Kabul Express (2006)

A thrilling story spanning 48 hours of five individuals linked by hate and fear but brought together by fate to finally recognize each other.

Director:

Kabir Khan

Writers:

Kabir Khan, Sandeep Srivastava (additional dialogue)

Stars:

John Abraham, Arshad Warsi, Salman Shahid

2 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Abraham	...	Suhel Khan
Arshad Warsi	...	Jai Kapoor
Salman Shahid	...	Imran 'Talib' Khan Afridi / Subedar Major Jan Mohammed
Hanif Hum Ghum	...	Khyber
Linda Arsenio	...	Jessica Beckham
Wali-o Qhab	...	Mujahidin at pick-up truck
Khader Arya	...	Mujahidin at pick-up truck
Haji Gul Aser	...	Mujahidin at pick-up truck
Abdul Basir Mujahid	...	Mujahidin at pick-up truck
Saeed Meeran Farhad	...	Mujahidin at pick-up truck
Raziq Zargar	...	Mujahidin at pick-up truck
Farooq Baraki	...	Mujahidin commander
Anjamuddin	...	Crippled boy
Hashmatullah Fanai	...	Kibabchi at kibabchani
Sunil Godse	...	Pakistani soldier

Storyline

Suhel (John Abraham) and Jai (Arshad Warsi) - TV journalists from India in search of the ultimate news scoop, meeting the Taliban. Imran Khan Afridi (Salman Shahid) - a soldier of the hated and derided Taliban who needs to escape the wrath of the Afghans and run to his country, Pakistan. Khyber (Hanif Hum Ghum) - an Afghan who is as old as the war in his country. Jessica Beckham (Linda Arsenio) - an American photojournalist ready to risk her life to photograph the Taliban. Five people from different worlds, their paths are destined to cross in a ruthless country devastated by war - Afghanistan. This is a thrilling story spanning 48 hours of five individuals linked by hate and fear, but brought together by fate to finally recognize each other. Set in post 9/11 war-torn Afghanistan, KABUL EXPRESS is a kidnap drama that is alternately funny and horrifying. Narrated in a light hearted manner, this is the story of a unique reluctant bond that develops between people who are otherwise ...

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Plot Keywords:

pakistani | taliban | journalist | afghanistan | hostage | 

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Taglines:

Two Indians, an American, one Afghan and a Pakistani on a journey together

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Genres:

Adventure | Comedy | Drama | Thriller | War

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Yash Raj Films

Country:

India

Language:

Hindi Dari English Urdu

Release Date:

15 December 2006 (UK)

Also Known As:

Кабульский экспресс

Filming Locations:

Afghanistan

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$142,591, 17 December 2006, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$296,586, 7 January 2007

Company Credits

Production Co:

Yash Raj Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The first feature film to be shot extensively in Kabul, Afghanistan, after the end of the Taliban's reign. The producers thought director Kabir Khan was mad to shoot a film in such a place. However, Khan, a former war correspondent, insisted on doing so on the grounds that Kabul was a major element and character in the film; that he himself had been to Afghanistan no less than ten times and came back in one piece every time; that he had a soft spot for the country, having shot his first film in it; and that he would be betraying all his Afghan friends who had helped him during his trips to their country not to shoot such a film in their own land.

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Quotes

Imran Khan Afridi: Suhel Khan, You're a Muslim, aren't you? Aren't you gonna offer 'namaz'? Hell, you're an Indian Muslim, what do you know about Islam?
Suhel Khan: Indeed! It's you guys who're the pillars of Islam: offering 'namaz' with an AK-56 at your side.

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Soundtracks

Banjar (Lounge Mix)
Sung by Sunidhi Chauhan
Composed by Raghav Sachar
Lyrics by Swaratmika Mishra, Aditya Dhar and Vijay Kumar

User Reviews

A pleasant surprise

Kabul Express is a story of two Indian journalists who go to Afghanistan to interview Taliban and their (mis)adventures in the war torn, now forgotten country. The movie is an adventure ride with a dash of comedy and emotions, a Hollywood Chicken Tikka Masala, if you so please.

Historically I am not sure how correct is the movie. I do not think that an extensive research on the history of Afgan conflict was part of the making. Too many Aghans spoke and understood Hindi for my liking. And how correct is the depiction of war journalism, is best left to a professional for comments (though John's character admits in the beginning being a Rookie)

But if you look beyond these (minor) flaws, the film has more that its share of moments. The plot, though follows predictable lines, is well knit and keeps the audience interested. A lot a time has been spent on each character so you end up empathizing with each of them, more so with the driver/guide Khyber and the on-the-run Talib, Imran Khan (The verbal duels of Imran with Khyber and Arshad's character should not be missed). The screenplay is majestic and eerie at the same time...which I guess comes naturally when shooting in the Afghanistan backdrop. Acting is very competent and so is the background score

And in between the journey and the jokes, the movie also makes an attempt to point fingers for the mess Afghanistan has become. To its credit it takes different view points, that of an Afghan, A Talib, a Pakistani, an Indian and, to some extent, an American. The blame is shared expectedly by Pakistan, America and Islamic fundamentalism. There is plenty of America bashing otherwise as well, reflecting the global dip in popularity of the Land of the Brave

Kabul Express is a ride to the frontiers relatively unknown to Indian Cinema audience. It is a must see just for that reason alone. But I am sure you will find more, as I did.