Kandahar (2023)
Kandahar (2023)
Directed by: Ric Roman Waugh
Starring: Gerard Butler, Navid Negahban, Ali Fazal, Travis Fimmel
Genre: Action / Thriller / War
Runtime: 119 minutes
Overview
Kandahar follows Tom Harris (Gerard Butler), a covert CIA operative whose mission in Afghanistan is compromised after a leak exposes his identity. Stranded deep behind enemy lines, Tom teams up with his Afghan translator, Mohammad, to survive a deadly race across the desert as various militias, mercenaries, and intelligence groups hunt them down.
The film blends geopolitical tension with grounded, realistic action in a gritty survival thriller.
Highlights
Gerard Butler excels once again in a rugged, intense action role with emotional weight.
Navid Negahban delivers a heartfelt performance, adding soul and humanity to the story.
The action is raw, practical, and suspense-driven, especially the nighttime desert escape and ambush sequences.
Strong atmosphere: dusty landscapes, tense encounters, and a constant sense of danger.
Explores themes of loyalty, morality, and the human cost of covert warfare.
VerdictKandahar is a tough, tense action thriller that feels grounded and mature. Itโs less about big explosions and more about survival, strategy, and character. Fans of Butlerโs more serious action films like Greenland or Plane will appreciate its tone and pacing.
Rating: 7.4/10
