A Retrospective on ‘Kabul Express’: Kabir Khan’s Cinematic Beginning

The film ‘Kabul Express’ offers a dry, sardonic portrayal of the world after 9/11. The story follows two Indian journalists, John and Arshad, as they navigate the harsh realities of the Afghan landscape. Their journey is shared with Pakistani and Afghani characters, which creates a tense environment. Kabir Khan’s approach to filmmaking uses the desert setting to enhance the human drama and plot. The film explores themes of survival and provides a subtle commentary on political dynamics. The depiction of Pakistan contrasts with typical Bollywood portrayals. Warsi delivers a strong performance, especially during a musical sequence. The cynical tone, exemplified by an American journalist’s remarks, highlights the film’s overall message. Kabir Khan shared that ‘Kabul Express’ remains a special film for him due to its impact and his gratitude for those involved.