Kabul Express

Set in a War Ravaged Afghanistan post 9/11, Kabul Express sets off on a journey illustrating the different sides of those involved particularly that of a Pakistani soldier ordered to dutifully fight along side the Taliban in spite of his personal beliefs. We soon learn about the regime and immediately despise the Taliban and its representative, Imran played by Salman Shahid. However, as the story unfolds, both the audience along with journalists played by John Abraham and Arshad Warsi, begin to see Imran's humanity, the cruelty inflicted by either side and discover that soldiers exist to unquestionably follow orders. The film briefly touches on the complication of International politics while painting Pakistan as the bad guy.

Arshad Warsi continues to flex his versatile acting material and maintaining his hold as one of the better actors in Bollywood and Hanif Hum Ghum and Salman Shahid are certainly more than adequate in their supporting roles. Although John Abraham's effort to stretch his acting abilities is admirable, his performance is sterile and evidence suggests he was miscast. Linda Aresenio who portrays the American Journalist Jessica, came across as no more than an amateur actor which was a real shame as these were the two main downfalls of this original feature.

Even though there was scope to create a deeper bond between Imran and the other characters and the end seemed fairly rushed, one much realise this is new territory for Indian cinema and their first step is a respectable one. Kabul Express contains a bit of everything from horror, breathtaking visuals to a good chuckle which is delivered with perfect timing by Warsi. A must see for those that appreciate quality and originality in Bollywood.

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 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!

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.

In purview of the recent developments in Afghanistan with Taliban taking over the entire country this movie just showed up in my recommendations on Amazon prime and I had to watch it. I was really surprised how good the movie is and it tells a good story of what happened in Afghanistan. I guess nothing has changed in the last 20 years and the movie is still relevant today. It's really unfortunate that Afghanistan has not developed at all and the future also looks disappointing. :(