Lionsgate and 87Eleven Entertainment, the production companies behind the famous ‘John Wick’ franchise, have announced plans to develop an English-language remake of the Indian action thriller ‘Kill’.
The Nikhil Nagesh Bhat directorial tells the gripping story of Indian Army commando Amrit (Lakshya) racing against time and armed adversaries on a New Delhi-bound train to rescue his beloved Tulika (Tanya Maniktala).
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival's Midnight Madness section and later featured at the Tribeca Film Festival. Produced by prominent Indian filmmakers including Karan Johar, the Hindi-language original is set for release in India on July 5.
Chad Stahelski, Jason Spitz, and Alex Young of 87Eleven Entertainment will lead the remake, attracted by the original film's intense action sequences and compelling narrative, according to Deadline.
‘Nikhil delivers relentless action sequences that need to be seen by as wide an audience as possible’ Stahelski commented.
‘It's exciting to be developing an English-language version – we have big shoes to fill,’ he added.
The decision to remake Kill in English highlights the growing international appeal of Indian cinema and its ability to captivate audiences worldwide.
The film's producers expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the film's positive reception at international festivals and the anticipation for its theatrical release in India.
‘When we made Kill with Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, we envisioned a story that would resonate globally,’ the producers said in a joint statement, as quoted by Deadline.
‘Seeing the enthusiasm from North American audiences during festival screenings was a testament to the film's universal themes and thrilling action. Partnering with 87Eleven Entertainment and Lionsgate to produce an English remake is a significant milestone for Indian cinema,’ the statement added.
The original film's cast, led by Lakshya and supported by Raghav Juyal and Tanya Maniktala, has been praised for their performances, particularly in the adrenaline-pumping action sequences set against the backdrop of a tense train journey.
The remake aims to capture the essence of the original while introducing it to a broader English-speaking audience, familiar with Lionsgate's history of action films.
More about ‘John Wick’
‘John Wick, a famous action franchise starring Keanu Reeves, spans three popular movies, with the third installment released last year. The next chapter in the John Wick universe is Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas. Originally slated for this summer, it has been delayed to June 6, 2025, and follows de Armas' character, Ruksa Roma, an assassin.
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