'I did not envy John's Kisses'

Kabul Express, the first international feature film to have been shot entirely in Kabul after the end of the Taliban, promises to be a thriller with actor John Abraham playing a war documentary journalist.

Speaking of his complete off beat, de-glam role, John addressing mediapersons here today said, ''I do not believe in falling prey to the commercial dikhtats and I choose my role after looking at the complete story.''

''It was the most outstanding script I have ever read. Today when I see the final product, I am proud to be a part of the film,'' he said.

Set in post 9/11 Afghanistan, when the Americans destroyed Taliban and those who survived tried to escape to Pakistan to save their lives, the film shows the journey of two Indian journalists Jai Kapoor (Arshad Warsi) and Suhel Khan (John Abraham) through the country.

The film is inspired by director Kabir Khan's own experiences in Afghanistan as a documentary film maker. His encounters with Taliban prisoners were the starting point of the script.

''The cast and crew were sent death threats by the Taliban to stop shooting but the Afgan government provided tight security and enabled the shoot to be completed. On some days, there were more armed soldiers than crew on the location,'' Khan said.

It was shot over a period of 45 days from October to December 2005.

Speaking about Arshad Warsi, Khan said ''For years he was the most under-rated actor in the Indian film industry. Today all filmmakers want to cast him, to be honest even I did so, as I wanted to capture Arshad's subtle but hilarious off screen sense of humour.

One of the strongest elements of the film is the underlying humor even as horrific events unfold.'' Set in post-9/11 war-torn Afghanistan, Kabul Express is a kidnap drama that is alternately funny and horrifying.

''This is the story of a unique reluctant bond that develops between people who are otherwise hostile towards each other but are compelled to understand one another in the hour of need,'' Khan said.

Ask him he was envious by any chance since John was the centre of attraction and attention and Warsi says, "Not at all. He had all men kissing him and I don't think I want to be in his place. "