The Rainmaker

Movie: Kites
Language: Universal
Date: 20th May, 2010 - Paid Preview

Review
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In one of the pivotal scenes from Hrithik Roshan's latest movie 'Kites', a Mexican born Linda (Barbera Mori) returns across the amber landscape of the Bryce Canyon, to tell her Indian origin lover Jai (Hrithik) that she doesn't choose to move away to safety leaving him alone in the chase they were involved till then. Linda says she would choose to live or die with Jai rather than escape alone. It can be a scene straight out of Bollywood love stories but the characters, setting and context in 'Kites' makes it UNIQUE. There are no two ways to it, 'Kites' is nothing like what you have seen on Indian Screen before. It is for sure - Unique.

Plot and Screenplay
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The story of 'Kites' is a no-brainer. It is exactly what you expect before you enter to see the movie. It is the age old romantic story between two of the most unlikely people. Heroine in a 'caged' situation. Hero and Heroine on the run along a gorgeous countryside. 'Kites' at its heart is a ‘pakka’ bollywood film. It has so many of its clichés. Customary scene for the villain to show of his villa nary. The rich father and the spoilt son as the villain. Breaking to a song and dance to show the romance. You name it and its all there. Yet what sets 'Kites' apart are 2 beautiful characters essayed by Hrithik and Barbera and the landscape of the movie.

Hrithik and Barbera
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Hrithik is awesome to say the least as the Indian origin 'Jai' who does false marriages to make money. Try placing someone else in this role and then you will for once understand how effortlessly Hrithik has done this. From the dance floor to the stunts to the emotional breakdown at the end, Hrithik moves effortlessly slightly reminding us of the Big B himself in his hay days. Such is his command and screen presence. The only negatives are his self conscious torso display scenes.
Barbera is the surprise package of 'Kites'. She is warm, bubbly, effervescent yet quite unpredictable (may be her adventures make us think if she can cheat him). Barbera is quite natural as the Mexican girl hence initially you feel difficult to accept her. But slowly as the movie progresses, Barbera emerges as the perfect foil for Hrithik.

Direction and the Climax
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Anurag Basu has a liking for tragedies. We have seen that in 'Gangster'. 'Kites' is a tragic love story. And for once not sure whether to pat Anurag or criticize him. The tragic end doesn't seem to be forced upon but it leaves 'Kites' as a pain in your heart. On the one hand you wish to praise the team for the guts they have shown with the ending. And especially to Hrithik, who is a big superstar and when he releases a movie after 2 years, he chooses such a 'unique' movie like 'Kites' and such a tragic ending. May it has a lesson for the Mammottys and Mohanlals, who dare not still churn out 6-7 formula movies a year for the fear of failure. Anurag does a decent job with the movie and has extracted commendable performances from the lead. The Las Vegas setting gives the movie the edgy feeling and the Arizona, New Mexico trail a beautiful canvas.

Technical Aspects
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Stunts are well choreographed. Cinematography is well done. Music is also a high point in the film with 'Zindagi', 'Dil Kyun' standing out. The 'Fire' Dance is a treat to watch with Hrithik's super moves.

Negatives
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Almost 50% of the movie, one keeps asking oneself of how these 2 people can fall in love without even knowing the common language. But for once, the scene mentioned in the opening of this review changes all that.
The Spanish dialogues of Barbera have been well subtitled but missing in some portions.
The re-recording is a major disappointment with the background scores missing the main tracks. Looks disconnected.
Its always a 2 character play hence can be a bit boring.
And the biggest dampener (if it can be called that) is a tragic ending. Though looking not forced upon will still leave the audience disturbed and not sure how many will have the patience to appreciate it.

In short, 'Kites' is nothing like you have seen on Indian screen before. May be it is India's true Universal Cinema. With a spirited performance by Hrithik and Barbera, if you have the patience to appreciate a unique love story that is tragic, then go for it.

Verdict - 3.5/5 and UNIQUE as an Opinion

'Kites' - Flying a Unique Trail.