Lagaan - Once Upon a Time in India

Even though it explicitly states near the top of this page that this DVD is in NTSC format, it is not. It is in PAL format, which does not play at all on most DVD players/televisions in the United States.

The setting is historical... The year is 1893... The British Raj imposes heavy taxes on the poor villagers despite all the problems droughts have caused on their income...

An arrogant army captain--unknown to him that his sister has fallen in love with a sensitive idealistic--confident in his countrymen's ability, offers the people relief if they can beat the fearsome British team at a game of cricket...

Despite its closeness to the conventions, "Lagaan" proved to be a break-out film... Besides the graceful and enchanting attractions of the song-and-dance sequences, it has a plot carefully fashioned to a special kind of audience--audience who likes sports movies...

They are minor characters compared to the captain's pretty sister (Rachel Shelley), who not only upholds the British tradition of fair play but also loses her heart to the handsome Indian hero...

A deeply spiritual movie with redemptive themes that captures the courage and determination of the human spirit, Lagaan will transport you to a time and place you'll wish you were part of. Can an Indian movie with subtitles hold your attention for nearly four hours? Our family has watched the DVD so many times we've actually purchased our second copy, and prefer to watch it in Hindi. The characters pull us in, and we feel part of the community; which love story will prevail? Will the subjugated and tyrannized be liberated? Will a seed of hope grow into victory?

Set in rural India prior to gaining its independence from Great Britain, this story weaves together characters from a local British Cantonment, Indian Rajas (regional kings) and poor farmers forced to pay `Lagaan' or tax that has moved beyond burdensome to oppressive. Seizing an opportune moment, one of the members of a village accepts a challenge from the British officer in charge: they must beat the British in their game of Cricket to be free of Lagaan for three years, or face triple the tax rate. The story unfolds as Bhuvan convinces members of his village to learn the game and confront the arrogant captain in a fight that for the village is not only about winning, but literally about survival.

There is much to like about Lagaan. Of the many powerful scenes, some which may have you on the edge of your seat, two in particular are transcendent. In order to complete the team, Bhuvan asks an `outcast' member of the community to join. The other team members are indignant, as the caste system seems this person as worthless scum and his presence as polluting the `system.' In a powerfully moving scene, Bhuvan makes a stirring speech that puts in perspective what is before them. They must come together or literally starve. Gasps are heard as he touches Kutchra (the outcast), but hearts are changed and tears flow as one who has never known acceptance is welcomed as a key member. (As a Christian, I saw a powerful illustration here of the love and acceptance Jesus Christ offers.) Later, facing what appears to be certain defeat, the women of the village unite before their temple and begin to sing a song of worship to Krishna --a prayer for intervention. The scene is stirring: the devotion and trust in a deity is a turning point for their despair and catalyzes their spirits to face the challenge the next morning. If only every church possessed faith and worship so innocent, transparent, and `authentic.'

Even the coming monsoon rain carries a spiritual message of hope. Is God somehow displeased with them? The villagers' luck changes as the movie begins with drought but ends with a downpour.

My nephew recommended this one to me. He's a 15 year who had to watch it in school. It required him to read subtitles, listen to foreign mucic and watch people dancing around. With all of that he told me that he and his friends were amazed at how they were sitting on the edge of their seats and rooting for the characters. With that kind of recommendation it was a must purchase. He was right on the money. I loved this story, more historical in it's telling. I also learned a great deal from it. I highly recommend this one.

If you are new to Bollywood film viewing, why not start at the top? This film, Lagaan, is one of the very best
and completely entertaining.