'Kites' director admits differences with producer Rakesh Roshan

Mumbai, Feb 7 (IANS) Anurag Basu, director of the upcoming Hrithik Roshan-starrer 'Kites', has admitted for the first time there were differences with producer Rakesh Roshan.

'I wouldn't call them creative differences. Because we were both creating the same film and moving in the same direction. But yes, Rakeshji's vision of cinema is quite different from mine,' said Basu.

There were constant arguments between the producer and the director about how the film was to be shot.

'See, Rakeshji was not just the producer of 'Kites'. He's also a very big director with a vast experience as filmmaker behind him. He naturally had very strong opinions on how the film should be shot. It's all fine now. Over and done with. I just hope all the hard work is worth the effort,' he said.

The makers are planning to release 'Kites' that also stars Kangna Ranaut and Mexican actress Barbara Mori, May 21, but Basu says he has no inkling when the film is releasing.

'I'm just a technician on the film, just like the cinematographer or editor. I know as much as any one else who has worked on 'Kites'. But I've heard the film is being released on May 14 or May 21, I don't know which date it actually is. But I'm happy it's finally being released,' he said.

'Kites' was taken away from Basu and given to Hollywood director Brett Ratner for editing. Significantly, the director doesn't feature in any of the publicity and marketing of 'Kites'.

'I still maintain I had no creative differences with Rakesh Roshanji. When I didn't have any hesitation in walking out of my first directorial venture 'Kuch To Hai' when I had differences with my producer Ekta Kapoor why would I not do the same with 'Kites', if necessary, when I've proved myself as a director with 'Gangster' and 'Life...In A Metro'.'