Normally I have to be dragged kicking and screaming to see a Bollywood movie. If I say that not since 'Pakeezah' have I seen a decent Indian movie….you'll get the picture! In Bollywood terms this qualifies me to be old enough to remember the original 'Lagaan', which was an agricultural tax imposed by the British on farmers.

Ironically, local Indian Rajahs often collected the tax in exchange for British protection. There was little justification for the tax that formed a portion of the farmer's harvested crop. The 'Lagaan' was very much like the Salt Tax that is explored in Royal Moxham's excellent book 'The Great Hedge of India'. The 'Lagaan' helped enrich the lives of British Officers and possibly her majesty's coffers at that time too.

The film is based in Champaner, a small farming village in Utter Pradesh, and was partly shot in the arid, but beautiful, Raan of Kutch in the State of Gujarat. Filmed with simplicity, it brings a freshness and vitality to the tired old 'Bollywood' movie formula. Ashutosh Gowariker's storyline succeeds in not straying too far from exploring the impact of the 'Lagaan' on local Indians. He alludes to the growing unrest in the country, but by placing the film in "1893 when most of India had come to accept that the British would rule for another 100 years", Gowariker deftly avoids the political quagmire that might otherwise have ruined a masterful tale.

A R Rahman's folk-inspired music is used very effectively to portray the richness and drama of rural life in India at the time. The lyrics, by Javed Akhtar, whilst being melodious, are not particularly memorable. But within the film they have dramatic effect and are delivered with no mid-song costume changes, no Swiss Mountains, no Niagara Falls or Venetian gondolas. Bollywood buffs will know what I mean! The song and dances sequences add to the credible and cohesive storyline.

Did I forget to mention that the whole plot is about a game of Cricket? Hinting at the belief that this may have been how cricket became India's favourite sport, the film is about how the rural Indians take up the game.

A drought in the region leads the Champaner villagers to rise up against the tyranny of the British 'Lagaan'. They refuse to pay the tax and the march to local cantonment for a showdown with commanding officer, Captain Russell, played by Paul Blackthorne. The Captain, an arrogant and capricious man, challenges them to a cricket match on a whim. The stakes are high. If the British win, the villagers have to pay more 'Lagaan' (tax) for longer. If the villagers win, their 'Lagaan' will be waived for a few years.

Accepted too readily by Bhuvan, an idealistic young farmer played by Aamir Khan, the villagers plight only becomes apparent when they realise that firstly, they don't know how to play cricket; secondly, they don't have a team; third, they don't have the equipment; and finally that their livelihood is totally lost if they don't win.

Add to this, issues about Hindu playing alongside Muslim alongside 'Untouchable' (lowest caste), player disabilities, rage and injustice and you end up with the villager's team! Mercifully, they are assisted by Elizabeth (Rachel Shelley) the Captain's sister. She is a young English woman troubled by her brother's handling of the situation and determined to help, at her own peril. Also supporting Bhuvan is love-interest Gauri, played with delicacy and grace by newcomer Gracy Singh.

The tale is a cross between 'Cool Runnings' (which was about a Jamaican Bob Sleigh team) and The Ashes. Cricket fans will adore this movie. At times I laughed so much that I nearly cried. Ineptness striving to succeed against inexperience makes the humorous tale more heart-warming. There is a nail biting 'Big Match' too.

'Lagaan' is an excellent movie for the cold days of winter - invite all your cricketing friends over and enjoy. For those a lit annoyed that I have not explained the plot very well, let me just add that like all Bollywood movies it has a happy ending - adding anything else just wouldn't be cricket!

LAGAAN NOMINATED FOR AN OSCAR

'Lagaan' has just been nominated for the Best Foreign Film category for this year's Oscars (The Academy Awards) and I shall certainly keep my fingers crossed for it. It is a pity that for so many years Bollywood has been unable to produce a real Oscar contender and yet, in one year, we have several excellent films like 'Monsoon Wedding', 'Asoka', 'Gadar', 'Zubeida' and 'Ek Rishta' among others.

Click here to visit The India Times 'Lagaan' website.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?

Click for book review.

The Spirit of Lagaan by Satyajit Bhatkal Published in Paperback (2002) By Popular Prakashan Pvt Ltd ISBN 81 7991 003 2, 243 pages In this book, Satyajit Bhatkal has minutely detailed every aspect of the film: from the 'Eureka!' moment to the worldwide launch. Reviewed by Lopa Patel Rating: (4 flames) Click here to read the full Book Review.

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