Train to Kabul - A review of Kabul Express

Director: Kabir Khan
Cast: John Abraham, Arshad Warsi, Salman Shahid, Linda Arsenio

The scene is post US invasion Afghanistan where the dreaded Taliban are on the run. Many have been captured and scores have been killed. It is under such a scenario that John Abraham and Arshad Warsi, two rookie mediamen decide to interview the Taliban and make a name for themselves back home. They hire an Afghan driver, who promises them a meet with some captured Talib fighters in exchange for some hard cash, only to find out that they have fled after a gun fight with the Afghans guarding them!

Our bumbling protagonists then run into a Reuters photographer (Linda), who is at her skeptical best at the overall state of affairs in post-war Afghanistan. Their wish of meeting a Talib is granted as one (Salman) lands up in their car and demands to be taken to the Pakistan border. Thus begins a string of adventures and misadventures as our duo
along with the driver try to get rid of the Talib fighter, who also happens to carry an AK-56 along as insurance! One one occasion, they almost manage to get rid of him, only to realize that he still posseses their passports. And so, the Talib tags along with them again. It is now that they learn that he is on the payroll of the Pakistan Army, although the Pakistanis vehemently deny the presence of any of their personnel in Afghanistan. The story takes a series of twists and turns giving our duo an extended opportunity to know the Talib's story.

Although the movie lacks a plot and a flowing storyline, it makes up for it with the beautiful visuals and subtle humour. Arshad Warsi is at his best, coming up with one witty oneliner after another. Salman Shahid also comes out as a good actor, playing the role of a Talib. One of the highlights of the movie is the debate between Salman and Arshad on who is the greatest cricketing allrounder. John Abraham is his usual self, acting clueless and trying his best to fit in to the role. The director has done a sensible thing by not having any songs in the movie, because of which the storyline flows nicely.

All in all, its a nice little movie, easy on the brain with some good humour thrown in at regular intervals. It doesn't promise much but delivers what it promises!

Rating: 3

(1: Trash, 2: Bearable, 3: Average, 4: Good, 5: Excellent)