About Rock the Kasbah

Released in 2015, Rock the Kasbah is an American comedy film directed by Barry Levinson. The plot follows a washed-up rock band manager named Richie Lanz (played by Bill Murray), who takes his client for a USO tour in Afghanistan. After being abandoned by his client, Lanz happens upon a teenage girl named Salima (played by Leem Lubany), with a beautiful voice and helps her to participate on the Afghan version of American Idol, defying the societal norms and local customs.

Making / Production

The movie is scripted by Mitch Glazer and produced by Steve Bing and Jacob Pechenik. The filming was accomplished in Morocco and Afghanistan, with the crew overcoming various inherent production challenges.

Actors

• Bill Murray as Richie Lanz, a down-on-his-luck manager. Murray gives a vibrant and outlandish performance capturing the desperations and aspirations of his character.
• Leem Lubany as Salima, a local Afghan teenager with a stunning voice. Lubany delivers a genuinely haunting performance as the breakout singing sensation.
• Kate Hudson as Merci, a sassy hooker who provides some comic relief. Hudson pulled off the role with an energetic performance.
• Bruce Willis as Bombay Brian, a mercenary and old contact of Lanz. Willis provides a sturdy performance as the hardened war veteran.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is loosely based on the documentary Afghan Star, which is about the reality show Afghan Star.
• The title of the movie refers to a hit song by The Clash, "Rock the Casbah", which is used in the film.
• Bill Murray performed his own vocals for the music scenes in the film.

Music and Soundtrack

• "Pop Star" by Cat Stevens is the opening track used in the film.
• Leem Lubany performing "Peace Train", "Trouble", and "Wild World", are the original tracks recorded for the film.
• The titular song, "Rock the Casbah" by The Clash, is another significant song used in the movie.

Quotes

• "Rock 'n' roll will never die. No way, man!" - Richie Lanz
• "I'm a rich man. I have everything I need." - Salima
• "You don't break the law here. The law breaks you." - Bombay Brian