Nikhil Bhat On The Connection Between  Violence Off & On Screen

There is so much violence all around us especially against  women  and children.. Shouldn’t  cinema  and violent  films  like Kill   take responsibility?

Kill director Nikhil Bhat agrees wholeheartedly. “Films have a huge responsibility in depicting violence in the stories which we are trying to reach out to people. In our country, films play a huge part in forming collective consciousness. So it becomes even bigger responsibility. But the truth is that there is so much violence all around us, both internal and external. So it very difficult not to portray violence. If we shut the door on reality, it will come through the window. But it’s on us how we are defining violence in our stories. I feel, we should not try and sensationalise violence. It’s an emotion to be felt deeply and not carry on the sleeves. It should not be a style statement but it should be shown with consequences. Because I really believe that the consequences of violence are much gruesome than the reasons for violence.”

 In the  meanwhile Kill  is getting  a global release. “These two months, August and September are very special as KILL is releasing in Mexico, Argentina, Peru and other South American countries in September while it released in South Korea on 28th August. I am really happy that KILL released in South Korea now. It’s almost like the film is come back to its second home. I am nervous and excited both, as Korea is where the extreme action genre is celebrated immensely.It’s also where Mr. Se-yeong Oh is from, who is one of my action choreographers. So I am very chuffed to see it releasing in South Korea! I hope it gets a lot of love from all around.”

 Nikhil never  knew the  film would go so far. “When I started writing, honestly I didn’t know what will be the fate of the film. I was only trying to make a good film which can reach people. But now, when it’s releasing all over the world and getting good responses, it’s a feeling which cannot be expressed in words. It’s almost like feeling like a proud parent. I am so happy that a small film like KILL with a genre which has never been seen in any Indian film, and an ‘A’ rated film without songs and dances and relatively new cast could run for  six  weeks in the theatres and withstand really big films running alongside. I can’t express that feeling of satisfaction. And also now that it will be releasing on Disney+ Hotstar in India on September  6. I am hoping that it will be watched by a lot of other people who couldn’t catch it in the theatres.”