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 Hrithik Roshan’s Kites may make his fans very happy by the way he has
been presented (and he enacted) in the film but those looking out for a
never seen been before experience that was promised through its mega
marketing blitzkrieg will be in for a major disappointment.
J. (Hrithik Roshan) is a dance teacher in Las Vegas, who is also in
the business of marrying illegal immigrants in order for them to get
green cards. While being at his dance class, a rich casino heiress Gina
(Kangana Ranaut) falls for her dance instructor. When J. comes to know
of the background of Gina, the lust for green paper makes him play along
the romance and marriage game with Gina. But when Gina brings him home
to meet the family, J. meets Natasha (Barbara Mori) and discovers a
piece of his past. The film travels back and forth time and locations –
just as J. and Natasha find love in each other and elope to Mexico to
start their live afresh while Tony and his gang is baying for their
blood.
The biggest problem for Kites is its main lead characters played by
Hrithik and Barbara lack sympathy what with both being gold diggers.
While it may be trying to impress the Hollywood films audience, the
basic plotline is extremely dated for a Hindi film. In fact at places
you even feel you are watching Koyla in its remixed avatar. Yes it is
visually stunning (brilliant camerawork by Ayananka Bose) and Hrithik
seems to have given it his all. But the most important factor of the
film, the script falters big time and the uneven pacing being the
additional issue.
To give due credit, director Anurag Basu has given the film a gloomy
operatic feel and the background score enhances this effect. Hrithik
Roshan and Barbara Mori’s chemistry sizzles on screen despite their
character’s language barrier. Their English-Spanish banter adds up to
some funny moments. The countryside ambience of New Mexico, picturesque
fountains of LA or the freeway chase in US, the virgin locations have
been superbly captured. Rajesh Roshan's music is very good, especially
the song Zindagi Do Pal Ki. But mind you all the songs are played in the
background and are not lip synced.
While Hrithik is outstanding in his role, Barbara is extremely good
as well. There is an extremely endearing quality about her that you
can’t help but end up falling in love with her as an actress. Nicholas
Brown is menacingly good and is also a welcome change from the typical
villain faces we see regularly. Kabir Bedi suits the part. Anand Tiwari
playing Hrithik’s best buddy also is a refreshing addition. Kangana
Ranaut does what she has been doing in all her past films. But just that
she is just about a guest appearance.
Kites doesn’t justifying the hype surrounding it but if you still
want to have a dekko, go in with zero expectations and some things
including the unusual, unexpected ending may take you by surprise.
Rating: 2 out of 5*
Starring: Hrithik Roshan, introducing Barbara Mori, Kangana Ranaut,
Nicholas Brown, Anand Tiwari and Kabir Bedi
Director: Anurag Basu
Sampurn Wire
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