Kites - The Blockblaster

The Roshans have always delivered hit films in recent times. From Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai to Krrish – their films always boast of intricate stories, dramatic twists, good music, credible performances and even bigger budgets. Question is: Can Kites live up to expectations and join the high rankings of past films from FilmKraft? My answer is yes, yes, and YES!!

“Filmi”, by definition, loosely refers to the stereotypical elements that comprise a Bollywood film: the song and dance sequences, the famous “running around trees” scenarios, over the top dramatic and emotional moments and the high-level gloss and glamour quotient. Kites is everything but! With its unconventional storytelling, solid script and focus on being “real” rather than “reel”, Kites scores high points…big time!

Let’s start at the end…why, because that is exactly where the film starts…the end with a battered and beaten J (Hrithik Roshan) remembering recent events. What makes for a refreshing viewing experience is that the film is almost entirely narrated through flashbacks with only a handful of scenes taking place in the present moment. Kites tells the story of J, who is in love with money and who would do anything to score a buck. This desire leads to his primary job, marrying illegal immigrants in a win-win scenario, he gets paid to marry them and the ladies get their green cards. Fair game, right? But what happens when love enters the picture? Enter Natasha, also known as Linda (Barbara Mori) a free-spirited and determined young lady. J and Natasha marry, part ways and meet later under different circumstances. Both J and Natasha meet again, each dating different people. Attracted to their current partners for their wealth, J and Natasha are unaware of one fact, that J’s girlfriend (Kangana Ranaut) and Natasha’s boyfriend (Nick Brown) are siblings. Both J and Natasha (still married) grow to love each other and make their escape…how…why…when and what happens is what Kites is about.

Now…let’s get to the point. J and Natasha’s various meetings and experiences are revealed to the viewer through flashbacks. What works in the film’s favour is how these flashbacks are incorporated into the plot, not just from a script point of view, but visually as well. Not only does the writing allow each scene to move back and forth smoothly without interruption, the visual meshing together of scenes allows the viewers to ease into a complicated plot and story telling technique with ease, never confusing the viewer and taking them for granted.

There are only a handful of song sequences in the film, including a brilliantly executed Latin infused instrumental number that showcases the dancing talents of Hrithik Roshan. Each of the songs are beautifully integrated into the plot not through the typical song and dance but by portraying the subtle and delicate glances and body gestures exchanged between Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori. These song portions focus on the situations and experiences of both lead protagonists, which helps move the story forward. Rajesh Roshan’s music is sweet and melodious and the lyrics by Nasir Faraaz and Asif Ali Beg suit the story and emotions felt during each moment.

The performances in the film are excellent. As usual, Hrithik Roshan is in top form and enacts his part with complete conviction lending a very real and approachable quality to his character. He does exceedingly well during the action sequences and enthralls the audience during the emotional scenes. No one could have played this role better.

While we can expect only the best from Hrithik and he does not disappoint, Barbara Mori is the refreshing factor in the film. She is a direct departure from the stereotypical Bollywood film heroine. She holds her own in each and every scene. Not only is her chemistry with Hrithik Roshan electrifying, she stands shoulder to shoulder with Hrithik in acting merits and screen presence. Barbara’s presence in the film also works with the fact that she is a talent we have not witnessed on screen before. Had the Roshan’s casted an Indian actress, the film’s impact would have been lost…Natasha was made for Barbara and her pairing with Hrithik carries the film straight to the finish line. Her ability to grasp you with her innocence and emotive expressions and surprise you with her comic sense and gutsy attitude make her a girl straight off the streets, someone the viewers can relate to.

Anurag Basu is known for his realistic, jaw dropping and enthralling films, but Kites would definitely seem an unusual outing for him. Yet, Kites works and only because of Anurag! While the writing of the film is flawless, Anurag’s handling of the script is the silver lining. Each scene is handled with such care and precision that the characters and situations are captivating. Such is the direction of Anurag that the viewer never feels forced into watching a 130 minute film, instead we join Anurag in an adventure as his direction allows the film to capture our attention from the first scene right to the last. Each moment is a surprise and each scene is full of action and emotion different from the one preceding.

Kangana Ranaut is good in a brief role, but how one wishes that she would have been given a more fleshed out role to show off her talents. Nick Brown is effective in a crucial role and leaves a mark nonetheless. Kabir Bedi plays his part well and adds a serious sensibility in his role as a father. Ayananka Bose’s cinematography is breathtaking and a treat to the eyes.

All in all, Kites has what it takes to become a hit and fly high in the sky. The strong story, writing, performances and its execution can only ensure amazing first weekend collections. It is a sure shot winner among the young movie-goers the world over; however, its longevity at theaters can only be determined by how well the general audience takes to its unconventional approach to story telling and the lack of traditional song and dance numbers. Kites is worth your every dollar and every minute. A must see film this summer!