'Kites' TV premiere on June 27

Will the deal make up for its disappointing box office performance?

The world television premiere rights of Hrithik Roshan-starrer 'Kites' have been sold to Colors channel within a month of the film's release. It will be telecast in India, US and Britain June 27.

"We endeavour to bring the biggest Bollywood blockbusters to our viewers, right in the comfort of their homes. With 'Kites', we begin a long and potentially fruitful association with Reliance BIG Pictures with whom we have signed a much larger deal and will be showcasing a whole range of popular movies from their library in the days to com"," Gaurav Gandhi, CEO and head (international business), Viacom18, said.

'Kites', which also features Mexican actress Barbara Mori, is produced by Rakesh Roshan and distributed by Reliance BIG Pictures. It released worldwide on May 21 but didn't do well at the box office despite a promising opening.

Colors has previously premiered films like 'Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani' and 'Blue' even before the movies were taken off cinema halls.

How Hrithik stopped traffic in New York

He ran half a mile across the busy 42nd Street to meet his fans at the 'Kites' premiere

Hrithik Roshan proved a real traffic-stopper when he sprinted across 42nd Street in New York to meet his eager fans gathered for the premiere of his much-talked about film 'Kites'.

When Hrithik along with his co-star Barbara Mori, director Anurag Basu, wife Sussanne, parents Rakesh and Pinky Roshan, and other members of the team reached Times Square on May 16, he was told to wave out to hordes of Indian fans who had been standing on the other side of the street since morning for a glimpse of the star.

The star made a dash across the bustling street from the venue of the premiere to eager fans across the road.

"Hrithik did indeed dash across the 42nd Street from our red carpet to waiting fans across the road. And we aren't about crossing just any busy street at peak hour. The 42nd Street is a gigantic universe. Hrithik ran across a good half a mile to get to his fans," Sanjeev Lamba of Reliance Big Pictures told IANS.

Hrithik's considerate gesture towards fans at the premiere created panic for the tense and anxious 'Kites' team.

"We had to halt all traffic on 42nd Street for Hrithik to cross. So we can finally say Hrithik is the first traffic-stopper from Bollywood to make the crossover," said Lamba.

Not just a dash across the busiest street to meet his fans, Hrithik and his dad also made impromptu arrangements for about 500 fans to be accommodated in an extra screen at the AMC Empire theatre.

Rakesh Roshan said: "What could we do? There were 400-500 of Hrithik's fans who wanted to see the film. There were women crying, girls tearing their hair and threatening to commit suicide."

In addition to the 700-seater at the AMC Empire theatre, a smaller 500-seater screener was rented for extra fans at the last minute.

Karan extends his holiday for 'Kites'

He'll be in New York for his buddy Hrithik's international premiere

Karan Johar has extended his holiday in New York to attend the premiere of Hrithik Roshan-starrer 'Kites' at Times Square today (May 16).

"It's a big film for the Roshans who are very close to me and Shah Rukh (Khan). The success of 'Kites' is also very important to the film industry. I've a release 'I Hate Luv Storys' coming up in July. And if 'Kites' works, it'd mean favourable things for my films," Karan told IANS over the phone from New York.

The Hindi version of Hrithik and Mexican actress Barbara Mori-starrer 'Kites' will have its worldwide release May 21, while the crisp and short English version, edited by Brett Ratner, will hit the screens May 28. The film is produced by Rakesh Roshan and directed by Anurag Basu. Reliance Big Pictures is distributing the movie.

Karan recently released the shortened version of his film 'My Name Is Khan' in New York, and the edited version of 'Kites' will also be screened there.

"New York is an important venue for Bollywood. Shortened version of 'My Name Is Khan' was released here last week. Now it's a shortened international version of 'Kites'. So we are working towards the same goal of taking Bollywood to the West," said Karan.

Shah Rukh, who can't attend 'Kites' premiere as he's shooting for 'Ra.One', made sure his wife represents them both at this important occasion in the Roshans' life.

Gauri travelled to New York with Hrithik's better half Sussanne and they shopped before the grand premiere of 'Kites'.

"Gauri (Khan) and Sussanne Roshan are here. We're having the time of our lives. I am not thinking about work at all. Just enjoying myself," said Karan.

Incidentally, Karan had gone to New York with the express purpose of writing his next screenplay. But he has drawn a blank.

"At the moment I'm all geared for the 'Kites' premiere. I can't wait to see it," he said.

Hrithik's 'Kites' to fly high across the world

Widest ever release for Bollywood with simultaneous openings in India, US and Canada

In what will be the widest ever release for any Indian Bollywood production, 'Kites', the eagerly-anticipated romantic adventure starring Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori, will open simultaneously in India, the US, Canada and other countries on May 21.

The Rakesh Roshan production, directed by Anurag Basu, will be released by Reliance BIG Pictures (RBEL) on more than 2,000 screens simultaneously, including over 200 in the US, RBEL announced Thursday.

Shot completely on location in Las Vegas, Sante Fe and Los Angeles, 'Kites' is a unique Bollywood film in a number of ways, not the least of which is the fact that a reworked English language version, designed to extend the reach of the original, will be launched in select engagements one week later.

Entitled 'Kites: The Remix', it is being presented by Brett Ratner, who oversaw its creation. In the US, 'Kites: The Remix' will be released in association with Mark Urman's Paladin, and will open in several major markets, including New York and Los Angeles, for the Memorial Day holiday weekend beginning May 28.

Produced on an epic scale, and set primarily against the lavish backdrop of Las Vegas, 'Kites' tells the story of two star-crossed lovers who are destined to be together even though each is betrothed to another.

Reliance BIG Pictures CEO, Sanjeev Lamba, commented "'Kites' is a very important film for Reliance with a story that has international appeal. By releasing the original Hindi version and Brett Ratner's 'Remix' a week apart, we feel that we can reach the largest possible audience, including the younger demographic for whom 2+ hours is a challenge".

As of May 21, 'Kites' will play at all traditional Indian film venues around the world, including Reliance's own newly-opened Big Cinema on E. 59th Street in Manhattan, New York.

However, the vast majority of the initial screens will be major-chain, mainstream commercial theatres, as well as specialty cinemas catering to foreign film-going audiences.

“I’m very passionate in love”

Hrithik shares on-screen chemistry secrets, dancing tips, and more...

It’s my first time interviewing Hrithik Roshan, and I expect the star to be, well, star-like. And sure enough, when he enters the lobby of the Grosvenor House where we’re meeting, he’s wearing a star staple – dark sunglasses. But then he does something surprising; he takes the sunnies off (revealing those gorgeous light eyes), says “Hello” with an oh-so-warm smile, and proceeds to speak with so much genuine humility that we’re quite blown away. We asked Hrithik if he’s had any weird experiences with crazy fans, and he looks mildly upset. “There are no weird fan experiences. I see every fan interaction as a huge compliment. The smiles and love that I get from people are what make everything worth it.” So what else makes Hrithik Roshan tick? Read on to find out.

How close is the character you play in ‘Kites’ (of a dance teacher) to you in real-life?

Any creative exercise has to be a reflection of you. It’s how you interpret it. There’s a lot of me in the character I play in ‘Kites’. He’s very passionate in love and so am I.

You’re an amazing dancer. What’s your tip for someone who wants to dance as well as you do?

Just listen to the music and let yourself go. Unless you’re a professional dancer, dancing is not about looking good. It’s about enjoying yourself, about expressing yourself in the moment. The way I see it, there’s no such thing as a non-dancer. I think everyone can dance. You might think you look as foolish as a monkey while dancing, but if you’re enjoying yourself, I’ll be cheering for you.

You and Barbari Mori look great together in the ‘Kites’ promos. What do you think is the secret to great on-screen chemistry?

In ‘Kites’, it’s due to the brief of Anurag Basu (the director of ‘Kites’). He's a sensitive person who's making a very honest film. Also, Barbara comes from a world of spontaneity. She lets her spirit fly. Even Kangana (Ranaut), who’s in the movie, is a mountain girl. She has a sense of abandon and freedom about her. Barbara has a similar approach. I’ve been lucky to have their influence.

Your fans in Dubai were expecting to see you at the Zee Dubai Mega Mela on Thursday (April 1). Why weren't you able to make it on the day?

There was a miscommunication. As far as I knew I was going to be at the Mela on Friday (April 2) and Saturday (April 3). I was at the Mela yesterday and I will be there today.

You’ve had to put on weight and lose it for ‘Guzaarish’, and you’ve also talked about the many injuries you’ve sustained over the years. With all this, do you feel insecure about your body?

Not insecure, but I am aware that it has taken a lot of beating. My body has been really bruised and battered. So I am conscious that I have to be careful. My boys Hrehaan and Hridaan are two and four now. I want to be able to play football with them when they’re 16.

Do your kids watch your movies? Are they aware of what you do?

Hridaan is too young, but Hrehaan is becoming aware that his dad is different from other dads, that he seems more important than other dads. You know he has a Krrish doll that he plays with. I find that weird, my son playing with a doll of me! Sometimes, when I’m injured or tired and lying in bed, he looks at me almost suspiciously, and asks, “You are Krrish Daddy, aren’t you?” (Laughs)

You’ve just made your singing debut in ‘Kites’. In the future, do you see yourself writing and directing like your dad Rakesh Roshan?

No, I don’t. It takes a lot to be a director. I don’t have that kind of talent. You have to be a leader. There are so many things you have to do, from conceiving the project to inspiring it. Being an actor there’s more personal space. But I might change my mind. Never say never!

When will Hrithik’s Kites fly?

Probably the most highly anticipated flick of the year, the release of Hrithik Roshan starrer Kitesis still quite uncertain this year.

The kind of hoopla created around Kites was one of the reasons for it being tagged as the most awaited film of the year. The rumours generated reportedly by the Roshan camp themselves about the Hrithik, Barbara link - up got only more steamy after having a look at the film’s sizzling promos. While some tagged the release date to be on December 11, others pushed it to December 18. News is that it could also be pushed up till December 25 to compete against big daddy Aamir’s next release Three Idiots.

However Papa Roshan had earlier explained to us, “The release date of Kites is still not zeroed upon as we want the film to have a global opening. I want to involve the international market with the film’s release and the technicality of the entire situation is taking its time. As the film is being made in both the Hindi and English language, the dubbing process is still ongoing.” For the time being, Rakesh Roshan is still in Los Angeles, negotiating with Hollywood studios, and his representative here said that the date will be finalised once he reached Indian shores, which could probably be by the end of this month or early next month.

There is a lot of effort being put to bring a happy end to this year with the three big releases, Raju Hirani’s Three Idiots, Kites and Karan Johar’s My Name is Khan respectively. The year 2009 has been a bad one for Bollywood considering the producer-multiplex strike played a major dampener leaving these films dillydallying on a tight rope. These eagerly awaited films are facing stiff competition with the dozens of other films that are already fighting for the Diwali-Chritsmas holidays to cash in on.

Here’s hoping these films get to see the light of day, this year in itself!

No Kites flying for Roshans this year

The buzz is that Rakesh Roshan’s most ambitious and hottest film to date — Kites with Hrithik Roshan and the Mexican livewire Barbara Mori in the lead — will now release on January 15, 2010 instead of December 18, 2009.

A producer close to the Roshans says, “Kaho Na Pyaar Hai, Hrithik’s debut vehicle, released on January 14, 2000. It is the film that catapulted him to superstardom. Now the Roshans are seriously contemplating on releasing Kites — Hrithik’s foray into the international market, exactly a decade after KNPH to celebrate the actor’s tenth year as a superstar.

At the moment in Bollywood, Hrithik is the only one with a double whammy to his name, with Dhoom 2 and Krishh occupying a place of pride in the Top 5 all time grossers. Rakesh Roshan told BT, “I will take a decision by September 10 on whether I’m coming in December this year or next January.”

Hrithik gives his uncle Rajesh Roshan tips on Kites soundtrack

Hrithik Roshan is involved in every aspect of his home production Kites from post- production to the music (composed by his uncle, Rajesh Roshan).

Since Kites is being marketed as an international release, the actor wanted the film to have music that would appeal to a global audience.

Kites has a soundtrack that uses various genres like Jjazz, Latin, house, country, lounge to little bit of soft rock and so on. The film will have a worldwide release and so, it needs a soundtrack that is beyond the usual Bollywood fare.

A source reveals, "Hrithik has been listening to various kinds of music, offering some suggestions to his uncle and together, they are experimenting with different kinds of genres of world music. Hrithik trusts Rajesh's instinct with music but is providing his inputs wherever he can. He is making sure he is present at every stage of the music's recording."

Roshan admits, "The movie is going to be in Hindi and English and will be catering to a world audience. It was automatically a requirement for the movie to have English and a different kind of music. Duggu, Rakesh, Anurag (Basu, the film's director) and I sat down as a team and worked on the songs. Hrithik had a collection of various genres, which he used to listen to and give suggestions. Rakesh has given musical hits and so has Anurag. Each one of them came from a musical family and gave their input."

He continues, "I made a mixture of various kinds of music into each song. Being a romantic movie, we have more of soft, romantic numbers. Hrithik has sung the title track with a Spanish singer and he worked day in day out to perfect it. He has worked really hard for the song and has delivered the best. There is an uptempo number to which Hrithik has danced and he has put a lot of effort into it. He wanted this track to be something unheard of before," says Roshan.

Kites will fly in december

Hrithik Roshan's much-awaited flick will release worldwide on December 18

After much hoopla and indecision, it's finally official. Anurag Basu's Kites will release on December 18. And no, the film was not delayed due to editing issues.

Rather, it was waiting for international buyers. Says a source, "Now that there's a slump in the international market, Kites won't wait for international buyers any longer.

The producers will give the film on a commission basis to international distributors."

The decision to release Kites on December 18 was taken after watching the film's final cut. Post-editing, the film is apparently an erotic feast.

The love scenes between Hrithik and Mori are sizzling and the producers have nothing to worry about.

Rakesh Roshan admits they're looking at December 18 as the worldwide release date for Kites.

"But there are details that still need to be worked out and I'd rather not talk about it until everything is in place," he said. Adds Anurag, "Yes, we are looking at the date. I've left the final decision to Roshanji and Eros."
Song Chopped

Meanwhile, according to sources, Rakesh and Anurag had a difference of opinion over retaining a Barbara-Hrithik song.

Rakesh, weaned on commercial cinema, thought it was an USP, while Anurag thought it hampered the film's flow.

The song now goes off. However, Anurag insisted, "As for the songs, they all carry the story forward. If we remove one, I'll have to re-edit the film for continuity."

Farah Khan’s song cut from ‘Kites’

Choreographer hasn’t been informed by Roshans

Post the birth of her triplets, Farah Khan rarely choreographs a song. Lack of time is one of the main reasons, though she does make an exception for friends.

She choreographed songs in “Billu” and “Dostana”, exceptions she made for close friends Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar, who produced the two films respectively. The only other song she has choreographed recently is for the Hrithik Roshan starrer “Kites”, produced by Rakesh Roshan.

The sensuous song, which is a salsa number, took two and a half days to complete.

However, according to reports, the song has been chopped from the film. And, what’s hurting Farah the most is that no one has bothered to inform her about this.

Apparently, “Kites” was running too long and needed a cut. The first victim of the cut was the song choreographed on Hrithik and Barbara Mori by Farah. However, the Roshans have yet not told Farah about her song being deleted from the film though two weeks have passed since the decision was taken.

Kites - Movie Wallpapers

Hrithik’s 'Kites' to release in December

The much-talked about Hrithik Roshan starrer "Kites" is scheduled for December release and producer Rakesh Roshan and director Anurag Basu have also agreed on how different the English and Hindi versions of the film would be.

The supposed steamy scenes between Hrithik and his co-star Barbara Mori would be the same in both versions.

"We can't cheat Hindi audiences. The so-called steamy scenes will be the same in both versions. The visuals will remain unchanged in both. There won't be anything radically different in the two versions because Hrithik and Barbara speak English-Hindi and Spanish, respectively in both English and Hindi," Basu told IANS.

Also there would be voice-overs in Hindi and English, both done by Hrithik whose love story the film chronicles in a style that would recall David Lean's "Brief Encounter" and K. Balachander's "Ek Duuje Ke Liye".

About being designated the director of the decade at International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards in Macau, Rakesh Roshan said: "I'm flattered. There were other truly deserving directors in the reckoning. I must've done something right."

Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori at Cannes 2009

Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori at Cannes 2009  for their upcoming movie Kites

Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori Kites First Look

While shooting a critical sequence in Santa Fe, Babara Mori made her shy co-star Hrithik Roshan discard his desi inhibitions to express love in a kiss. When asked about it Hrithik is amused. "Why are we even talking about kissing? Is that such a big deal? Hasn't our cinema grown up? Yes, there're kissing scenes in the film. But nothing to make me squirm. In fact I'd be more than happy and completely comfortable watching those kissing scenes with my wife, son and parents when the film is released." 

Rationalizing the need to look at lip-locking in Bollywood rationally Hrithik argues, "Kites is a love story. It’s about people in love. And what do people in love do to express their mutual feelings? In fact it was Barbara Mori who made me realize how silly we look on screen while shying away from expressing love naturally." 

This happened while Hrithik and Barbara were shooting a tough and dangerous action sequence in Santa Fe. 

"We were both supposed to jump off from a rooftop at an impossible height. Before we did so our director Anurag Basu suggested I kiss Barbara since we were doing something dead-defying and dangerous and potentially lethal. I reached out and kissed her on the cheeks. Barbara turned around to ask why I had kissed her on the cheek. 'Given the same situation with your real-life wife Sussanne would you kiss her on the cheek?' I was floored by her logic." 

The take was repeated. "And this time I kissed her the way real-life couples would in the situation. On the lips," says Hrithik with matter-of-fact directness. 

Source [TOI]

Hrithik Roshan separates from wife Suzanne - reason Barbara Mori

Ok guys here is the latest on the gossip/rumours doing the rounds about Hrithik Roshan separating from his wife and childhood sweetheart Suzanne Roshan because of his sexy Kites co-star Barbara Mori.

Reports circulating in the last couple of days were that Susanne Roshan has walked out on husband Hrithik Roshan with their two kids and moved into her parents' home in Juhu. The reason for the move is said to be Hrithik's romantic liaison with his Kites co-star Bárbara Mori.

Apparently Susanne had been trying to cope with it for months, but finally made up her mind to walk out. The Roshan family insists that the star's wife has shifted temporarily due to renovations in the house, but according to close sources, that's far from the truth. A family friend of the Roshans informs us, "Hrithik and Susanne have been having problems for a while now." Hrithik has become extremely fond of Barbara's family, including her mother and her brother. Hrithik has made a trip to Amby Valley near Lonavala with the actresses' family, minus his wife. Reveals a source, "The couple (hrithik and wife) hasn't been making public appearances together for months, including at awards functions. However, when the talk of trouble in their marriage began getting louder, they made an appearance together at Amrita Arora's wedding, but their body language spoke volumes. Last week, they even made an appearance at Manish Malhotra's fashion show but something went wrong after that." "They are hoping to find a solution to the problem once Hrithik is back in town," says the friend. All calls to Susanne went unanswered. But she insisted it wasn't because she had walked out on her husband. "This is completely untrue. Duggu and Susanne are very happy and very much in love. Susanne had to shift out of their flat last week with the two kids as their ceiling is undergoing anti-termite treatment. The kids can't stay at home while the treatment is going on so Susanne is staying at her mom's place." Hrithik Roshan flew in last night from South Africa and drove straight to meet Susanne at her parents' place in Juhu. Said Hrithik, "I am here sitting with Susanne in her mom's house after dining with the entire family. We have both shifted here for a week with the kids because of termite problems. "We are renovating sections of our floor." A leading Mumbai tabloid had reported the above -Hrithik and Suzanne have parted ways when she had moved to her parents' house. The article said that trouble began to brew in their paradise after Hrithik started becoming cosy with his 'Kites' co-star, Mexican actress Barbara Mori. But none of this is true. The actor's spokesperson told IANS -Hrithik and Susanne have two sons - Hrehaan, four and Hridhaan who will celebrate his first birthday next month.

What do you guys think ? Publicity for Kites ?????

Madhuri Dixit and her son - Makar Sankranti

Madhuri Dixit and her son fly kites - Makar Sankranti. She has two sons and I think the photos show her mostly with one of them.

Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori loose their inhibitions during Kites

Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori loose their inhibitions during the shooting of upcoming film Kites and in more ways than one. It was kissing as well as shooting high in the air in a hot air balloon. I understand that while shooting for a tough and dangerous action sequence in Santa Fe, Babara Mori made her co-star Hrithik Roshan shed his inhibitions to express love in one of its natural manifestations, the kiss.

Hrithik confirmed this with matter-of-fact directness and said, “We were both supposed to jump off from a rooftop at an impossible height. Before we did so director Anurag Basu suggested that I kiss Barbara since we were doing something death-defying and dangerous.

I kissed her on her cheek to which she turned around to ask, ‘Given the same situation with your wife Susanne would you kiss her on the cheek?’ I was floored by her logic. The scene was reshot and I kissed her the way real-life couples would in the situation.”

An amused Hrithik added, “Is kissing such a big deal? Hasn’t our cinema grown up? There are kissing scenes in Kites but nothing to make me squirm. I’d be more than happy watching those scenes with my wife, son and parents.”

Emphasising the need to look at lip-locking in Bollywood rationally Hrithik argued, “Kites is a love story about people in love. How do people in love express their feelings? Barbara made me realise how silly we look on screen while shying away from expressing love naturally.”

Kites has a long and final schedule in Mumbai, “I first shoot with Kangana Ranaut and then Barbara will join us in January,” Hrithik signed off.

Here are photos of Hrithik and Barbara Mori in the hot air balloon and also a small video clip of the shoot. Also photos of Kangana Ranaut. Some of the photos are courtsey Rajneesh and Jaiti and kites the movie blog