Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love (1996)

Two girlhood friends become sexual rivals at maturity.

Director:

Mira Nair

Writers:

Helena Kriel, Mira Nair,

Stars:

Indira Varma, Sarita Choudhury, Ramon Tikaram

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Indira Varma	...	Maya
Sarita Choudhury	...	Tara, the Queen
Ramon Tikaram	...	Jai Kumar
Naveen Andrews	...	Raj Singh
Rekha	...	Rasa Devi, teacher of the Kama Sutra
Khalid Tyabji	...	Biki
Arundhati Rao	...	Annabi
Surabhi Bhansali	...	Young Maya
Garima Dhup	...	Young Tara
Pearl Padamsee	...	Maham Anga
Kusum Haidar	...	Dilki
Harish Patel	...	Doctor Mani
Ranjit Chowdhry	...	Babu
Achala Sachdev	...	Rupa (as Achla Sachdev)
Arjun Sajnani	...	Bashir

Storyline

Tara and Maya are two inseparable friends in India. Their tastes, habits, and hobbies are the same. Years later, the two have matured, but have maintained their friendship. Tara gets married to the local prince, Raj Singh, who soon succeeds the throne as the sole heir. After the marriage, Raj gets bored of Tara and starts seeking another female to satisfy his sexual needs. He notices Maya and is instantly attracted to her. He has her included as one of his courtesans, and is intimate with her. Watch what happens when Tara finds out and the extent she will go to keep her marriage intact.

---

Plot Keywords:

friend | kama sutra | india | courtesan | seduction | 

---

Taglines:

Passion. Pleasure. Power.

---

Genres:

Crime | Drama | History | Romance

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong erotic sequences, nudity and some violence

Details

Country:

UK India USA Germany Japan

Language:

English Italian

Release Date:

28 February 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Kama Sutra

Filming Locations:

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

ITL 333,148,000 (Italy) (28 February 1997)

Gross:

$4,109,095 (USA) (27 June 1997)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Channel Four Films, Mirabai Films, NDF International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

117 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The movie was banned in India and Pakistan because of the erotic scenes.

---

Goofs

Seconds after Maya is shown praying by standing in the river, her skirt is perfectly dry and clean.

---

Quotes

Maya: Knowing love, I can allow all things to come and go, to be as supple as the wind and to face all things with great courage.My heart is a open as the sky

---

Connections

Referenced in American Desi (2001)

---

Soundtracks

"The Toona Song"
Written by Madan Gopal Singh
Performed by Shubha Mudgal

User Reviews

Good Love Story / Drama

When I rented KAMA SUTRA - A Tale Of Love, I thought my girlfriend would kill me for what the title implied. We were plesantly suprised to find a Love Story / Drama which, yes, has some very sexy scenes in it. Those looking for a movie version of the ancient text will be disapointed with the reasonable use of sexual content. There is an actual storyline here! This film is about true love, and the struggle for that love in the face of adversity. The love triangle, along with enough character development to explain the relationships between the five main characters, speaks of the human condition.

The story takes place "Once upon a time...". The costumes and sets are really well done. The cinematography is richly textured, with India as the exotic backdrop, and you are transported back into time... and into the lovers' experience.

This movie can take you through a full range of emotions, see it with your significant other, and expect it to effect you for the rest of the night.