E14 • The Power of the Underdog • NIKHIL NAGESH BHAT , dir. of ‘Kill’, Now in Theaters following TIFF + Tribeca

Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle

Chapters
0:34
Past Present Feature, Hosted by Marcus Mizelle
0:53
Introducing Filmmaker Nikhil Nagesh Bhat
1:38
Early Filmmaking Experiences & Inspiration
7:03
Common Themes in Nikhil's Work
8:19
Influential Films & Filmmakers - James Cameron's 'Aliens'
11:41
Commonalities between 'Kill' & Aliens
13:09
Character Arcs & Emotional Journeys in 'Kill'
16:31
Class Divide & Social Commentary in 'Kill'
18:41
Writing A Great Antagonist: Goliath before David + 'Die Hard'
21:38
Finding Inspiration in Real-Life Criminals
23:31
Nikhil's Filmmaking Journey: The Importance of Patience & Dedication
27:38
Financing & Production Challenges of 'Kill'
29:50
Practical Effects & Realism in Action
31:07
Territorial Distribution of 'Kill' via Lionsgate + TIFF
32:30
Sinking in Your Seat: Watching Your Film With an Audience
35:37
Nikhil's Desire to Remake Paul Verhoeven's 'RoboCop'
36:45
Nikhil's Parting Wisdom - "We're All Suckers for Emotions", No Matter the Genre
Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle
E14 • The Power of the Underdog • NIKHIL NAGESH BHAT , dir. of ‘Kill’, Now in Theaters following TIFF + Tribeca
Jul 30, 2024 Season 1 Episode 14 Marcus Mizelle

Today I speak with Mumbai-based director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat about his kick-ass action film ‘Kill’, which premiered at TIFF last year and is now globally distributed by Lionsgate. We discuss Nikhil’s journey into the film industry, from watching Indian action films on television as a child, and his love for James Cameron’s ‘Aliens’.

He shares his experiences with rejection and the importance of patience and persistence in filmmaking. The conversation also touches on the financing and production of his latest film ‘Kill’ and the challenges and excitement of premiering at film festivals. 

Nikhil expresses his belief in underdog stories and aims to create films that combine thrilling action with humor and emotional depth. He also shares his desire to remake Paul Verhoeven’s 'RoboCop'.


What Movies Are You Watching?

The Past Present Feature Film Festival returns Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Eastwood Revival in Hollywood, California.

Join us for features, shorts, and convos with filmmakers, including an in-person Q&A with Shih-Ching Tsou following a screening of her acclaimed film Left-Handed Girl.

Festival lineup, schedule, and reservations coming soon.

 https://pastpresentfeature.com/film-festival/

Revival Hub is your guide to specialty screenings in Los Angeles - classics on 35mm, director Q&As, rare restorations, and indie gems you won't find on streaming. We connect moviegoers with over 200 venues across LA, from the major revival houses to the 20-seat microcinemas and more.

Visit revivalhub.com to see what's playing this week. 

This episode is brought to you by BeastGrip. When you're filming on your phone and need something solid, modular, and built for real productions - including 28 Years Later and Left Handed Girl - BeastGrip's rigs, lenses, and accessories are designed to hold up without slowing you down. 

If you're ready to level up your mobile workflow, visit BeastGrip.com and use coupon code PASTPRESENTFEATURE for 10 % off. 

Support the show

The Past Present Feature Film Festival - Nov. 21, 2026 in Hollywood, CA - Submit at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature

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