The million dollar question is has Kites fly high or not in the Box Office?
BY SUPRIYA DAVDA | MAY 21, 2010
Rating 3/5
'Kites' has been one of the most anticipated films of the year, with some of the biggest names in B-Town; Rakesh Roshan, Hrithik Roshan and Anurag Basu (to name a few).
But the million dollar question is did 'Kites' fly high or not? The film does have its moments, nonetheless, the film completely lacks a story and can you believe it, it has three people credited for the story: Anurag Basu, Akash Khurana, Robin Bhatt. It was highly disappointing to see an average story relying upon mechanical methods.
'Kites' visually was pleasing to the eyes, the first half constantly takes you back to Woody Allen’s compelling 'Matchpoint' and Tony Scott’s 'Revenge' with the doomed Jai (Hrithik Roshan), his girlfriend Gina (Kangana Ranaut), her brother Tony (Nick Brown) and his fiancée Natasha (Barbara Mori). The progression of the story in the first half was extremely slow, and you may even begin to yawn! Thank God for the film’s trump-card, Hrithik Roshan.
'Kites' will meet with an assortment of reactions, but one undisputed thing that it will bring is the immeasurable praise for Hrithik Roshan.
'Kites' is most definitely slick and stylish, and the chemistry between Spanish Bella and our yellow-green eyed boy Hrithik was awesome and they looked far more comfortable than you would think.
So is 'Kites' a ticket to Hollywood for Hrithik Roshan, Rakesh Roshan and Anurag Basu? I am almost certain that this film is projected to go beyond the diaspora and appeal to audiences that still think that Bollywood is still nothing but "naach-gaana."
The leading lady speaks in Spanish and the makers have used sub-titles for people to understand. This may not go down too well with the masses in India and our some-what traditional audiences.
The second portion that catches you completely is the climax, which, though amazingly shot, will have its fair share of criticisms and disapprovals. Some may like it, some may find it confusing and some may not like it at all.
Without revealing much, I have to admit the end was something that wasn’t what I expected. Those who perhaps like the soppy endings may appreciate it.
Anurag Basu has shown his courage in film-making and writing in the past with successes like 'Murder' and 'Life in a Metro', but I am afraid to say that he has faltered this time. The writing and story could have had a bit of a grip.
We could have seen more of Kangana Ranaut in the film although a special appearance role and known as Anurag’s lucky mascot.
The couples encounters with the American police looked absurd and it was these very scenes that weighed the film down along with the climax.
And I am afraid to say Rajesh Roshan's music is just OKAY. Salim-Sulaiman's background score works well with the style of the film and sequences.
Ayananka Bose's cinematography is impressive. The car chase sequences are breathtaking.
Hrithik Roshan is matchless, and he is most definitely the lifeline in this film. Barbara Mori looks wonderful for her part, the chemistry between Hrithik and Barbara is thrilling. It would have been great to see more of Kangana, although she wasn’t made-up very well in the film. Kabir Bedi was disappointing. Nicholas Brown, as Kangna's brother and Barbara's fiancé, gives a remarkable performance and adds some kick to the chase sequences.
Overall 'Kites' has tasteful visuals and Hrithik Roshan as its life-line, but its content is very weak. The film since the on-set of its announcement has induced incredible inquisitiveness, which will convert into ‘Housefull Boards’ in its initial week.
'Kites' is showing in all cinemas.
