. Of course, South Asian cinema has always had a significant impact, given the vastness of the subcontinent and the widespread diaspora. It has also seen the rise of stars such as Priyanka Chopra-Jones, Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh-Khan, and Aamir Khan, who have become household names in the industry.
But now, there is a noticeable shift as exciting new films emerge, finding new audiences around the world. In April, Dev Patel, an Oscar-nominated actor, impressed critics with his directorial debut, Monkey Man. This thought-provoking revenge film, created and starring Patel, tackles pressing political issues and corruption in India through the eyes of the underprivileged. The film's success has fans eagerly awaiting a sequel.
Ironically, the controversial subject matter of Monkey Man has caused the film's release to be delayed in India. However, it still managed to make $34.1 million at the box office during its limited theatrical run. For Patel, it was a full-circle moment, as he previously spoke about feeling ashamed of his Indian heritage while growing up.
"I tried my best to hide that part of me while in school in Greater London, but with my first film as a director, I wanted to embrace my culture fully," he said on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
These triumphs in the action-thriller genre are just a glimpse of the wider victories for South Asian cinema, as seen at the 2023 Oscars. The Telugu blockbuster RRR won the award for Best Original Song with its upbeat tune "Naatu Naatu," becoming the first Indian song to win an Academy Award. Composer M.M. Keeravaani and lyricist Chandrabose accepted the award with a moving speech, highlighting the significance of this moment.
Indian cinema is not the only area that has experienced a surge in recent years. In 2022, Joyland became the first Pakistani film to be featured at the Cannes Film Festival. It then made it to the Oscars shortlist and had big names like Riz Ahmed and Malala Yousafzai as executive producers. Similar to Monkey Man, Joyland faced challenges with censorship in Pakistan.
In a social media post explaining his decision to join the project, Ahmed said, "You might hear a lot about how groundbreaking Joyland is. And it is. It's the first Pakistani film to be featured at Cannes, the first to win international awards, the first queer love story to be released in Pakistan, and the first to make an impact like this." He went on to praise the film's storytelling, writing, acting, and overall artistry.
As filmmakers continue to push against censorship in their home countries, South Asian creatives are making their mark on the global stage, and audiences are discovering new perspectives on the action-thriller genre. It's safe to say, the expansion of South Asian cinema has only just begun.
Kill is now playing in cinemas. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, reach out to our entertainment team by email, phone, or by visiting our Submit Stuff page - we'd love to hear from you.
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