KITES (2010)

Summary:

Kites is a high-octane romantic thriller that intricately weaves a tale of forbidden love, dangerous pursuits, and a past that refuses to stay buried. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Las Vegas, the film follows J. Jay, an Indian immigrant entangled in a green card marriage scam, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Linda, a captivating woman also seeking a new life. Their instant, undeniable connection is complicated by the fact that Linda is already married to Tony, the abusive and powerful brother of J. Jay's fiancée, Gina.

As J. Jay and Linda's clandestine affair deepens, they discover a shocking past link that binds them, forcing them to confront painful memories and make impossible choices. Their desperate attempt to escape Tony's wrath and forge a future together transforms into a relentless chase across the American Southwest and into Mexico, fraught with betrayals, action-packed sequences, and heart-wrenching sacrifices. The film explores themes of destiny, the desperation of immigrants, and the enduring power of love against insurmountable odds, culminating in a tragic and poignant conclusion.

Keywords: Kites, 2010, Hrithik Roshan, Bárbara Mori, Kangana Ranaut, Brett Ratner, Anurag Basu, Romance, Thriller, Action, Las Vegas, Immigration.

Plot:

The story of Kites unfolds with J. Jay (Jai), an Indian immigrant living in Las Vegas, who makes a living as a salsa instructor and partakes in various small-time hustles, including arranging green card marriages for a fee. His ultimate goal is to secure permanent residency in the United States. Jai's latest arrangement involves marrying Gina, the daughter of a wealthy Indian-American businessman, Bob Grover. The marriage is purely for convenience, a transaction that Jai hopes will pave his way to a stable life. He is introduced to Gina's opulent world, which includes her possessive and volatile brother, Tony Grover, a prominent figure in the local underworld. Jai's initial interactions with the Grover family establish the luxurious yet dangerous environment he finds himself in, setting the stage for the complications to come.

During a family gathering at the Grover mansion, Jai is introduced to Linda, Tony's wife. Linda is a beautiful Mexican woman who, like Jai, is an illegal immigrant in the US, having fled her past in Mexico. There's an immediate, unspoken connection between Jai and Linda, a spark of mutual recognition and understanding that transcends their different backgrounds and language barriers. Linda speaks predominantly Spanish, while Jai speaks Hindi and English, leading to a charming yet challenging communication dynamic. Despite their respective commitments – Jai to Gina and Linda to Tony – they are drawn to each other, finding solace and a sense of belonging in each other's company, a stark contrast to the transactional nature of Jai's impending marriage and the abusive reality of Linda's life with Tony.

Their initial encounters are fraught with awkwardness and caution, as they navigate the social complexities of the Grover household. However, their shared vulnerability and the undeniable pull between them lead to clandestine meetings. They communicate through broken English, gestures, and the universal language of emotion, slowly revealing snippets of their pasts. During these secret rendezvous, a shocking revelation comes to light: Linda is, in fact, Natasha, Jai's former fiancée from India. Years prior, Jai had abandoned Natasha to pursue a better life in America, a decision that left her heartbroken and forced her to forge a new existence. This discovery adds a profound layer of emotional turmoil to their burgeoning relationship. Natasha is initially furious and resentful, confronting Jai about his past betrayal, while Jai is consumed by guilt and regret, realizing the depth of the pain he inflicted.

As their bond deepens, they become acutely aware of the perilous situation they are in. Tony is a violent and deeply possessive man who frequently abuses Linda, treating her more as a possession than a wife. His suspicions about Linda's fidelity and Jai's presence grow, making their secret affair increasingly dangerous. The couple's love, rekindled amidst such dire circumstances, becomes a desperate beacon of hope. They decide to escape together, to run away from Tony's wrath and the constraints of their current lives, believing that a future together, free from the past, is their only chance at happiness. This decision propels them into a frantic race against time, as they begin to plan their escape, knowing that failure would mean dire consequences, especially from Tony.

Their escape plan hinges on obtaining money, leading Jai to participate in a daring robbery orchestrated by Tony's gang, unbeknownst to Tony himself. Jai's involvement in the heist is a desperate measure, a gamble to secure the funds necessary for their new life. The robbery goes awry, resulting in a chaotic shootout and a narrow escape for Jai. This act further complicates their situation, making them targets not only of Tony's personal vendetta but also of the law. With the money in hand, Jai and Natasha embark on their perilous journey, immediately pursued by Tony's relentless men. The initial escape is a high-octane car chase through the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas, leading them into the vast, unforgiving landscape of the American Southwest.

On the run, Jai and Natasha traverse desolate deserts, dusty highways, and small, forgotten towns. Their journey is a test of their endurance, resourcefulness, and the strength of their rediscovered love. They face constant threats, from Tony's men who seem to be everywhere, to the harsh elements and the scarcity of resources. They steal cars, evade checkpoints, and find temporary refuge in motels and abandoned shacks, always looking over their shoulders. During these trying times, their communication, initially hindered by language, evolves into a deeper, more intuitive understanding. They learn to rely on each other completely, sharing moments of tenderness and vulnerability that solidify their bond, even as the danger intensifies around them. The flashbacks to their past in India intersperse their present ordeal, providing context to their complex relationship and the weight of their history.

The pursuit by Tony and his men becomes increasingly brutal and relentless. They are constantly just one step behind Jai and Natasha, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Jai, despite his past as a hustler, proves to be surprisingly resourceful and protective, using his street smarts to outwit their pursuers. Natasha, too, sheds her initial vulnerability, displaying immense courage and resilience. They endure close calls, gunfights, and emotional breakdowns, each challenge strengthening their resolve to reach their ultimate destination: Mexico, a place where they hope to finally be free. The film highlights the desperation and resourcefulness of those on the run, showcasing their will to survive against overwhelming odds, driven by the singular goal of a life together, away from their past entanglements.

The climax of the film is a brutal and emotional confrontation between Jai, Natasha, and Tony's entire crew. Cornered near the US-Mexico border, they engage in a fierce shootout. Tony, consumed by rage and a desire for vengeance, is determined to reclaim Natasha and punish Jai. The sequence is a ballet of bullets, explosions, and desperate hand-to-hand combat. Both Jai and Natasha fight valiantly, protecting each other amidst the chaos. In the ensuing mayhem, several lives are lost, and the lovers are pushed to their absolute limits. The confrontation culminates in a heartbreaking moment where Natasha, gravely wounded, sacrifices herself to save Jai, ensuring his escape across the border. Her final moments are filled with declarations of love, leaving Jai shattered and alone.

The film concludes with Jai, severely injured and emotionally broken, having successfully crossed into Mexico. He is haunted by the memories of Natasha and their tragic journey. The final scene shows Jai, now a broken man, struggling to survive, carrying the weight of his past and the loss of his beloved. He is seen flying a kite, a poignant symbol of freedom, hope, and perhaps, the ephemeral nature of life and love. The kite, a recurring motif throughout the film, represents their aspirations for a liberated life, now tinged with the sorrow of a dream unfulfilled. The ending is bittersweet, leaving the audience with a sense of the immense cost of love and freedom, and the enduring impact of choices made in the pursuit of happiness. Jai's survival is a testament to his will, but his spirit is undeniably scarred by the events, forever bound to the memory of Natasha and the kites they once flew together.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Hrithik Roshan as J. Jay / Jai
• Bárbara Mori as Natasha / Linda
• Kangana Ranaut as Gina Grover
• Kabir Bedi as Bob Grover
• Nick Brown as Tony Grover

Crew:

• Director: Anurag Basu
• Producer: Rakesh Roshan
• Story: Rakesh Roshan
• Screenplay: Anurag Basu, Robin Bhatt
• Dialogue: Akarsh Khurana
• Music Director: Rajesh Roshan
• Cinematography: Ayananka Bose
• Editor: Akiv Ali

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: May 21, 2010
• Language: Hindi, English, Spanish
• Genre: Romantic Thriller, Action
• Running Time: 130 minutes (Hindi version), 90 minutes (Kites: The Remix)
• Accolades: Nominated for various technical awards; no major wins.