Lagaan [2001]

It also seemed destined to fail internationally, given that it features a cricket match lasting longer than the average Hollywood film and avoids the melodramatic kitsch, camp style that is celebrated in the West as "Bollywood". Yet Lagaan was not only a huge hit domestically but was also only the third Indian film to ever be nominated for an Oscar in the foreign-language category, thanks to its outstanding performances, music and narrative.

On the DVD: Lagaan on DVD is presented with good picture and sound, but otherwise has little more to offer, despite being a two-disc package. The features are less than exciting, comprising 17 minutes of deleted footage with no explanation, the theatrical trailers for two other films rather than for this film and a list of films in which several key participants have worked with no clips. Most DVDs of Indian films have an extra menu for song selections but here one has to move through the scene menu. There are subtitles in several languages. --Rachel Dwyer

As I said, I am not experienced in the Bollywood genre, so have nothing to compare it to, but despite the cod-ness of some of the cricket scenes I found myself and my whole family thoroughly enjoying the 3 hour experience of watching this film. Good, old fashioned cinema fun that seems to be going out of fashion elsewhere in the world.

I recommend anybody, whatever race or creed to check out this DVD.


THE BEST OF BOLLYWOOD...   July 1, 2004
Lawyeraau (Balmoral Castle)
14 out of 15 found this review helpful

I admit that I love films with Anglo-Indian themes. I also love period pieces. So, when I discovered Lagaan, I was intrigued, though somewhat skeptical about its being a musical and about its underlying story. Still, I thought it was worth a shot. I am delighted that I took a chance, as I was riveted for the nearly four hours the film was on the screen. It is little wonder that it was a 2001 Academy Award nominee for best foreign language film.

The film takes place in late nineteenth century India, during the time of the British Raj, in the small rural village of Champaner. It is a poor village against whom a tax, called a lagaan, is levied by the British. It appears that the lagaan goes to support the British cantonment that rules over the Central Indian province in which Champaner sits. The cantonment is commanded by an arrogant Captain Russell, who seems to care little for the customs, culture, and people of India. He typifies all that is bad about the reign of the British Raj.

Champaner has, unfortunately, had a long lasting drought and, as a farming community, the dry spell has been devastating, leaving the villagers on the brink of agricultural disaster. They have been awaiting the seasonal monsoon rains to no avail. When the villagers are told that Captain Russell has doubled the lagaan, as it had been cut in half the previous year due to the drought, they are angry. It is a now an issue of life and death for them.

This brings Bhuvan, a handsome, young, spirited farmer to the fore. Before he knows it, Bhuvan finds himself wagering the future of his village and province on a cricket game, as he has likened it to a local game played by the villagers. The stakes are now higher, for if they lose, Captain Russell has decreed that not only will Champaner have to pay a triple lagaan but the entire province will have to do so, as well. If they win, however, the lagaan will be stayed for three years.

So, it begins. The villagers are a colorful and motley cast of characters, both Hindu and Muslim. It is interesting to see how Bhuvan organizes and trains them to meet the British on what will be the functional equivalent of a field of battle. Village blood feuds and caste prejudices are laid aside in order to do wage their own unique war against the onerous lagaan. They are assisted by Captain Russell's tenderhearted and beautiful sister, Elizabeth, who is disgusted by her brother's meanness towards a people and culture that she embraces. This leads to a love triangle, as Elizabeth finds herself falling in love with Bhuvan, to the consternation of Gauri, a beautiful village girl who loves Bhuvan. He, however, remains somewhat oblivious to the romantic portents swirling about him.

The film take the viewer through the preparations for the game by the villagers, the nefarious duplicity of one villager, and the game itself, which is a tense, three day match in which the rag-tag group of villagers meet the crisply dressed British on the cricket field. The hopes and dreams of the villagers hang on the result of the game, as does the career of the unlikable Captain Russell, whose superior officers have looked askance at his unseemly proposition to the villagers. The match itself, which consumes nearly a third of the film, is exciting to watch. The film is a thrilling epic with masterful performances and occasional exuberant musical numbers that are sparsely interjected at appropriate times throughout the film.

This multi-faceted film is deftly directed by Ashutosh Cowariker, who wrote the excellent screenplay. The acting by the entire cast is stellar. It is also easy to see why Aamir Khan is such a super star in India, as he has all the attributes of a leading man. He is simply sensational. The lovely and graceful Gracy Singh, in her debut role, is wonderful as the lovesick Gauri, and Rachel Shelley is terrific as Elizabeth. The cinematography is spectacular, as are the production values. Altogether they provide a sumptuous feast for the eyes. This film is certainly representative of the best that Bollywood has to offer.

The DVD has excellent audio and crystal clear visuals. The film is shown in letterbox format, and the subtitles are clear and easy to read as they are displayed against a black backdrop. The subtitles are available in English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Thai. There is also a long deleted scene included that is very worthwhile, as well as filmographies for the principals in this film.

All told, this is a very fine, worthwhile film to add to one's personal collection. Bravo!


My first Bollywood movie. Top class.   January 12, 2005
Darryl Still (Bucks)
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

My route to this movie is quite longwinded. I am a white englishman, so Bend it Like Beckham is the closest I have come to a Bollywood movie before now, but each year I play cricket against London Theatres and one of their players mentioned that he and a number of his team mates had been to India to play cricket in this film. I then heard that one of them had written a book about the experience "From Balham to Bollywood". So I bought and read the book (which is fascinating) and this led to me checking out the movie.

As I said, I am not experienced in the Bollywood genre, so have nothing to compare it to, but despite the cod-ness of some of the cricket scenes I found myself and my whole family thoroughly enjoying the 3 hour experience of watching this film. Good, old fashioned cinema fun that seems to be going out of fashion elsewhere in the world.

I recommend anybody, whatever race or creed to check out this DVD.


enthralling, dynamic, entertaining, one of the best   April 18, 2002
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

I have seen many Indian movies and I think I am a bit of a connoisseur. I rate Lagaan among the all-time best. I like the historical perspective. It plays on the fanatic Indian love for cricket and places the colonials in fair light. I found the boyish Aamir came of age for his Direction, in complement to his superb acting. I have seen the film 5 times. I feel proud to say that whereas I am not Indian, my wife is and she did not have to force me to see Lagaan.
I would force many people to see it though and they would be grateful for the chance.
Keep it up Aamir and bravo Bollywood.


Bollywood meets Channel 4 meets The Ten Commandments!   April 15, 2002
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

Sumptuously filmed and tremendously entertaining - plus being a great intro for those who know little about cricket but want to understand more!
The simmering anger of the Indian villagers and the stiff upper lip of the British Raj provides an enjoyable dynamic throughout the film.
The music and choreography are excellent.