Lionsgate and 87Eleven Entertainment, the renowned production companies behind the John Wick franchise, have announced their plans to develop an English-language remake of the Indian action thriller Kill. Originally directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat and produced by prominent Indian filmmakers including Karan Johar, the Hindi-language version of Kill is set for release in India on July 5.
Kill had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness section and later featured at the Tribeca Film Festival. The film tells the gripping story of Indian Army commando Amrit, portrayed by Lakshya, who races against time and armed adversaries on a New Delhi-bound train to rescue his beloved Tulika, played by Tanya Maniktala. The original film has been praised for its intense action sequences and compelling narrative, drawing the attention of Chad Stahelski, Jason Spitz, and Alex Young of 87Eleven Entertainment, who will helm the remake.
Stahelski, known for his work on the John Wick films, commented, “Nikhil delivers relentless action sequences that need to be seen by as wide an audience as possible. It’s exciting to be developing an English-language version – we have big shoes to fill.” This decision underscores the growing international appeal of Indian cinema and its ability to captivate audiences beyond its borders.
International Appeal and Collaboration
The producers of Kill have expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration with Lionsgate and 87Eleven Entertainment. The film’s reception at international festivals and the anticipation surrounding its theatrical release in India have highlighted its universal themes and thrilling action. “When we made Kill with Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, we envisioned a story that would resonate globally,” the producers stated. “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 original cast, led by Lakshya and supported by Raghav Juyal and Tanya Maniktala, has garnered praise for their performances, especially in the film’s 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.
John Wick Franchise Legacy Continues
The John Wick franchise, starring Keanu Reeves, is a celebrated action series spread across three highly successful movies. The third installment, released last year, continued to build on the franchise’s reputation for high-octane action and intricate storytelling. The next chapter in the John Wick universe, Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas, was delayed from this summer to June 6, 2025. This new installment follows de Armas’ character, Ruksa Roma, an assassin within the John Wick universe.