Hit the Road: India

Following around the North American team of Richard Gazarian and Keith King, the documentary, Hit The Road: India follows these racers through the "The Mumbai Xpress", a twelve day journey and race from the cities of Mumbai to Chennai, India all on only rickshaws.

If we look at the world now, we are no doubt in a time where reality television is at it's peak and here to stay. The reality television show The Amazing Race is really similar to this and in a positive way, Hit the Road: India could be described as a reality show. The lead actors could be described as easy going and wanting an adventure and each bringing their own personality to the table, and the most important thing for me is that they are very likable. Like The Amazing Race, the Mumbai Xpress comes with it's problems which include weather, rickshaw breakdowns and just the overall emotional and physical effects that come with this long journey. This adds drama to the story and substance to the film.

Another important thing we learn through this journey is the history of India. From the climate and scenery that seems to change quite a bit, driving conditions that seem well beyond normal, and even just how beef is not served at McDonald's due to Indian religious beliefs, we learn more about India than we knew before. Living in America, most of the things depicted here would not be considered normal to me and that leads to a surreal feeling at times while watching this movie.

Again just like The Amazing Race, Hit The Road: India really does make you consider the world differently than you did before. Here, we are in a world where there are so many new things out there with really so little time to see and appreciate it all. This is a documentary that makes you consider traveling the world regardless of the distance from you and that is an accomplishment. If a film like this is able to grab you in a way and make you think, then no doubt it is a powerful film.

I do question why the film chose not to shoot other contestants in the race and you really can't say this is the most original idea but I still liked this documentary. It is entertaining, direct and to the point and it is a good hidden film from 2013. Hit the road and find it.

3.5/5