Kites

Title: Kites
Release Year: 2010
Director: Anurag Basu
Genre: Romance, Action, Drama
Runtime: 123 minutes
Rating: 3/5

Cast:

Actor	Role
Hrithik Roshan	Jai
Bárbara Mori	Natasha/Linda
Kangana Ranaut	Gina Grover
Kabir Bedi	Bob Grover
Nick Brown	Tony Grover

Introduction

Kites, directed by Anurag Basu, is a romantic drama that attempts to break language and cultural barriers to narrate an intense love story. The film, starring Hrithik Roshan and Mexican actress Bárbara Mori, is a unique blend of Bollywood and Hollywood sensibilities. Its ambition and scale make it stand out, though the execution left mixed impressions.

Spoiler-Free Synopsis

Jai (Hrithik Roshan) is a dance teacher in Las Vegas, hustling his way through life by marrying immigrants for money. When he meets Natasha (Bárbara Mori), the fiancée of a wealthy tycoon’s son, sparks fly. Their connection transcends language, leading them to escape the clutches of dangerous gangsters and embark on a thrilling journey filled with love, betrayal, and survival.

Story and Themes

The movie’s central theme revolves around love overcoming barriers, such as language, culture, and societal norms.

• Love Beyond Boundaries: Jai and Natasha’s romance defies their differences, showcasing the universal nature of love.
• Betrayal and Greed: The film highlights human flaws, particularly through supporting characters.
• Thrills and Survival: The story is interwoven with high-speed chases, action, and adrenaline-filled moments.

While the concept is intriguing, the screenplay occasionally falters with its pacing and overemphasis on melodrama.

Direction and Vision

Anurag Basu crafts a visually stunning movie that feels like a blend of Bollywood and Hollywood. His vision for a global appeal is evident in the international cast, exotic locales, and bilingual storytelling. However, the film struggles to balance its romantic and action-oriented elements, leading to a somewhat disjointed narrative.

Performances

• Hrithik Roshan as Jai: Hrithik delivers a strong performance, effortlessly transitioning between action, romance, and emotional scenes. His charisma and screen presence elevate the film.
• Bárbara Mori as Natasha/Linda: Bárbara brings charm and vulnerability to her role. Her chemistry with Hrithik is palpable, making their love story believable.
• Kangana Ranaut as Gina: Kangana shines in her limited role as the wealthy, infatuated fiancée, adding complexity to the story.
• Kabir Bedi as Bob Grover: Kabir portrays the menacing father figure convincingly.
• Nick Brown as Tony Grover: Tony serves as an effective antagonist, though his character lacks depth.

Cinematography and Visuals

The cinematography by Ayananka Bose is a visual treat. The breathtaking landscapes of Mexico and Las Vegas are captured beautifully, adding grandeur to the film. The action sequences, especially the car chases, are well-executed and visually gripping.

Music and Sound Design

Rajesh Roshan’s music complements the film’s tone, with songs like “Zindagi Do Pal Ki” and “Dil Kyun Yeh Mera” standing out. The background score enhances the emotional and action-packed moments, though it could have been more impactful in certain scenes.

Production Journey and Behind-the-Scenes

• The film was shot in diverse locations, including Las Vegas, Mexico, and Los Angeles, giving it an international feel.
• The chemistry between Hrithik Roshan and Bárbara Mori was a significant highlight during production, drawing much attention.
• Kites: The Remix, an international version edited by Brett Ratner, was released to cater to Western audiences but failed to make a significant impact.

Box Office Performance

Despite the hype, Kites had a mixed run at the box office.

• Net Collection in India: ₹48 crore
• Worldwide Gross: ₹122 crore

The film’s performance didn’t meet expectations due to its niche appeal and lack of strong word-of-mouth.

Critical Reception

Critics praised the film’s ambition, performances, and visuals but criticized its screenplay and pacing.

Ratings:

• IMDb: 6.1/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: 44%

Notable Quotes:

• “A beautiful film marred by inconsistent storytelling.” – Rajeev Masand
• “Hrithik Roshan shines, but the script lacks depth.” – Anupama Chopra

Audience Reactions and Social Media Buzz

While some praised the movie’s fresh concept and visuals, others found it overly dramatic and lacking in substance. The Hrithik-Bárbara pairing garnered significant attention, with many fans admiring their chemistry.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• Hrithik Roshan performed many of his own stunts, including the high-speed chases.
• Bárbara Mori learned basic Hindi phrases to prepare for her role.
• The film was one of the first Bollywood projects marketed heavily to international audiences.

Comparison and Cultural Impact

Kites tried to bridge the gap between Bollywood and Hollywood, setting a precedent for cross-cultural collaborations. While it wasn’t a massive success, it paved the way for future projects to explore similar themes.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Kites is a visually stunning film with heartfelt performances by Hrithik Roshan and Bárbara Mori. However, its inconsistent screenplay and overly ambitious storytelling hold it back. Fans of Hrithik or those interested in cross-cultural romances may enjoy it, but the film may not appeal to everyone.

Recommended for a one-time watch if you appreciate visually rich films with a mix of romance and action!