Lionsgate Play's Kabul review: A heart-wrenching ode to Afghani resilience amidst Taliban's return

Kabul is a powerful, character-driven drama that offers a realistic look at a pivotal moment in Afghanistan's historical following Taliban's takeover.

As Indians, our pleasant socio-cultural ties with Afghanistan go back in time and therefore seeing the current state of affairs, especially for the women in the country is heartbreaking. Art and literature are the biggest mirrors of society and I have no qualms in admitting that Khaled Hosseini novels were the lens through which my understanding of Afghan society and how its history and political upheavals impacted it, was shaped. Reading his novels in the 2010s, my heart went out for its people but was always comforted by the fact that things were getting back to normal. Not only this, the visuals of the inauguration of their new parliament building in 2015, which India had generously contributed to, conveyed the same. But, then came 2021, US announced its withdrawal of troops from the country and the dreaded Taliban regained control of Kabul.

Lionsgate Play’s latest webshow Kabul, helmed by Kasia Adamik and Olga Chajdas, explores this takeover with a gripping, realistic and a no-nonsense approach. However the historical and political insights presented in it can feel familiar to anyone who sat glued to the television. The six part series follows the plight of the civilians and the predicament of European diplomats and soldiers as they race to evacuate amidst the chaotic U.S. and NATO withdrawal. 

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Watch the trailer here!

The struggles of the Nazany family and their efforts for evacuation is at the heart of the series. The arcs of each of the members provides a civilian lens on a sudden shift of power, especially on the women of the country. Zahara essayed by Darina Al Joundi, a prosecutor investigating Taliban members for terrorism, becomes one of the top targets as the regime begins reclaiming territory, presenting what the state of law and order would be like in times ahead, while her daughter Amina (Hannah Abdoh) a young and promising medic dreads the future of her and her adopted daughter under the oppressive regime while also being anxious about the uncertainties of sustenance abroad, very similar to themes you must come across in Hosseini's novels. The two, however, put up a brave front for survival, showcasing great agency and resilience as their plotlines become a haunting tribute to the countless Afghan women whose voices endure, demanding hope and justice in a world that often looks away.

The series starts slow but establishes a tight, fast-moving rhythm from the third episode onwards, especially with scenes exploring the urgency of real-time evacuation and the resourcefulness required to handle an international crisis. The French police officers, US intelligence agents, Italian diplomats and German soldiers are faced with uneasy decisions amidst growing threats from multiple fronts. The compelling performances of international actors in these episodes where they are compelled to balance emotions and practicality required for the situation further provide emotional depth to the show showcasing the power of human resilience and hope. 

While the political thriller deserves all the accolades for its realistic, emotional portrayal of a recent global crisis, with stellar production quality, impressive acting performances and authentic setting, it still lacks the dramatic polish that would have added to the engagement aspect of the series. Nonetheless, Kabul’s multi-perspective storytelling that balances action, political chaos and espionage makes it a sensitive yet unflinching experience, one that fans of this genre must definitely watch. 

Kabul is now streaming on Lionsgate Play