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KABUL EXPRESS MOVIE REVIEW
Yash Chopra productions: the name is unique itself.
Almost every movie in Bollywood with the exception of a few (Kaal, Salaam Namaste) that carried the Yash Raj symbol ended up either being a) masterpiece or b) blockbuster.
Kabul Express doesn't carry a lot of weight compared to previous YashRaj films. With a rare director in Kabir Khan and a supporting-actor type of star cast, the Chopras didn't really invest in the film until it was halfway through. Has their investment paid off? Is the movie better off than what it was when it first started?
In short words, Kabul Express is not a bad film at all. The so-called "low-key" film actually has a rare story with some fine acting from its main cast. And with some great realistic desert-type visuals, the film is perfect for the big screen.
Kabul Express takes place immediately after the America 9-11 attacks in 2001. The film has everything from good guys, being two Indian reporters, Suhel (John Abraham) and Jai (Arshad Warsi), to Taliban loyalists to even an American journalist.
Suhel and Jai visited Afghanistan to find out more about the current terrorist problems. And of course, their main reason for the trip, is to attempt a rare, life-danger interview with a Tailibani. Since it wasn't an easy task attempting to talk to one, the Indians went ahead and recruited a private guide to find out the whereabouts of the Talis. And they did end up finding one – Khyber (Hanif Hum Ghum). Surprisingly, he named his vehicle, a 4x4 Toyota Jeep, Kabul Express. And from there the journey begins …
After going through some hard times, from going through various gnn shots to bumping into a strange American photographer, the two Indians later ended up becoming hostages for the Talis. And that's when the real story of Kaabul Express begins.
There are some other cool scenes in the film but we rather not share that; that will be an experience for you to live upon.
Kabul Express is a fresh product. The film is different. The background score is fine tuned, the lyrics are a bit hippy but meant for a balanced audience. The movie will score in backdrop department. One must wonder how a film was actually shot in a dessert and that too in Afghanistan.
Acting wise almost everyone does their role with ease. By rating, Arshad Warsi is a pure natural. He does have some great comic scenes, but it's his serious side which strikes gold this time. He is truly one of our finest actors today. John Abraham does a much better job than what he did a week ago in B.R. Chopra's Baabul. He does get good scope and looks cool as a journalist. He is much more eased out in this film.
Hanif Hum Ghum is also fun watching on screen. He really portrayed the life of a dessert man with perfection. Linda Arsenio, the American photojournalist, is OK. She just needs to work on her timing. Her screen presence is alright. Salman Shadid is perfect as a soldier.
On the whole Kabul Express is a neat experience. It has fine acting with great visuals. The movie may not be a biggie at the box office, but slowly and surely it will be a winner. Watch it for the acting and rarity. Don't just watch it because it carries the YashRaj banner. Films like this should be appreciated.
3.0 out of 5.0
New York Times
Bigg Boss 19
