Source: Glamsham
Date: July 15, 2008
Ever since top filmmaker Rakesh Roshan announced his international project, KITES, to be directed by Anurag Basu (of MURDER, GANGSTER and METRO fame) it has continuously remained in the limelight. The reason behind the intense excitement for the film is natural; it features superhero and selective superstar Hrithik Roshan, international actress, Barbara Mori and the Himachali beauty, Kangana Ranaut in a never before role.
While the project has been kept under wraps, in an exclusive feature, we bring to you brief character sketches and get-ups of the above three mentioned stars of KITES and also the tentative shooting schedule.
First up is the lead actor, Hrithik Roshan. 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).
The South American beauty, international actress Barbara Mori, who has an incredible body, will be dressed in colourful dresses in a very casual look (as per her character), with lots of layering.
Last but not the least, since the GANGSTER girl Kangana Ranaut plays a rich and sophisticated lady, or in other words a siren in KITES. She will be seen wearing elegant ensembles in longer silhouettes, which will provide grace and poise to her character, as required for the role. After KITES, people will see Kangana in a totally different light.
We must add here that these are the tentative plans of the dress designer of KITES, Suneet Varma.
Meanwhile, the film is all set to roll in New Mexico on 28th July. The first shooting schedule will be held abroad, in places like New Mexico, Las Vegas and Los Angeles and will be completed in 80 days. Then there will be another long schedule in India in December. After the completion of these two massive shooting schedules the shooting part of the film will be over.
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Source: BizJournals
Date: July 18, 2008
A big-budget Indian love story films in New Mexico starting this month. The producer was drawn to the scenery -- and more international filmmakers are taking notice. Hrithik Roshan might not be a household name in the United States, but suffice it to say he's the Brad Pitt of India. A major star in his home country, Roshan is coming to New Mexico with the new film "Kites," produced by his father, Rakesh Roshan, a Bollywood veteran. It will be a truly international production, in Hindi, English and Spanish, and will also feature Barbara Mori, star of telenovelas and the Mexican film "La Mujer de Mi Hermano."
Film officials here said the production is indicative of an increasing interest in New Mexico by international producers. The weak dollar places the state in an excellent position to lure foreign film companies, particularly if their funding is in euros or British pounds. "Word has really gotten out in the global production community about what we're doing in New Mexico," said Eric Witt, director of media industries development in Gov. Bill Richardson's office. "It's also a reflection of the increased attention we got from the Academy Award nominations."
Films made in New Mexico garnered 14 Oscar nominations this year, and one, "No Country For Old Men," took top honors in numerous categories, including Best Picture. "That gave tremendous exposure to us," Witt said. "So all of a sudden inquiries to the film office doubled, and inquiries from overseas started coming in earnest."
Since 2003, more than 100 films and television projects have been shot in New Mexico, bringing about $1.8 billion to the economy, according to Richardson's office. Lisa Strout, director of the state film office, said the influx of international projects includes several from India, an Italian film and a Spanish production company wooed by Richardson on a recent trip.
She also has had inquiries from television series productions in Germany and London. The weak dollar and the state incentives are part of that increase, Strout said, but she is also seeing creative trends behind the decisions. "Foreign filmmakers are expanding their content or storylines to incorporate American themes," she said. "Bollywood films are flocking to the U.K. and have a sudden interest in the U.S., particularly the West." "Bollywood" commonly refers to the Hindi-language film industry that is based in Mumbai (formerly Bombay). It's one of the largest producers of films in the world.
Rakesh Roshan said the state's film incentives, which include a 25 percent tax rebate on all production expenditures, were not the reason he selected New Mexico. He was scouting locations in February when a friend suggested he visit the state. The scenery convinced him, Roshan said. "I can place a camera and shoot anywhere. It's very beautiful," he said.
He declined to discuss the budget, but Film Kraft Productions, one of the largest production companies in India, said the film will be the biggest-budget production in Bollywood history. The most expensive films to date in India have cost from $10 million to $14 million.
"Kites" is a love story and a thriller about two people who don't speak one another's language. The narrative moves from Las Vegas, Nev., to New Mexico. Most of the shooting will be in Santa Fe, although some portions will be in Albuquerque. Shooting will take place from July 28 to Sept. 15. The movie will be directed by Anurag Basu, who also made the Indian hit "Gangster."
Roshan has shot in many countries, but not the U.S. He said he wanted to give a global look to the new film and show that "love has no language." He thinks more Indian producers will come to New Mexico, particularly after his film is released, because of the attractive locations.
Roshan is working on a distribution deal for the film, with plans for Asia, Latin America and Europe, but he did not have any details. The production will use about 125 local crew and background actors, he said.