'Kites' will be the successor of '3 Idiots': experts

New Delhi, May 19 (IANS) Super duper hit and the successor of "3 Idiots" is how multiplex bosses predict the future of Hrithik Roshan-Barbara Mori starrer international love story "Kites", which is releasing Friday.

"We have very high expectations from 'Kites' as after '3 Idiots' this will be the biggest release. We are going to have 13 shows per three screen and 14 shows per four property respectively for the movie," Deepak Taluja, senior vice president (business and operations) of Fun Cinemas, told IANS.

"In terms of paid previews, as of now we just have one show (for Thursday night) but if (booking) response will be good, we'll look for more," he added.

A senior executive from PVR cinemas said on condition of anonymity that "Kites" has a very good pre-release buzz. "And after '3 Idiots', we have very high hopes with this one. If all goes well, this could anywhere be the successor of '3 Idiots'."

"On an average we are keeping around 10-15 shows per property for the movie. The advance bookings have already opened and it's picking up well while the paid preview bookings for Thursday is decent so far," the source added.

Produced by Rakesh Roshan and directed by Anurag Basu, "Kites" is a mega-budget venture worth Rs.150 crore in three versions - English, Hindi and Spanish. While the Hindi version will hit screens Friday, the crisper and racier English version, edited by Hollywood fame Brett Ratner, is scheduled for a May 28 release.

The film also stars Kabir Bedi and Kangana Ranaut in cameos.

Releasing simultaneously on more than 2,300 screens worldwide, including over 500 overseas in over 60 countries, it is being distributed by Reliance Big Pictures.

Shot in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Santa Fe, "Kites" is a love story about an Indian man and a Latin woman who fall in love without understanding each others' languages. It is about their thrilling journey filled with precious moments and unexpected betrayal.

To cash in on the unprecedented buzz and hype, Amit Awasthi, manager (programming and operations) of Spice Cinemas, has big plans.

"We are looking at 'Kites' as a super duper hit. We are going to have 33 shows per day for the movie with the capacity of 8,600 seats per day and we expect a mass footfall because of its successful commercial banner and huge star cast like Hrithik and Barbara," Awasthi said.

"3 Idiots" grossed about Rs.400 crore, making it Indian cinema's highest earner.

"'Kites' will repeat the big bang theory in cinema. We are going to have on an average 15 shows per property and around three paid previews Thursday night. Hrithik and Barbara's chemistry is going to scorch the screens," said Yogesh Raizada, corporate head (cinemas) of Wave Cinemas.

Director Basu says with its international appeal, "Kites" will take Bollywood globally in the true sense.

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