Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love

Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMira Nair
Written byMira Nair
Screenplay byMira Nair
Story byHelena Kriel
Mira Nair
Based on"Utran"
by Wajida Tabassum
Produced byCaroline Baron
Lydia Dean Pilcher
Mira Nair
Starring
CinematographyDeclan Quinn
Edited byKristina Boden
Music byMychael Danna
Production
companies
Distributed byTrimark Pictures
Release dates
Running time
117 minutes
Countries
  • India
  • United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • Japan
LanguageEnglish
Budget$3 million
Box office$8.6 million

Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love is a 1996 historical erotic romance film co-written, co-produced, and directed by Mira Nair. The first portion of the film is based on "Utran" ("Hand Me Downs"), a short story in Urdu by the Indian writer Wajida Tabassum. The film takes its title from the ancient Hindu text, the Kama Sutra. It stars Naveen Andrews, Sarita Choudhury, Ramon Tikaram, Rekha and Indira Varma. The English-language film was produced by Indian, British, German and Japanese studios.

Declan Quinn won the 1998 Independent Spirit Award for Best Cinematography for his work in the film. Kama Sutra was nominated for the Golden Seashell award at the 1996 San Sebastián International Film Festival and was screened at the Cannes Film Festival. The film generated controversy at the time of its release and was banned in India due to its erotic theme and sexual content.