Entertainment - BIG Pictures acquires rights to fly Kites

MUMBAI: BIG Pictures, the motion pictures arm of the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group’s Reliance Big Entertainment, has acquired the worldwide marketing
and distribution rights for the to-be-released Kites, starring Hrithik Roshan. Slated for a 2009 Diwali release, the film is being directed by Anurag Basu and produced by Rakesh Roshan. When asked on how much the rights were acquired for, Rajesh Sawhney, president, Reliance Big Entertainment, said: “That amount will be decided at a later date. As of now, we have an in-principle agreement with Filmkraft for the worldwide rights of Kites.” He declined comment on the budget of the film, but merely said it was “expensive”. Apart from Hrithik, the film stars Kangana Ranaut. Kites will also have international names like Mexican actress Barbara Mori, Hollywood action director Spiro and New York-based choreographer Flexi. Big Pictures has ambitious plans for Kites and is looking to make it the widest release ever for an Indian film. Currently, Ghajini holds the record for the widest domestic release and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi had the widest international release for an Indian film. “It is India’s first international product offering,” said Mr Sawhney.