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Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love
1997 113 min United Kingdom, India, United States of America, Japan, Germany R 16+
★6.1
Drama, History, Romance
Director: Mira Nair
Trailers
Description
Tara and Maya are inseparable, with the same tastes, habits, and hobbies. Years later, the two have matured but have maintained their friendship. Tara marries local prince Raj Singh, who succeeds the throne as the sole heir. After the marriage, Raj seeks another female to satisfy his sexual desires, with his sights settling on Maya, putting a perhaps unforgivable strain on a longtime friendship.
Budget:
$3M
US Gross:
$4.11M
Worldwide:
$4.11M
Starring
Naveen Andrews
Actor
Sarita Choudhury
Actor
Indira Varma
Actor
Awards
San Sebastián International Film Festival 1996
— Golden Shell
Key opinion
Mira Nair's historical drama is widely praised for its lush visual style, opulent production design, and evocative musical score. However, opinion is sharply divided on the screenplay and character development, with some viewers finding the narrative emotionally profound and others dismissing it as a shallow, melodramatic fairy tale.
| Production | The film features stunning cinematography and opulent production design that effectively transport viewers into a vivid 16th-century Indian setting. | |
| Score | Michael Danna’s ethnic score perfectly complements the film's aesthetic and enhances the overall atmosphere. | |
| Acting | Indira Varma and Sarita Choudhury provide nuanced, graceful performances that anchor the central dynamic between the two protagonists. | |
| Originality | The erotic elements are a point of contention: supporters appreciate them as chaste and emotionally grounded, while detractors find them either gratuitous or insufficiently erotic for the film's marketing. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay receives polarized reactions; some find the exploration of female rivalry and love profound, while others criticize the plot as under-developed, mechanical, or lacking historical authenticity. |