Writer: Janak

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Watch this if you liked: “Mission Impossible 2”, “Fair Game”, “Dil Se”

This is the globe-trotting story of Jay (Hrithik Roshan), a dancer in Las Vegas who also makes a bit on the side by marrying immigrant women to get them green cards. When Gina (Kangana Ranaut), the daughter of wealthy casino boss Bob (Kabir Bedi) falls for him, he agrees to marry for her money. Then comes the gorgeous Natasha (Barbara Mori), who is about to marry Gina's brother Tony (Nick Brown) for the same reason. However, Jay and Natasha start to develop feelings for each other. We are then taken on a wild, cross-continent journey of love and redemption.

Talking about going international, yes - "Kites" is a new record for the largest worldwide release for a Hindi picture. Looks like Hollywood too, is slowly knocking on Hrithik Roshan's door. With a body like Adonis and mesmerising dance steps, he plays his rogue role perfectly. Barbara Mori, who gets her biggest break here, does not speak much English or Hindi and that works out well for her mysterious role. Not only is she eye candy but this Mexican beauty has a sizzling chemistry with Hrithik Roshan. Kabir Bedi and Kangana Ranaut do not do much but Nick Brown, who portrays Gina's ruthless mobster brother, is convincing.

Produced by Hrithik's father, Rakesh and directed by Anurag Basu, the plot is nothing new but the good screenplay keeps you glued to your seat. There are lapses in pace of but the comedic timing and sheer presence of the lead pair are electric. Hrithik's uncle Rajesh provides the original songs and the background score by Salim-Sulaiman is adequate, though sometimes you feel like in a "Lord Of The Rings" movie. Surprisingly, Hrithik lends his voice for one track as well - "Kites In The Sky" with Suzanne D'Mello.

"Kites" is a complete package with action, romance and adventure, with a beautiful cast that is definitely worth a watch. If it doesn't capture your fancy, try the international 90-minute version that will be released a week after the original - it's edited by "Rush Hour" director Brett Ratner and apparently does away with much of the dancing and melodrama, while re-inserting some of the steamier stuff that was left out of the Hindi cut.


Cinema Online, 21 May 2010