India is a popular place to visit these days. They have a growing economy, a huge English speaking population, and amazing historical and cultural attractions.

After you see the Gateway of India, eat curry, and visit the Kenhari caves, what do you do?

Have you ever thought about touring the country? Better yet, why not race across the country, from Mumbai to Chennai – in a rickshaw? Sounds kinda interesting, right? Well, that’s exactly what Richard and Keith do in Hit the Road: India. It’s a documentary film by Gor and Mushegh, from Armenia, about the Mumbai Xpress.

Hit The Road: India is an adventure documentary following two friends, Ric Gazarian and Keith King, participating in Mumbai Xpress – a 12-day-long rickshaw rally across India, from Mumbai to Chennai, recognized by the Lonely Planet as one of the top ten greatest adventures in the world.

Hit the Road Trailer

“Mumbai Xpress is one of the top ten adventures in the world.” – Lonely Planet

On the chaotic streets of Mumbai, six rickshaw teams gear up and head out on a 12-day journey across the subcontinent of India. During the film, we follow Team 6, one is American and the other Canadian. Together they limp along with their temperamental rickshaw. Go North America!

In the first few minutes, we get a brief introduction to the main characters and an overview of the event and vehicles. There are some Aussies (of course), Danes, and others but unfortunately, we don’t really meet the other teams. We also don’t get to meet the race organizers. The film is very focused on the Team 6.

Day one is tough for the guys, they get lost in Mumbai, tangle with crazy traffic, sideswipe a vehicle, and enjoy a taste of rain.

“So, in other words, it’s been a perfect morning.” – Rick

Eleven more days of bumpy roads, torrential downpours, and crowded streets go by.

Do the guys win the race? You’ll have to watch to find out.

Thoughts on Hit The Road: India

Overall, I liked the film. There was some good scenery, a few funny parts, and a glimpse of the cultural differences. However, I think the film could have benefited from adding more details.

During driving scenes they could have overlaid data on the screen like the population of India, or average speed of the rickshaw, or number of liters of fuel used during the race. There’s no information on how the race works or why the race exists. Team 6 is cool but it would have been nice to meet the other teams and follow them for a bit. There were some opportunities for showing and explaining the culture of India but that’s kind of glossed over.

It’s a solid film, I liked watching it but it could have been built out a little more to add depth and emotion.

If you’re curious about the race and want to get a glimpse of the country then check out the film.

Along with the film, which is thoroughly enjoyable, Rick put together a photo eBook of their trip.

“Please don’t send me back to India, it’s so crowded!” – Raj Koothrappali, The Big Bang Theory
Sorry, I just couldn’t help throwing in some classic Raj.

Details

Cast: Richard Gazarian, Keith King
Genre: Documentary, Adventure
Run Time: 80 min.
Release: 2013
Directed by Gor Baghdasaryan, Mushegh Baghdasaryan

“They might as well call this death road.” – Keith

Note: A copy of the film, Hit the Road: India, was made available at no cost to me by Gor Baghdasaryan but, as always, all opinions are my own.

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