Kabul Express

I remember many, many years ago, someone said to me, "I don't think Andy's coming - do you want his place?" Before even the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, before the middle east became a constant war-ground, a number of my friends would follow the 'hippy trail' - overland to India through the strange and wonderful lands on the way like Afghanistan. I didn't go. I often dreamt of the strange civilisations of Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, lands of jinn, ancient cultures, strange customs. Today, visiting Afghanistan for a Westerner is almost unthinkable - travelling there overland probably suicidal. Understanding the country through anything but a western political lens almost impossible.

How refreshing to see a film made there with care and attention to authenticity. A film that is half thriller, half comedy. And one that conveys some of the complex attitudes of a warring people for whom it is the only home they ever know or want.

Indian director Kabir Khan, although with considerable security, is able to come and go much easier than any Westerner could. I can't imagine even Mel Gibson going out to Kabul to make a motion picture right now. Khan's actors are all cast according to their nationality.

Two Indian rookie reporters make the strangest roadtrip ever - trying to get an exclusive story on the Taliban following 9/11. They meet up with an Afghan driver, a gorgeous American Reuters photographer, and a Pakistani 'Talib' who by turns holds them hostage or doesn't. They are waylaid by police, bandits and mujahedin as they make a treacherous trip across a vivid no-man's-land through breathtaking scenery to the border. On the way they discover much about the complexities underlying Afghanistan as well as about themselves and each other.

Kabul Express is the first feature film to be shot extensively in Kabul after the official end of the Taliban's reign and demonstrates the director's love of the country and its people, as well as an incredible sense of humour that both accurately portrays and caricatures all the various races involved.

The film seems to have no particular political agenda, and if the Taliban and Pakistan probably come off a bit worse than anybody else, the locals who reinstate fairly barbaric time-honoured sports and customs are not a picture of civilised thinking either. The different reactions of our travellers to a game involving tearing an animal to bits, or beating a couple of Talibs to death with bare hands, speak volumes.

In one particularly moving scene, the extremely resourceful Taliban fighter is re-united with his daughter. I found the moment where she only lifts her burka (veil) secretly watching him depart particularly heart-wrenching.

Kabul Express is a film made by an Indian company and not totally divorced of bias - there's no love lost between India and the Taliban over Kashmir, for instance - but as it's not the bias we are used to in the West it is nevertheless a invigorating look into a country that has become almost unintelligible. It may be uncomfortable or even disjointed viewing for anyone emotionally locked into a politicised and over-simplified picture of Afghanistan, but if you can put that aside for an hour or so it is truly an eye-opener.

While not exactly a blockbuster, the film comes across as warm, genuine, exciting and displays a range of humour I've rarely come across. I am also indebted to several Indian members of the audience without whose laughter I would have missed several subtle and very Indian-type jokes.

Kabul Express is a rare film experience and I strongly recommend it.

I won't say, this is a must see movie - however, its a great watch, if you are in a mood for sinking into the beautiful mountainous sorrounding of Kabul and Afghanistan - this is the movie for you. Slow paced it may be, but it has no boring moment. Very well cast, esp the Pakistani.

I totally enjoyed the conversations, and got little bit into the psyche of each character. All the characters are very real.

Movie has actually no songs, but few songs were released , i guess for the publicity of the movie. The title track, Kabul fiza, and Shubha Mudgals 'Banjar' were great tracks. The background score is excellent, kinda captures the beauty and intensity of the sorrounding at the same time.

One note for the cinematography - its awesome to show the widescreen panoramic awesome shots of Kabul, the hills, and blue sky - it looks tremendous.

I will not bother to recap the story, I'll go straight into my opinion. Everyone takes this subject matter so seriously (as they should) because it is happening at present, but this film dares to add comedy at the most unexpected times, to the most unexpected situations, while still being informative and paying respect to the subject matter. Is worth at least one viewing. At the Toronto Film Festival, people seem to really enjoy this film, if that means anything. I was a little surprised to hear Arshad Warsi refer to this film as a Bollywood film, although I guess it is, even though it does not resonate as one. This appears (according to IMDb) to be Kabir Khan's first narrative film, I must applaud him for a job well done. The only thing that needed major adjusting, is Linda Arsenio's acting. It ruins a great deal of the film. I could hear the people behind me saying exactly what I was thinking, "she's so bad!" This almost seems to be a trend in Bollywood films, Western people's acting is rarely believable. All in all, very good, watch it!

& really awesome one !!! Bollywood doesn't really make lots of movies on theme other than family drama or love or comedy. The maximum deviation that you can find is a very few movies based on domestic terrorism movies. This one definitely stood out than the rest in that regard. A very simple story, yet strong enough to capture the audience till the end. light comedy yet depicting the horror of Afganistan during the Taliban regime, mostly through dialogs. Most of the shootings as per one John Abraham's comment as done in Afganistan, that could justify why there is no Bollywood Actress and hence no typical Hindi songs. Everyone's role is competitive and justifiable. The director could do a better job in showing (through video not narration) of the horrifying past. Most of the shooting appeared to involve very few people in/around a very small mountain range. But hey, this is the first Indian movie as such in this category, so no complain there either :)

Different… Humorous… Poignant … that's what this ride called 'Kabul Express,' is about and a good experimental effort by the production house of Adi Chopra known more for his romantic tear-jerker's. This time he breaks away from the regular mould and delivers something that is more realistic.

It has it flaws, like two reporters Suhel (John) and Jai (Arshad) who have gone to Afghanistan on their rookie assignment but seem to be surprised at the scenario and way of life there. Come on guys, didn't anyone back at office brief you on what's happening in a war torn country or don't you watch the news. Any Johnny today knows from the news and literature available how life in Afghanistan stands. Knows enough than to be taken aback by a kid without a leg or a hotel in ruins.

John at times seems a bit out of sorts but Arshad makes hay while the Afghan sun shines and draws a chuckle from the audience. With his spontaneity and natural comic timing he delivers his dialogues to maximum effect :) Linda Arsenio as a Reuter's reporter is quite wasted. Anyone could have done that role which requires a bare minimum display of acting talents. But she sure does serve her purpose of eye candy amidst the dilapidated Afghan countryside.

The cinematography of the barren landscape and rugged terrain is quite breathtaking and so is the background music. Comes as a relief that there are no song and dance items included which have no place in the script from the beginning.

A few more slickly edited action sequences would have added positively to the 'thriller,' element in the movie cause at times it leaves you with an empty feeling with nothing to look forward to in the next scene. Towards the end of it one could sum this one up as a drama with comic relief moments.

And for some reason I am quite confused about the message the movie tried to deliver. Was it about Indo-Afghan friendship, or the difference between Indian and Pakistani mindset. Perhaps it's about drawing parallels across a cross section of culturally different nations.

Feel free to draw your own conclusion but after you have seen this one……… cause its different and worth a watch.