Mon Avis: Movie review - KITES - a hollow gushy flaunt

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Movie has been over-hyped. Period. It is an unabashed attempt at making a cross-over and almost launching Hrithik into the realms of Hollywood. Releasing in over 2000 screens worldwide, you will be more than convinced that this movie is shot like a showcase portfolio for Hrithik's cross-over casting attempts. But does it work? Hell No. Not much. It does succeed in parts.

J is a young soul making his living in the sin city of Las Vegas by doing random errands, teaching dance moves and marrying illegal immigrant girls to provide them Green Card for thousand bucks each. One of the girls is Barbara Mori whom he meets again during his hookup with Kangana, a lass born into money while her crooked brother is all set to marry Barbara. What happens next? I could tell you, but I won't . In the name of whatever-is-there script, your imagination must not be aided.

Downs:

• Lack of script. Or must I say, total lack of respect for need of any script. This movie seems to be an attempt to redefine the genre of romance with Hrithik and Barbara becoming the latest mushy avatars. But despite their covert glances at each other, Hrithik's hearty grimaces and Barbara's coquettish moves, script runs into a sluggish first half. It almost makes you question your intention to be in that hall in the first-place. You beg for more and better in the second half and your prayers are half answered.
• Hrithik - As we had such a drought of this hunk,this flick is a welcome satiation. He looks good but I can put it conclusively that his hamming really put me off. His dialogues in English undo a lot of good work done in emoting towards the climax. He really needs to be told that he must drop the put-on accent.
• Kangana,Kabir and dialogues - Some of the lines and some of the actors have been really corny. You must see it to understand what I mean. Anyway.

Ups:

• Barbara - Well , this dishy 30-something can act. We will give it to her. She can emote and she can mesmerize. Her chemistry with Hrithik may not have worked but it is no way due to her. She may not have literally 'arrived' but she definitely ain't a bimbo.
• Second half - Alas! a savior portion of this 125 mins taradiddle. Smart action, racy scenes and a somewhat acceptable climax just about saves this movie from being an utter crap.
• Music - Rajesh Roshan's work as always is hummable. Anurag Basu's fetish with rain sequences et al can easily be felt in Kites too. He does a fair job with picturesqueness of it all.

Watch this flick for its gushy visuals, its background score peppered with latin overtones, its sparse and slick action sequences and for Barbara Mori. Do not expect an overwhelming story.