Mumbai, May 21 (IANS) Hrithik Roshan-Barbara Mori starrer "Kites", a love story about an Indian guy and a Spanish girl, has become the first film to have 10,000 shows across Indian theatres on its first day Friday.
Produced by Rakesh Roshan's Filmkraft and distributed by Reliance BIG Pictures, "Kites" has opened in 2,000 screens in India and 500 screens overseas, making it the biggest Indian release so far.
"I am overwhelmed by the response both in India and abroad," said producer Rakesh Roshan in a statement.
Hrithik said: "My dad and I are extremely grateful to Reliance BIG Pictures for the extraordinary release given to 'Kites' worldwide and the tremendous love showered on the film by cinegoers."
The multiplexes are booked till Sunday.
"The advance ticket booking has been extraordinary. We have sold more than 5,500 tickets for the next three days," said Amit Awasthi, senior manager (programming and operations) of Spice Cinemas that is running 33 shows per day with a seating capacity of more than 8,000, told IANS.
Deepak Taluja, senior vice president (business and operations) of Fun Cinemas, said: "The advance booking at Fun Cinemas till Sunday for all the properties put together in Delhi is close to 3,500. We are expecting 'Kites' to run for at least two more weeks."
On May 28, Brett Ratner's pacier version titled "Kites: The Remix" will be released in 300 screens worldwide.
The international press has raved about the film.
New York Times praised Hrithik in its review saying, "Mr. Hrithik Roshan requires viewing uncut: writhing on the dance floor or just gazing into space, the man was made to drive women crazy, one movie at a time."
Los Angeles Times said: " 'Kites' has been given the no-holds Bollywood treatment by producer Rakesh Roshan and director Anurag Basu. The result is an exhilarating escapist entertainment that plays out like a violent and floridly poetic allegory."
The Hollywood Reporter too showered praise on the Hrithik. "Hrithik Roshan anchors the film with a solid, believable performance and a palpable chemistry with his co-star that will remind audiences just how hot a good Bollywood romance can be," it said.
"Deliriously entertaining," wrote Variety.