VIBGYOR@VJIM

Friends warned me against it. But, still…..

The movie “Kites” was released two months back on May 21^st. The film was released in India and in North America. Its 208-theater opening in North America made it the largest Bollywood release there. There were lots of promotional programmes but still it was rejected by movie buffs in India who found their high expectations dashed. They say the story was bad, had problems in understanding three languages, confusing as there was a continuous flip from flashback to present.

Toronto Star, San Francisco Chronicle, Philadelphia Inquirer, Village Voice, Los Angeles Times-these are the renounced newspapers in the USA and UK which praised the movie. They say “the film Kites had an optimum mix of romance, entertainment, thrill, melodrama and action. The love between Barbara Mori and Hrithik Roshan is depicted so well in the movie; the chemistry between both the actors came out with so much perfection that feels like falling in love all over again. The film moves ahead in flashbacks which are mixed up smoothly. The Cinematography is excellent; the movie was well received by critics and normal theater goers equally and became one of the most reviewed Bollywood film. Kites’ music and action scenes have also been appreciated by the viewers. Kites controversy created hype together with the promotion added to the curiosity of the movie.

So what went wrong with Indian public? Yes, it is an “old-style Hollywood romance in modern dress”. But it had a target audience too. People are educated now with a good knowledge of English. India is developing country with increasing urban population and education, which means more number of people are “eligible” for the movie. Secondly, it’s the first time ever when Bollywood has succeeded in making a movie that is of International standards, which can be watched by audiences all across the globe. In the new age of Globalization, it’s an initiative to bring all the cinema kingdoms from different parts of the world to a common platform and assimilate and enjoy the differences. A Special applause for the makers of the ‘Kites’, as they have just created a movie, which India can proudly say- it is an Indian movie for the global audiences. After Kites, many Hollywood biggies like Tom Cruise want to act in Bollywood. It has made the World to recognize the potential and talents in Bollywood. Thirdly, it is basically not “typical Masala Bollywood Movie”, but I think its time that people upgrade their mind sets to accept something honest and original. People have accepted the new changes in Bollywood, so why not appreciate “the same in different way”. Last but definitely not the least, there exists a syndrome among people called “Herd syndrome”. If one says it is not a good movie, others follow, even without feeling the same for it. Let us have our own perspective and not copy from others. We need to look ahead and not pull back innovations with orthodox ideas. If not say “a good movie”, at least say a “good initiative”.

Sometimes mistakes are good; teaches good things….thinking to go for “Raavan” this weekend….what say???? J

Tanushree Das, pgdm XVIII Batch