Karan Johar recently announced plans to develop a sequel to his action-packed thriller Kill, which made waves both domestically and internationally after its release in July 2023. Produced under his banner Dharma Productions, the film had its world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and quickly garnered attention for its intense storytelling and gritty action sequences. Directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, Kill stars Lakshya, Tanya Maniktala, and Raghav Juyal in pivotal roles, and tells the story of Amrit, an Indian Army commando, who, alongside his love interest Tulika, must fight for survival when they find themselves trapped in a train hijacked by a gang of ruthless dacoits.
Johar’s announcement of a sequel comes as no surprise, given the film’s commercial and critical success. In his statement at the CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit in Mumbai, Johar expressed his excitement over Kill’s international success and its potential for global reach. He highlighted the upcoming English-language remake of Kill, which is being produced by John Wick director Chad Stahelski for Lionsgate. This English version of the film is expected to bring the raw energy of Indian action cinema to a broader audience while maintaining its core authenticity.
The success of Kill reflects a growing global appetite for Indian stories told with authenticity and uncompromising vision. Johar emphasized that while crossovers may be tempting, they dilute the true essence of Indian cinema. He remains committed to ensuring that Indian films retain their cultural integrity, even as they go global.
Looking ahead, Johar is not just focused on expanding Kill into a franchise but is also working with Cannes award-winning filmmaker Meraj Imani to further elevate Indian cinema on the international stage. With the sequel of Kill in the works, Johar hopes to replicate the original’s success and continue making a mark in the global film industry, showcasing the power of Indian storytelling.
