Behind the Action: Sea-Young Oh's Mastery in 'Kill'

'Kill', an innovative Indian action film directed by Sea-Young Oh, showcases intense fight scenes in the confined spaces of a moving train. Produced by Karan Johar and Guneet Monga, it has received critical acclaim and a Hollywood remake. The film integrates real combat techniques and requires meticulous choreography.

'Let's do it for real' was South Korean director Sea-Young Oh's only directive to Lakshya and Raghav Juyal on the set of 'Kill', a unique Indian action movie.

Produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and Guneet Monga's Sikhya Entertainment, 'Kill' unfolds on a moving train as a man and his friend confront violent thieves targeting passengers. Known for his prowess in both Korean and international cinema, Oh has collaborated with stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, and Salman Khan. For 'Kill', director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat wanted to depict the vulnerabilities of an average man seeking revenge.

The film's action sequences took months to design, with actors performing literal hits and punches. Filming in a train's tight corridors and confined spaces posed unique challenges, demanding rigorous training and careful choreography to ensure safety. Despite minor injuries, the cast avoided severe harm. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, 'Kill' has grossed over Rs 20 crore in three weeks.

Drawing inevitable comparisons to 'Snowpiercer', Oh emphasized that while the settings might be similar, 'Kill' stands out with its distinct storyline and characters. The Hollywood remake of 'Kill' is being produced by 87Eleven Entertainment, the minds behind 'John Wick'. Although proud of the remake, Oh's involvement depends on the producers.

Unexpectedly, when asked about his favorite recent Bollywood action film, Oh chose Alia Bhatt's 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' for its compelling story, proving that for him, drama holds greater importance than action alone.

(With inputs from agencies.)