Kites Movie Review

Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Kangna Ranaut, Barbara Mori, Kabir Bedi, Nick Brown.


Kites from the day it was announced, has been an event movie, with the lapse in release increasing the expectation to monstrous proportions. But with great powers come great responsibility, and the trio Hrithik Roshan – Rakesh Roshan – Anurag Basu seemed aware of it. Amidst the heat and the terrible traffic, I finally reached the already packed capacity theatre in Mumbai, expecting magic from this romantic action flick.

The trio wanted to make a stylish romantic drama with some heart pumping chase sequences with a suspense ridden finale. What they have achieved is all that, but with no heart. One could realize their intention to touch the chord which movies like 'Qayamat se Qayamat Tak' and 'Ek Duje Ke Liye' so easily achieved. But it’s not a check list of factors, but a perfect script which makes the experience an unforgettable one. Unfortunately Kites fumbles in that regard.

The movie starts off with a wounded Jai(Hrithik Roshan), in Mexico who is in-search of his true love who had gone missing. Jai's story then shifts to a flash back mode to know who he is and why is he in Mexico in such a horrible state? As the entire movie rests on a wafer thin story, let’s get straight to the analysis.

Anurag Basu has helmed the mic pretty convincingly and the movie looks rich. The intimate scenes, the action sequences, and the finale looked too stunning to be true. Especially the pre climax rain sequence reminded me of 'Sin City'; brilliance would be an understatement (a little bit of 'Road to Perdition' as well, but that’s just me!). The first half moves in a sluggish pace only to be redeemed in the second half with three car chase sequence, three shoot outs and a few intimate scenes before the finale.

Hrithik Roshan is too good an actor to make mistakes and he is flawless as usual. He dances, looks and emotes like a star. Barbara Mori looks hot and has also come out with a touching performance. The scene in which she slaps Hrithik and the subsequent dialogues rendered are powerful and her eyes speaks volumes. Kangana Ranaut is just a show piece, she looks a million bucks and after a sensational dance sequence, she is hardly covered in a close up. She is there just to add to the glamour and star power. Nick Brown, over does his role but still is convincing enough as a baddie. Kabir Bedi is efficient.

The movie belongs to the technical crew who elevates the movie to new levels. Cinematography by Ayananka Bose is superlative. The pre climax sequence is enough to register his name in all the major cinematography awards category ofa the year. Editing is good, but the first half needs more mending as it tends to drag a bit. Rajesh Roshan has done a decent job with 'Dil mera' being the pick of the lot and others being hummable as well. Action sequences are a little over done. Yes, we love car chases, but car slamming onto one another with a big blast? Few action sequences do escape your logical senses.

Our heart didn't go out for the couple, the movie tried really hard, but somehow the connection was never made. And what was expected to be a thrill ride, just ended up being a normal ride with few good stopovers in the middle. Watch it for technicality and the chemistry between Hrithik and Barbara.

Verdict: An exquisite looking string-cut Kite!