Kabul Express

Article Updated 12 January, 2007 01:16:49 AM IST

Kabul Express

'Kabul Express' traverses a different path. It's meant to be a sort of thriller but unfortunately does not keep you on the edge of your seat. Most people would be bored while watching this film. The only redeeming bit is the post-Taliban view of Afghanistan. There's also a bit of Paki-bashing in the film.

Now for the story. It's the story of two Indians (John Abraham and Arshad Warsi), one American (American actress Linda Arsenio), one Afghani (Afghani actor Hanif Hum Ghum), and one Pakistani (Pakistani actor Salman Shahid) coming together and what transpires between them in the next 48 hours.

Kabul Express' is set in post 9/11 Afghanistan where the American bombing has destroyed the Taliban regime and the Taliban soldiers are trying to escape to Pakistan to avoid the wrath of the Afghans.

Jai Kapoor (Arshad Warsi) and Suhel Khan (John Abraham), two television reporters from India, have entered Afghanistan, to get a unique story and interview with a Talibani. Helping them in their pursuit is their Afghan guide, translator and driver Khyber (Hanif Hum Ghum) in his Toyota Jeep, Kabul Express.

The Jai-Suhel pair is having their share of adventure. An American photo-journalist, Jessica (Linda Arsenio) even saves them from getting trampled by horses Despite all their attempts, the Taliban remains elusive. But unknown to them, the trio is being hunted down themselves.

One cold winter morning in Kabul, they get kidnapped at gunpoint by a Taliban fugitive who wants to escape to the Pakistani border.

The kidnapper, Imran (Salman Shahid), is a Pakistani army soldier who was part of the Taliban. He knows that as journalists, Jai and Suhel's movements in the country will not be questioned. Posing as their local guide, he plans to reach the safety of his country.

From here on begins the two-day journey from Kabul to the volatile Afghan-Pakistan border. Jai and Suhel's mission becomes a nightmare now as they are made to drive across the most dangerous country in the world.

Jessica sees their car driving away from Kabul and thinks that they have got onto a big story. She begins to chase them. Before she knows it Jessica too is taken hostage by Imran. By the end of the journey, Jai, Suhel, and Jessica actually help Imran reach the border of Pakistan.

The USP of the film is its light moments, provided by Arshad Warsi. He really deserves accolades for his superb sense of comic timing.

The director has also captured the rough terrains of Afghanistan really well in the film. Brilliant cinematography by Anshuman Mahaley.

Salman Shahid stands out for his brilliant performance. John Abraham doesn't really get a chance to emote but as usual looks striking on screen. He's also lovable in the scenes where he converses with Imran.

The liberal usage of English and Afghani languages makes it a film for the multiplex audience. The Paki-bashing angle may also not go well with the overseas audience.

So overall, it's a film with bleak prospects at the box office.

** (Two Stars)

*poor; **average; ***good; ****very good; *****excellent

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