Kites (*ing Hrithik Roshan, Kangana Ranaut, Director: Anurag Basu)

[Noelblue]

As a topic hasn't been created yet for Hrithik's new movie... It had to be done!  And aaargh! I left an N out of Anurag's name!!! Can a Mod fix that? I'm an idjit who types too fast.

The Kite Runner
Suruchi Mazumdar
Posted online: Friday , March 14, 2008 at 11:08:15
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Updated: Thursday , March 13, 2008 at 11:29:45

A few years ago, Anurag Basu was one of Hindi films’ new-generation filmmakers who wanted to make a difference with simple storytelling and realistic budgets. In the process, he made stars out of little-known faces — actors like Emraan Hashmi, Mallika Sherawat, Shiney Ahuja and Kangana Ranaut became popular with Basu’s early hits Murder and Gangster.

But things have changed, for the better, with his last film Life…In A Metro emerging a box-office winner in 2007. The man of modest films has now shot to Bollywood’s big league, and is all set to direct Hindi films’ most sought-after star — Hrithik Roshan — in the actor’s home production Kites. “Rakesh Roshan loved Gangster. He had an idea, and he wanted me to turn it into a screenplay,” says Basu.

As expected, in sharp contrast to his earlier movies, this one will be mounted on a huge canvas, and shot across Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New Mexico. To make it more glamorous, the Roshans have even roped in Latin American actor Barbara Mori as Hrithik’s heroine.

Basu, who debuted on the big screen with Kucch To Hai in 2003, is known to tackle themes of dark passion and adultery. His movies Murder, Gangster and Metro challenged the industry’s conventional formula of success and went on to become big hits. “It’s because of the multiplex phenomenon that we could move away from the established norms,” says Basu.

While the so-called elite urban audience has made Basu successful, he is now eager to appeal to a larger audience. “I want Kites to work in small towns as well. I was deeply hurt that Metro didn’t work in my hometown Bhilai (in Bihar),” says the director, who started his dalliance with Mumbai’s dream industry in 1996, with a television series.

It took him a few more years to be noted by the Bhatt camp, for whom he made Saaya and subsequently Murder and Gangster. A few months ago, Basu reportedly walked out of Suicide Bomber, which he was supposed to direct for Bhatt’s Vishesh Films. “I did not walk out. There was no time to direct it. The Bhatts are still like family,” he says.

Apart from Kites, an attractive three-film contract with UTV is waiting. “I will finalise my next project with UTV once Kites is over. It will be on a modest budget and I am looking forward to repeat a part of Metro’s cast,” he says. In the days ahead, Basu also plans to dabble as a producer. “I will offer a platform to my assistant directors who have good scripts,” says Basu, who is also producing a new show on NDTV Imagine, titled Dil Khudgarz Hai.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Source:- http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/The-Kite-Runner/284101/

[Mirya]

A Latin American heroine? Is that a first?

After Dhoom 2, Krrish and Jodhaa Akbar, it should be interesting to see Hrithik in a darker and more serious film.

[dhiire jalna]

Ah! Just found a website that says shooting will start in June (which sounds like an awful time to be in the Southwest if you ask me). May just have to take a trip this summer though...


Mumbai, March 7 (IANS) Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, who was looking for an international face to cast opposite his son Hrithik in his next film 'Kites', has signed top Latin actress Barbara Mori as the leading lady.Barbara Mori and Hrithik Roshan

'The girl's role is extremely bold. Actually, we've decided to cast someone international because that's the personality and profile of the leading lady in my film,' Anurag Basu, who will direct the film, was quoted as saying.

Several names had been put forward for the leading lady's role. Apparently, Rakesh Roshan, who is very close to Anil Kapoor and quite fond of Anil's daughter Sonam, wanted to cast her.

Sonam, who is conscious of her conservative image, excused herself because the role required the girl to get `seriously sexy' with Hrithik.

The film is also starring Kangana Ranaut while Rajesh Roshan will score the music for it. The remaining cast and credits are currently being finalised in Mumbai and Los Angeles.

'Kites' is to be shot in New Mexico, Las Vegas and Los Angeles in the US. The film is another Film Kraft Production's presentation and is scheduled to go into production by the end of July this year.

http://www.india-forums.com/bollywood/article.asp?id=3053


Kites is the title of the new Bollywood film which is all set to be directed by Anurag Basu. The film produced by Rakesh Roshan will be made in Hindi and English.
 
The music of the film is composed by Rajesh Roshan. Kites has Hrithik Roshan in the lead. The film is told on the backdrop of  dance forms like salsa.
 
Latin actress Barbara Mori is cast opposite Hrithik in the film. The other female lead is Kangana Ranaut. Rest of the cast are being finalised.
 
The film presented by Film Kraft Production will be shot in international locales like New Mexico, Las Vegas and Los Angels. Shooting will start in June.

http://www.my-india.net/movies/2008/03/kites.shtml

I think Hrithik doing the salsa may be unfilmable due to the camera lenses steaming up.

[Noelblue]

We haven’t approached Sonam’
Tuesday, March 11, 2008  23:59 IST

Jaldi five with Rakesh Roshan

Is it true that you had approached Sonam Kapoor for the lead opposite Hrithik Roshan in your forthcoming production Kites?
A: No, it is not true that we approached Sonam for the role. All the rumours that she turned it down are rubbish. I wanted a girl who speaks Spanish, so there was no question of even asking any Indian heroine.

There were also reports that you approached Penelope Cruz?
A: Again a creation of someone’s mind. I wasn’t even thinking of Cruz. All I know was that I was in Los Angeles and someone back home wrote that I was signing her on. It’s ridiculous.

So what made you zero in on Brazilian model Barbara Mori?
A: We were on the lookout for a good actress for the last six months. The director of the film Anurag Basu and I even approached agencies in Latin America and the US. We watched countless films. It was Hrithik’s manager in LA who noticed Barbara and recommended her name. We thought she would be perfect for the role.

Weren’t you supposed to direct Kites yourself?
A: Yes, I was, but I decided to give it to Anurag Basu because I loved his work in Gangster. I feel I am above all those petty feelings where you feel possessive about your story and film. Finally it will be my production and my film. Who directs it doesn’t matter.

So when will you direct again?
A: I am scripting a sequel to Krissh. But I wanted to give a break between my last direction and the next film. I want the urge to direct again to rise up in me, only then will I do it. I am in no hurry.

Shipa Jamkhandikar

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1155532

Ah! Just found a website that says shooting will start in June (which sounds like an awful time to be in the Southwest if you ask me). May just have to take a trip this summer though...

I was thinking the same thing....  And I agree about the salsa, I can't wait to see him with international dance moves.

A Latin American heroine? Is that a first?

After Dhoom 2, Krrish and Jodhaa Akbar, it should be interesting to see Hrithik in a darker and more serious film.

That's a very good question - those with more knowledge than me would have to answer it, but it doesn't sound like something that BW would have done in the past. I'm excited he's doing a modern, edgy film, I think it will fit him very well.

[Ciaras]

So what made you zero in on Brazilian model Barbara Mori?
A: We were on the lookout for a good actress for the last six months. The director of the film Anurag Basu and I even approached agencies in Latin America and the US. We watched countless films. It was Hrithik’s manager in LA who noticed Barbara and recommended her name. We thought she would be perfect for the role.

Just a correction (not to Noelblue, but to whomever did this interview) Barbara Mori is not Brazilian.  Her father is Japanese-Uruguayan, and her mother is Mexican.  I believe (but am not sure) that she was born in Mexico.  She has done all her work in Mexico and in the US.

I am not a "fan" of Barbara, but she is a good actress, and definitely one of the most beautiful women out there, so I'm really exited about this new film. 
Actually, I'm exited for a couple of reasons:
1. BW is going international...if there is one place that needs to know more about BW, it's Latin America.
2. I will finally see a Mexican in a Bollywood movie, and I'm anxious to see how the people react. (although, since I'm assuming the scenes are going to be "steamy," I
   hope people don't catalogue  her or all Latinas as sleazy)...

Anyway, it'll be nice to see a Mexican face on the BW screen - even if she doesn't look like your typical Mexican girl....

[LinKarish]

Maybe I missed it, but what is the movie supposed to be about?  Or has that not been revealed.

I'm glad to know the Mexican actress is a good actress unlike some of the other international female leads in the past eight years.

Also,

“I want Kites to work in small towns as well. I was deeply hurt that Metro didn’t work in my hometown Bhilai (in Bihar),”

LOL.  Good luck.

The girl's role is extremely bold.

because the role required the girl to get `seriously sexy' with Hrithik.

[Ginger]

My two obsessions have FINALLY combined!!!!  After gushing over Hrithik in Jodhaa Akbar and desperately missing evil Rubi...  they will BOTH be in the same movie!!  Can Bollywood get any better for me?  I really hope this works out and that Barbara Mori and Hrithik are together in this movie.  I don't care what it's about, I'll just go see it anyway.  If any of you get the Spanish channel - Univision is rebroadcasting Rubi - one of my all time favorite novelas...  you'll get to see her play a dastardly role, a woman you'll LOVE to hate!

kites kites kites yay!

Sorry.  I'm calm now.

[AKlover4life]

Is it true that you had approached Sonam Kapoor for the lead opposite Hrithik Roshan in your forthcoming production Kites?
A: No, it is not true that we approached Sonam for the role. All the rumours that she turned it down are rubbish. I wanted a girl who speaks Spanish, so there was no question of even asking any Indian heroine.

If only I was currently involved in Bollywood, I might've had a shot to get this role! I'm an Indian-American, a Spanish student, and a dancer (so I'm pretty confident I could learn the salsa dancing easily). As for the acting, I'm sure a few lessons would be enough, right?

To star in a BW movie opposite Hrithik...sigh... I guess I'll leave that to dream about tonight. 

[starryeyedsurprise]

This is definitely one of the most intriguing movies to be announced in a while and a good move for Hrithik if it pans out. I too, would like to see him in a darker, edgier (and presumably sexier) avataar. Not that he isn't seriously sexy already but who's complaining?

And thank goodness Anurag Basu is at the helm. Whatever successes he might have had as a director, Rakesh Roshan is just not the man for this particular job. And a sequel to Krrish? Oh no. Still, I'm glad Anurag has finally been given the opportunity to have a really big star in his film; all his other stars have done well in his movies but it's about time he got a bigger platform and it doesn't get much bigger than Hrithik.

[dhiire jalna]

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080518/jsp/7days/story_9286003.jsp

Flying kites worldwide
celebrity circus
BHARATHI S. PRADHAN

Has Rakesh Roshan, the super salesman (who made a table profit even with the indifferently-received Krazzy 4), made a killing by pre-selling his new Hrithik film Kites for Rs 120 crore? “Where have people got that from,” wonders the slick film-maker. “Because the question of selling Kites so soon doesn’t arise at all.” The film trade may be abuzz over the big deal but the truth is RR is too good a businessman to look at short-term gains when he can afford to wait and play a much bigger game.

He couldn’t sell the concept of Krrish internationally as India’s answer to Superman, as it essentially remained just another successful Hindi film. But Rakesh Roshan hasn’t given up the Western dream. “Kites will be a big, expensive film because I want to sell it in the international market,” discloses Roshan Sr. “We’re making it on an international scale, it will be top quality entertainment with no compromises. The action sequences will match international standards.”

His big plus is that Kites is a subject where the lingo won’t matter. It can be seen and understood anywhere in the world. “The boy (Hrithik) and girl (US-based Barbara Mori) don’t understand each other’s language. She speaks only Spanish while he could speak any language — English, Hindi, Bengali, French, anything, since she won’t understand him any way. And then slowly they begin to relate to each other because ultimately it’s all aami tomake bhalo baashi!” laughs the producer. You can understand the slip into Bengali since RR’s director, Anurag Basu, is a Bengali. Rakesh Roshan himself is half-Bengali — mom Ira was a Bengali who married the Punjabi musician, Roshan. In fact, dida was a great favourite with Hrithik Roshan until she passed away a couple of years ago.

For Anurag Basu, this is the big jump because he has so far been dabbling in small- budget, Bhatt-backed movies like Murder and Gangster. Enviably, he has a 100 per cent hit rate as all the three films he directed have been commercially successful. His first foray outside the Bhatt world was Life In A…Metro for UTV which was also a modestly budgeted film but was, once again, extremely well received. It certainly bowled over the Roshans who happily brought Anurag into their fold to direct Kites, a subject Rakesh Roshan had been toying with for a while.

“We’ll be shooting a long spell of about 70-80 days in Las Vegas and New Mexico from this July,” says Rakesh Roshan who retains the infectious enthusiasm of a first-timer when he talks of his films. “I’ve already done a recce, not once but twice.” With a flair for also having a good time, you may be sure that it was a recce and recreation for RR!

By the way, Hrithik Roshan will finally get to rest his knees and generally relax this year. The only film he is getting ready to shoot for in 2008 is his own production, Kites. “The action sequences will be car chases and stuff like that,” explains Rakesh Roshan. “So Hrithik doesn’t have to undergo any intensive training like he did for Krrish.” Or Dhoom:2 or Jodhaa Akbar, all of which were physically very strenuously demanding films.

“Hrithik can relax a bit this year,” says dad. “Until I start Krrish 2 with him next year. And then it’ll be back to gruelling training for him!”

Hey, psst!

* It makes sense for Anurag to direct Kites and not Rakesh Roshan himself. Basu’s Murder, Gangster and Metro have all had intense romance and well-shot kissing scenes while RR is not at ease with complete romance — especially if he is to picturise a kiss between his son and the heroine!

[dhiire jalna]

Going only slightly mad here. Where does one find shooting schedules anyway?

http://kites-themovie.com/2008/05/29/barbara-learning-hindi-for-kites/

Barbara learning Hindi for Kites

Posted on May 29th, 2008 by —(•·÷[ A7]÷·•)—.
Categories: Barbara Mori.

Latin actress Barbara Mori is learning basic Hindi for her Bollywood debut Kites. The film will also star Kangana Ranaut and Hrithik Roshan in leading roles.

Director Anurag Basu reveals, “Barbara is learning basic Hindi for the film. She will have to speak both English and Hindi in the film. Barbara is very excited about her Bollywood debut with her favourite actor Hrithik Roshan so she is working hard on her looks as well.”

On the shooting schedule, Anurag says, “Currently only the half schedule has been planned. Within one month the songs will be recorded. Hrithik and his father will also be involved in it.”

He further reveals, “The shooting will start around the first week of July. The first half of the shoot will take place in Arizona in the US. This place has been selected by Hrithik and Rakesh. Hrithik, Barbara and Kangana will be there for two months. In September our next schedule will start in Los Angeles.”

The buzz is that there is a kissing scene between Hrithik and Barbara. The film is expected to release by mid 2009.

Source : Indya.Com

[dhiire jalna]

If anyone wants to bother, can someone please explain to me how this movie is supposed to work? Seriously. I have thought it out and cannot understand how it is even being made. Rakesh Roshan's protagonists are always totally pure (many to the point of being slightly more than human, extraordinary) and theirs is always some noble - irreproachable - quest. How on earth does Anurag Basu fit into this? His characters (that I have seen) seem very flawed - even the "hero(s)."

So I envision Hrithik, stuck in the middle, as not only the lead actor, but having to be a translator and referee between the director and producer.    But they must have found some common ground, as the movie has come this far...

I don't know what to think about you Rakeshji. You boggle the mind.

The only reasons I am looking forward to this movie are that Hrithik is a fantastic actor and I feel like he will be covering new ground here, a character we definitely haven't seen from him, and Rajesh Roshan's music. His music always has this mystical, slightly ethereal quality to it, which I love. Plus it will be interesting to see what he writes and how it is received after that whole Krazzy 4 thing.

[tabula rasa]

If anyone wants to bother, can someone please explain to me how this movie is supposed to work? Seriously. I have thought it out and cannot understand how it is even being made. Rakesh Roshan's protagonists are always totally pure (many to the point of being slightly more than human, extraordinary) and theirs is always some noble - irreproachable - quest. How on earth does Anurag Basu fit into this? His characters (that I have seen) seem very flawed - even the "hero(s)."

I'm guessing its cuz Rakesh Roshan is only producing the film, and has enough sense to not veto characterisations in the script.

[dhiire jalna]

But did Basu actually write it? I was sort of under the impression that Rakesh Roshan did (though that assumption probably came from him writing the previous Filmkraft movies that starred his son).

Okay, wait. Not that I really trust IMDb with BW but they list R.R. as writing the stories for Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, KMG, Krrish and Kites and only as writer on the screenplay for Krrish.

So wouldn't R.R.'s sqeaky-clean characters still come into play here? Maybe he is trying a new direction. I am so confused about this movie.

[Aliya]

'Kites' is not based on 'The Kite Runner'.

Hrithik plays either a Salsa dance teacher or does a lot of Salsa in the film.
He's a suave kind of character and dresses accordingly with all kinds of hats.
He's supposed to be two timing his wife (Kangana) with his mistress (Barbara).
This much I have gathered by devouring every little thing written about Hrithik, which also includes news about 'Kites'.   


The film is being shot in Mexico at the moment, and later on will be shot in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
They will then move to India to finish the shooting in December.

I have my doubts about its success in India, but because of Hrithik it might just be. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
_{I want every film of his to be a success.}
The theme is not a popular one. It might succeed in the metros of Mumbai and Delhi, but foreign actors or actresses don't bode well for a films well being in India. (Bride and Prejudice??)

But we'll wait and see.
I hope my instincts are proved wrong. 

[Aliya]

For all Hrithik Fans!!! 

Here's a link to a lot of goodies,
-information about the film - it seems Hrithik will be a sort of bad guy (Dhoom2???)
-some pictures of a party before the shoot with Barbara (looks glamorous). Wonder who that lady they are hugging is.
-lots of links to a lot of other stories. One is a detailed description of 'Hrithik in Mexico'.

Have fun! 


http://kites-themovie.com/

ETA: there are quite a few links and one of them, called 'Awesome Threesome' is of a picture of the three - Don't miss Hrithik's look in 'Kites'. 

A quote from one of the links,

He essays the role of a street smart scamster, albeit a lovable one, who resides in Las Vegas. He will be seen sporting formal, European style linen suits, cut close to his body and hats (specially designed by a hat maker in Hong Kong).

I don't see any mention of mistress/wife so I could be wrong.

[Aliya]

I can't stop myself. 
Some more news;
-Hrithik will speak English with an American accent for the English version. This I can believe, because he mastered the urdu pronunciation in Jodha Akbar. Still   
But this;
-He's going to sing a song in English. 
OK, shame on me for mistrusting him. 
-  the ad video is perhaps the kind of look he'll sport in 'Kites'.

[dhiire jalna]

dresses accordingly with all kinds of hats.
...
But we'll wait and see.
I hope my instincts are proved wrong. 

The hats thing just totally cracks me up. 

As for the entirety of the film, I'm totally with you, Aliya. I really want it to be a success as well but I just can't think it has a chance.  I feel like it is going to be another of those movies which flop but Hrithik gets critical acclaim for.

[dhiire jalna]

Is that facial hair i spy? 

http://kites-themovie.com/2008/09/17/video-hrithik-in-a-kites-scene/

[Simran_Singh]

Is that facial hair i spy? 

http://kites-themovie.com/2008/09/17/video-hrithik-in-a-kites-scene/

Omg, awesome little video! I guess I'm a sucker, 'cause my heart was in my mouth around 0:33

I think the beard must be fake, you can see him futz around with it towards the end.

[dhiire jalna]

Omg, awesome little video! I guess I'm a sucker, 'cause my heart was in my mouth around 0:33

It isn't just you. Brief "Not even Hrithik can... Oh" went through my head.

I think the beard must be fake, you can see him futz around with it towards the end.

I saw that too  - made me laugh. As did the posing at the end. I still can't wait to see him closer up.

Pleased to see no hat in sight. 

[Aliya]

It isn't just you. Brief "Not even Hrithik can... Oh" went through my head.
I saw that too  - made me laugh. As did the posing at the end. I still can't wait to see him closer up.

Pleased to see no hat in sight. 

LOL! But aren't you looking forward to those 'hats'?  I am 

Facial hair, for sure.  It was probably coming off.  
Actually I thought he was touching his moustache. A beard is quite clear.

It seems the director and the cameraman are back in Mumbai due to difference of opinion with RR, and now RR himself is directing the film with a new cameraman, not sure who.

[Dolce~oro]

It seems the director and the cameraman are back in Mumbai due to difference of opinion with RR, and now RR himself is directing the film with a new cameraman, not sure who.

Uh-oh, that makes me very apprehensive... I was getting my hopes up for some decent direction for Hrithik, not the all watermouthing but no substance typical RR stuff... Oh well, I'll watch it anyway, though I have to say the American accent idea is quite a turn-off - I just can't picture him doing it right, I'm expecting it to be very cringeworthy. I think he would do much better with a British accent. Oh who am I kidding: he'll be dancing salsa, so nothing else matters 

[dhiire jalna]

It seems the director and the cameraman are back in Mumbai due to difference of opinion with RR, and now RR himself is directing the film with a new cameraman, not sure who.

That makes me ill. Hell. I can't say I didn't see it coming though. I did, in like, mile-high, bolded letters.

[Aliya]

That makes me ill. Hell. I can't say I didn't see it coming though. I did, in like, mile-high, bolded letters.

Let's hope it's just a rumour. Though the change in cameraman is for sure.