Jump to content

Lagaan: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
(34 intermediate revisions by 22 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|2001 Indian sports drama film}}
{{short description|2001 Indian sports drama film}}
{{About|the Indian live action film|the Japanese animated series|Gurren Lagann{{!}}''Gurren Lagann''}}
{{about|the Indian live action film|the Japanese animated series|Gurren Lagann}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox film
{{infobox film
| name = Lagaan
| name = Lagaan
| image = Lagaan.jpg
| image = Lagaan.jpg
| caption = English-language release poster
| caption = English-language release poster
| director = [[Ashutosh Gowariker]]
| director = [[Ashutosh Gowariker]]
| producer = [[Aamir Khan]]
| producer = [[Aamir Khan]]<br/> Sanjay Dayma
| screenplay = Ashutosh Gowariker<br/> Kumar Dave <br/> Sanjay Dayma
| story = Ashutosh Gowariker
| story = Ashutosh Gowariker
{{Infobox | decat = yes | child = yes
{{Infobox | decat = yes | child = yes
Line 25: Line 24:
| music = [[A. R. Rahman]]
| music = [[A. R. Rahman]]
| cinematography = [[Anil Mehta]]
| cinematography = [[Anil Mehta]]
| editing = Ballu Saluja
| editing = [[Ballu Saluja]]
| studio = Aamir Khan Productions
| studio = Aamir Khan Productions
| distributor = [[Sony Entertainment Television|SET Pictures]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Sony closes Hindi film distrib biz|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|first=Arti|last=Mathur|date=30 December 2001|access-date=18 March 2022|url=https://variety.com/2001/tv/news/sony-closes-hindi-film-distrib-biz-1117857835/}}</ref>
| distributor = [[Sony Entertainment Television|SET Pictures]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Sony closes Hindi film distrib biz|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|first=Arti|last=Mathur|date=30 December 2001|access-date=18 March 2022|url=https://variety.com/2001/tv/news/sony-closes-hindi-film-distrib-biz-1117857835/}}</ref>
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2001|6|15}}
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2001|6|15}}
| runtime = 224 minutes<ref name="Runtime">{{cite web|title=''Lagaan'' (PG) |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/lagaan-2001-0 |work=[[British Board of Film Classification]] |access-date=11 February 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101020151/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/lagaan-2001-0 |archive-date= 1 January 2014 }}</ref>
| runtime = 233 minutes<ref name="Runtime">{{cite web|title=''Lagaan'' (PG) |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/lagaan-2001-0 |work=[[British Board of Film Classification]] |access-date=11 February 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101020151/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/lagaan-2001-0 |archive-date= 1 January 2014 }}</ref>
| country = India<ref>{{cite web|title=Lagaan (2001)|website=[[British Film Institute]]|access-date=9 June 2023|url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b83f8df11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231003025/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b83f8df11|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 December 2018}}</ref>
| country = India<ref>{{cite web|title=Lagaan (2001)|website=[[British Film Institute]]|access-date=9 June 2023|url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b83f8df11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231003025/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b83f8df11|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 December 2018}}</ref>
| language = Hindi<br />English
| language = Hindi
| budget = {{INR|link=yes}}250 [[million]]<ref name="budget">{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010601/edit.htm#7 |title=Aamir Khan causes traffic jam |work=The Tribune |date=1 June 2001 |access-date=20 January 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080120092057/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010601/edit.htm |archive-date=20 January 2008 }}</ref>
| budget = {{INR|link=yes}}250 [[million]]<ref name="budget">{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010601/edit.htm#7 |title=Aamir Khan causes traffic jam |work=The Tribune |date=1 June 2001 |access-date=20 January 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080120092057/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010601/edit.htm |archive-date=20 January 2008 }}</ref>
| gross = {{Estimation}} {{INR}}659.7 million ([[#Box office|see{{nbsp}}below]])
| gross = {{Estimation}} {{INR}}659.7 million ([[#Box office|see{{nbsp}}below]])
}}
}}


'''''Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India''''', or simply '''''Lagaan''''', ({{translation|Land tax}}) is a 2001 Indian Hindi-language [[Epic film|epic]] [[Historical drama|period]] [[Musical film|musical]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/best-musicals-all-time-movies/|title=The 57 Best Movie Musicals of All Time, Ranked|last1=Zilko|first1=Christian|last2=Chapman|first2=Wilson|last3=Foreman|first3=Alison|date=24 April 2023|website=[[IndieWire]]|access-date=2 July 2023}}</ref> [[Sports film#Sports drama|sports drama film]] written and directed by [[Ashutosh Gowariker]]. The film was produced by [[Aamir Khan]], who stars alongside debutant [[Gracy Singh]] and British actors [[Rachel Shelley]] and [[Paul Blackthorne]]. Set in 1893, during the late [[Victorian era|Victorian period]] of [[British Raj|British colonial rule in India]], the film follows the inhabitants of a village in [[Central India Agency|Central India]], who, burdened by high taxes and several years of drought, are challenged by an arrogant [[British Indian Army]] officer to a game of [[cricket]] as a wager to avoid paying the taxes they owe. The villagers face the arduous task of learning a game that is alien to them and play for a victory.
'''''Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India''''', or simply '''''Lagaan''''', ({{translation|Land tax}}) is a 2001 Indian Hindi-language [[Epic film|epic]] [[Historical drama|period]] [[Musical film|musical]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/best-musicals-all-time-movies/|title=The 57 Best Movie Musicals of All Time, Ranked|last1=Zilko|first1=Christian|last2=Chapman|first2=Wilson|last3=Foreman|first3=Alison|date=24 April 2023|website=[[IndieWire]]|access-date=2 July 2023}}</ref> [[Sports film#Sports drama|sports drama film]] written and directed by [[Ashutosh Gowariker]]. The film was produced by [[Aamir Khan]], who stars alongside debutant [[Gracy Singh]] and British actors [[Rachel Shelley]] and [[Paul Blackthorne]]. Set in 1893, during the late [[Victorian era|Victorian period]] of [[British Raj|British colonial rule in India]], the film follows the inhabitants of a village in [[Central India Agency|Central India]], who, burdened by high taxes and several years of drought, are challenged by an arrogant [[British Indian Army]] officer to a game of [[cricket]] as a wager to avoid paying the taxes they owe. The villagers face the arduous task of learning a game that is alien to them and playing for a victory.


Produced on a budget of {{INRConvert|25|c|year=2001|mode=historical}}, ''Lagaan'' was the [[List of most expensive Indian films|most expensive Indian film]] at the time of its release. It faced multiple challenges during production: Khan was initially skeptical to star in a sports film, and later, prospective producers called for budget cuts and script modifications. Eventually, the film would become the maiden project of Aamir Khan Productions, and mark Khan's foray into film production. Gowariker was inspired by aspects of the sports drama ''[[Naya Daur (1957 film)|Naya Daur]]'' (1957) in developing the film. The language featured in the film was based on [[Awadhi language|Awadhi]], but was diluted with standard Hindi for modern audiences. Principal photography took place in villages near [[Bhuj]]. [[Nitin Chandrakant Desai]] served as art director, while [[Bhanu Athaiya]] was the costume designer. The original soundtrack was composed by [[A. R. Rahman]], with lyrics written by [[Javed Akhtar]].
Produced on a budget of {{INRConvert|25|c|year=2001|mode=historical}}, ''Lagaan'' was the [[List of most expensive Indian films|most expensive Indian film]] at the time of its release. It faced multiple challenges during production: Khan was initially skeptical to star in a sports film, and later, prospective producers called for budget cuts and script modifications. Eventually, the film would become the maiden project of Aamir Khan Productions, and mark Khan's foray into film production. Gowariker was inspired by aspects of sports drama ''[[Naya Daur (1957 film)|Naya Daur]]'' (1957) in developing the film. The language featured in the film was based on [[Awadhi language|Awadhi]], but was diluted with standard Hindi for modern audiences. Principal photography took place in villages near [[Bhuj]]. [[Nitin Chandrakant Desai]] served as art director, while [[Bhanu Athaiya]] was the costume designer. The original soundtrack was composed by [[A. R. Rahman]], with lyrics written by [[Javed Akhtar]].


''Lagaan'' was theatrically released in India on 15 June 2001, clashing with ''[[Gadar: Ek Prem Katha]]''. It received widespread critical acclaim for Gowariker's direction, Khan's performance, dialogues, soundtrack, and the film's [[anti-imperialist]] stance. With earnings of {{INRConvert|65.97|c|year=2001|mode=historical}} during its initial release, the film was the third [[List of Hindi films of 2001|highest-grossing Hindi film of 2001]]. ''Lagaan'' was screened at numerous international film festivals and garnered multiple accolades. It was the third, and as of 2023 the last, Indian film to be nominated for the [[Academy Award for Best International Feature Film|Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film]] after ''[[Mother India]]'' (1957) and ''[[Salaam Bombay!]]'' (1988). ''Lagaan'' became the most-awarded film at the [[47th Filmfare Awards]] with eight wins, including [[Filmfare Award for Best Film|Best Film]], [[Filmfare Award for Best Director|Best Director]] for Gowariker and [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] for Khan. At the [[49th National Film Awards]], the film won eight awards, including [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment|Best Popular Film]].
''Lagaan'' was theatrically released in India on 15 June 2001, clashing with ''[[Gadar: Ek Prem Katha]]''. It received widespread critical acclaim for Gowariker's direction, Khan's performance, dialogues, soundtrack, and the film's [[anti-imperialist]] stance. With earnings of {{INRConvert|65.97|c|year=2001|mode=historical}} during its initial release, the film was the third [[List of Hindi films of 2001|highest-grossing Hindi film of 2001]]. ''Lagaan'' was screened at numerous international film festivals and garnered multiple accolades. It was the third, and as of 2024 the last, Indian film to be nominated for the [[Academy Award for Best International Feature Film|Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film]] after ''[[Mother India]]'' (1957) and ''[[Salaam Bombay!]]'' (1988). ''Lagaan'' became the most-awarded film at the [[47th Filmfare Awards]] with eight wins, including [[Filmfare Award for Best Film|Best Film]], [[Filmfare Award for Best Director|Best Director]] for Gowariker and [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] for Khan. At the [[49th National Film Awards]], the film won eight awards, including [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment|Best Popular Film]].


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
The [[farmer]]s of the village of [[Champaner]] live under the oppressive [[British Raj|ruling British]] in the [[Central India Agency]], paying [[Land value tax|land tax]] (''lagaan'') every year to the British. Due to lack of rain, they haven't been able to pay the full taxes the previous year, and are told to pay double ''lagaan'' for the current year. Upset by this tax, they ask the King of Champaner, [[Raja]] Puran Singh ([[Kulbhushan Kharbanda]]), for an exemption from the ''lagaan''. They interrupt a [[cricket]] match underway between British officers, and one of their party, a farmer named Bhuvan ([[Aamir Khan]]), insults their game. This provokes the [[regiment]] [[captain]], Andrew Russell ([[Paul Blackthorne]]), who offers a [[gambling|wager]]: in exchange for the farmers beating the British at cricket, Russell offers to cancel ''lagaan'' for the next three years for Champaner and the entire province if the farmers win. But if they lose, they will have to pay triple the usual ''lagaan'' should they lose. Bhuvan is made to decide for the village and agrees.
The [[farmer]]s of the village of [[Champaner]] live under the oppressive and racist [[British Raj|British rule]] in the [[Central India Agency]], paying [[Land value tax|land tax]] (''lagaan'') every year to the British. Due to lack of rain, they haven't been able to pay the full taxes the previous year, and are told to pay double ''lagaan'' for the current year. Upset by this unfair taxation, they ask the king, [[Raja]] Puran Singh, for an exemption from the ''lagaan''. They interrupt a [[cricket]] match underway between British officers, and one of their party, a farmer named Bhuvan, insults their game. This provokes the [[regiment]] [[captain]], Andrew Russell, who offers a [[gambling|wager]]: in exchange for the farmers beating the British at cricket, Russell offers to cancel ''lagaan'' for the next three years for Champaner and the entire province if the farmers win. But if they lose, they will have to pay triple the usual ''lagaan''. Bhuvan is made to decide for the village and agrees to the bet.


Russell's actions infuriate his superiors, who state that if he loses, he'll pay the triple ''lagaan'' himself and be transferred to Africa. The match is scheduled to take place after three months. Bhuvan begins to enlist support for the match amongst the village, and is aided by the appearance of Elizabeth ([[Rachel Shelley]]), Russell's sister who offers to teach them the game. Other villagers are motivated to join, but one of them, Lakha ([[Yashpal Sharma (actor)|Yashpal Sharma]]), only does so out of a grudge against Bhuvan. Lakha secretly schemes with Russell to play against his team in the match. He also informs Russell of Elizabeth's actions to help the farmers. Russell tries to restrict Elizabeth's movement out of the cantonment, but is unaware that she has fallen for Bhuvan. Bhuvan, meanwhile, is about to be betrothed to Gauri ([[Gracy Singh]]), daughter of the village [[medic]].
Russell's actions infuriate his superiors, who state that if he loses, he'll pay the triple ''lagaan'' himself and be transferred to [[Africa]]. The match is scheduled to take place after three months. Bhuvan begins to enlist support for the match amongst the villagers, and is aided by Elizabeth, Russell's sister, who offers to teach them the game. Other villagers are motivated to join, but one of them, Lakha, only does so out of a grudge against Bhuvan. Lakha secretly schemes with Russell to play against his team in the match. He also informs Russell of Elizabeth's actions to help the farmers. Russell tries to restrict Elizabeth's movement out of the cantonment, but she stands up to him. Elizabeth has fallen for Bhuvan who is in love with Gauri, daughter of the village [[medic]].


The day of the match dawns and the cantonment grounds fill with spectators. The match will be played over three days, and the British choose to [[Batting (cricket)|bat]] first, meaning that the farmers must score one extra [[run (cricket)|run]] than them to win (''see: [[Laws_of_Cricket#The_Laws_today|Rules of cricket]]''). Due to Lakha's sabotage, the British team does well on the first day. Later that night, the farmers learn about Lakha's betrayal from Elizabeth and attempt to kill him. Bhuvan confronts Lakha, who apologizes and offers to redeem himself. Bhuvan agrees, and the following day, the British are finally defeated after getting a score of 322; the farmers have to score 323 to win the game.
The day of the match dawns and the cantonment grounds fill with spectators. The match will be played over three days, and the British choose to [[Batting (cricket)|bat]] first, meaning that the farmers must score one [[run (cricket)|run]] more than them to win (''see: [[Laws of Cricket#The Laws today|Rules of cricket]]''). Due to Lakha's sabotage, the British team does well on the first day. Later that night, the farmers learn about Lakha's betrayal from Elizabeth and attack him. Bhuvan confronts Lakha, who apologises and offers to redeem himself. Bhuvan agrees, and the following day, the British innings ends after they score 322; the farmers have to score 323 runs to win the game.


The farmers' innings starts off with promise, but they lose almost all of their best batters by the end of the second day. Bhuvan must steady the innings on the third day to keep them in the game. The match enters the final [[over (cricket)|over]], and odds are stacked against the farmers as they need five runs off the last ball. Bhuvan, taking strike due to a [[no ball]], hits [[six runs]] off the last ball to win the match. The crowd erupts in celebration, and their joy is doubled when clouds gather and it starts raining. Elizabeth rushes to find Bhuvan, but sees him wrapped tightly around Gauri, and returns to the cantonment.
The farmers' innings starts off with promise, but they lose almost all of their best batters by the end of the day. Bhuvan must steady the innings on the third day to keep them in the game. The match enters the final [[over (cricket)|over]], and odds are stacked against the farmers as they need five runs off the last ball. Bhuvan, taking strike due to a [[no ball]], hits [[six runs]] off the last ball to win the match. The crowd erupts in celebration, and their joy is doubled when clouds gather and it starts raining. Elizabeth sees Bhuvan and Gauri together, and heartbreakingly realises the truth.


Unable to bear the defeat, the British regiment leaves the province and Champaner, delighting the villagers. Captain Russell is transferred to Africa as punishment for his actions. Elizabeth says a final heartfelt goodbye to all the villagers, and returns to England, never marrying and keeping Bhuvan in her heart. Bhuvan marries Gauri in a ceremony blessed by Raja Puran Singh himself, and the village of Champaner becomes even more blessed, as a result.
Unable to bear the defeat, the British regiment leaves the province and Champaner, delighting the villagers. Captain Russell is transferred to Africa as punishment for his team's loss. Elizabeth says a heartfelt goodbye to all the villagers, and returns to [[England]], never marrying and keeping Bhuvan in her heart. Bhuvan marries Gauri in a ceremony blessed by Raja Puran Singh himself, and the village of Champaner attains a prestigious status. Yet, even after this historic victory, Bhuvan's name was lost in the pages of history.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
Line 88: Line 87:
*Jamie Whitby Coles as Lt Wesson, an English all-rounder
*Jamie Whitby Coles as Lt Wesson, an English all-rounder
*Barry Hart as Lt Benson, an English spinner
*Barry Hart as Lt Benson, an English spinner
*Alex Shirtclliff as Lt Flynn, an English batsman
*Travis Head as Lt Flynn, an English batsman
*[[Amitabh Bachchan]] as narrator
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}
*


== Production ==
== Production ==
Line 102: Line 101:


=== Casting ===
=== Casting ===
Gowariker first thought of having [[Shah Rukh Khan]], [[Bobby Deol]], [[Hrithik Roshan]] and [[Abhishek Bachchan]] for the role of Bhuvan. After Bachchan chose to enter cinema with [[J. P. Dutta]]'s ''[[Refugee (2000 film)|Refugee]]'' (2000), Khan was approached with the idea.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/27ashu.htm |last=Khubchandani |first=Lata |title=I approached Shah Rukh and Abhishek for Lagaan |work=Rediff.com |date=27 August 2001 |access-date=28 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050526225713/http://rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/27ashu.htm |archive-date=26 May 2005 }}</ref>
Gowariker first thought of [[Shah Rukh Khan]], [[Bobby Deol]], [[Hrithik Roshan]] and [[Abhishek Bachchan]] for the role of Bhuvan. After Bachchan chose to enter cinema with [[J. P. Dutta]]'s ''[[Refugee (2000 film)|Refugee]]'' (2000), Khan was approached with the idea.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/27ashu.htm |last=Khubchandani |first=Lata |title=I approached Shah Rukh and Abhishek for Lagaan |work=Rediff.com |date=27 August 2001 |access-date=28 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050526225713/http://rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/27ashu.htm |archive-date=26 May 2005 }}</ref>


Several actresses had offered to act in the film, but Khan needed someone who matched the description of the character given in the script. After considering [[Rani Mukerji]] who did not have dates to accommodate the film, [[Sonali Bendre]], [[Nandita Das]], [[Shamita Shetty]] and [[Ameesha Patel]] were approached for the role,<ref name="gracy">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/01lagaan.htm |last=Verma |first=Sukanya |title=Lagaan: A ready reckoner |work=Rediff.com |date=1 June 2001 |access-date=28 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041103004755/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/01lagaan.htm |archive-date= 3 November 2004 }}</ref> Gowariker selected Singh for the female lead because he was convinced that she was a good actress and dancer and resembled actress [[Vyjayanthimala]]. Singh, a newcomer, devoted all her time to the film.<ref name="aamir_intw2">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/feb/21aamir1.htm |title=Many top heroines had offered to work in this film |work=Rediff.com |date=21 February 2000 |access-date=28 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050524223345/http://rediff.com/movies/2000/feb/21aamir1.htm |archive-date=24 May 2005 }}</ref> Since the script also demanded a British cast, Gowariker and Khan hired Danielle Roffe as one of the [[Casting (performing arts)|casting directors]].<ref>{{cite video|year=2001 |title=End credits – Lagaan: part 2 |medium=DVD |publisher=Aamir Khan Productions|time= 224 minutes}}</ref> After Danielle and Gowariker screen-tested many, Shelley and Blackthorne were chosen for the prime roles. Overall, the film cast 15 foreign actors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/feb/14lag.htm |title=Where time stands still... |last=Pandya |first=Haresh |work=Rediff.com |date=14 February 2000 |access-date=28 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111011853/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/feb/14lag.htm |archive-date=11 November 2007 }}</ref>
Several actresses had express interest to act in the female lead role in the film, but Khan needed someone who matched the description of the character given in the script. After considering [[Rani Mukerji]] who did not have dates to accommodate the film, [[Sonali Bendre]], [[Nandita Das]], [[Shamita Shetty]] and [[Ameesha Patel]] were approached for the role,<ref name="gracy">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/01lagaan.htm |last=Verma |first=Sukanya |title=Lagaan: A ready reckoner |work=Rediff.com |date=1 June 2001 |access-date=28 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041103004755/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/01lagaan.htm |archive-date= 3 November 2004 }}</ref> Gowariker selected Singh for the female lead because he was convinced that she was a good actress and dancer and resembled actress [[Vyjayanthimala]]. Singh, a newcomer, devoted all her time to the film.<ref name="aamir_intw2">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/feb/21aamir1.htm |title=Many top heroines had offered to work in this film |work=Rediff.com |date=21 February 2000 |access-date=28 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050524223345/http://rediff.com/movies/2000/feb/21aamir1.htm |archive-date=24 May 2005 }}</ref> Since the script also demanded a British cast, Gowariker and Khan hired Danielle Roffe as one of the [[Casting (performing arts)|casting directors]].<ref>{{cite video|year=2001 |title=End credits – Lagaan: part 2 |medium=DVD |publisher=Aamir Khan Productions|time= 224 minutes}}</ref> After Danielle and Gowariker screen-tested many, Shelley and Blackthorne were chosen for the prime roles. Overall, the film cast 15 foreign actors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/feb/14lag.htm |title=Where time stands still... |last=Pandya |first=Haresh |work=Rediff.com |date=14 February 2000 |access-date=28 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111011853/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/feb/14lag.htm |archive-date=11 November 2007 }}</ref>


[[Raghubir Yadav]] played the role of the legendary [[Nasreddin|Haji Nasruddin]] in the teleplay ''Mullah Nasiruddin'' and has given many memorable performances such as ''[[Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne]]''. Yadav was selected for the role of Bhura, a poultry farmer, based on his performance in ''[[Earth (1998 film)|Earth]]'' (1998). He had undergone an [[appendectomy]] operation in-between the filming schedule and returned to complete some of his scenes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag9.htm |title=Bhura, the poultry farmer: The Ten Samurai |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040827061155/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag9.htm |archive-date=27 August 2004 }}</ref> [[Rajesh Vivek]], who played the fortune teller Guran, was spotted by Gowariker in the film ''[[Junoon (1978 film)|Junoon]]'' (1978). His liking for cricket helped him in his role.<ref name="guran_intw">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag7.htm |title=Guran, the fortune teller: The Ten Samurai |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040826113049/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag7.htm |archive-date=26 August 2004 }}</ref> [[Rajendranath Zutshi|Raj Zutshi]] friendship with Khan and association in several films brought him the role of Ismail the potter after auditions.<ref name="ismail_intw">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag10.htm |title=Ismail, the potter: The Ten Samurai |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040827145345/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag10.htm |archive-date=27 August 2004 }}</ref> [[Pradeep Rawat (actor)|Pradeep Rawat]]'s association with Khan in ''[[Sarfarosh]]'' (1999) brought him the role of Deva, a [[Sikh]] ex-[[sepoy]], which was initially intended for [[Mukesh Rishi]]. Rawat claimed that it was the highest ever compensation he received in his career.<ref name="deva_intw">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag5.htm |title=Deva, the Sikh from the neighboring village: The Ten Samurai |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040825151708/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag5.htm |archive-date=25 August 2004 }}</ref> [[Daya Shankar Pandey]], who preferred the role of Kachra, was known to Khan and Gowariker through previous films (''[[Pehla Nasha]]'' (1993), ''[[Baazi (1995 film)|Baazi]]'' (1995) and ''[[Ghulam (film)|Ghulam]]'' (1998)). Pandey credited Gowariker for his acting in the film as Goli, saying that Gowariker and he would discuss the required emotions and expressions before shooting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag4.htm |title=Goli, the man with the largest piece of land: The Ten Samurai |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040825074344/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag4.htm |archive-date=25 August 2004 }}</ref>
[[Raghubir Yadav]] played the role of the legendary [[Nasreddin|Haji Nasruddin]] in the teleplay ''Mullah Nasiruddin'' and has given many memorable performances such as ''[[Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne]]''. Yadav was selected for the role of Bhura, a poultry farmer, based on his performance in ''[[Earth (1998 film)|Earth]]'' (1998). He had undergone an [[appendectomy]] during the filming schedule and returned to complete some of his scenes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag9.htm |title=Bhura, the poultry farmer: The Ten Samurai |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040827061155/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag9.htm |archive-date=27 August 2004 }}</ref> [[Rajesh Vivek]], who played the fortune teller Guran, was spotted by Gowariker in the film ''[[Junoon (1978 film)|Junoon]]'' (1978). His liking for cricket helped him in his role.<ref name="guran_intw">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag7.htm |title=Guran, the fortune teller: The Ten Samurai |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040826113049/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag7.htm |archive-date=26 August 2004 }}</ref> [[Rajendranath Zutshi|Raj Zutshi]]'s friendship with Khan and association in several films brought him the role of Ismail the potter after auditions.<ref name="ismail_intw">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag10.htm |title=Ismail, the potter: The Ten Samurai |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040827145345/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag10.htm |archive-date=27 August 2004 }}</ref> [[Pradeep Rawat (actor)|Pradeep Rawat]]'s association with Khan in ''[[Sarfarosh]]'' (1999) brought him the role of Deva, a [[Sikh]] ex-[[sepoy]], which was initially intended for [[Mukesh Rishi]]. Rawat claimed that it was the highest ever compensation he received in his career.<ref name="deva_intw">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag5.htm |title=Deva, the Sikh from the neighboring village: The Ten Samurai |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040825151708/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag5.htm |archive-date=25 August 2004 }}</ref> [[Daya Shankar Pandey]], who preferred the role of Kachra, was known to Khan and Gowariker through previous films (''[[Pehla Nasha]]'' (1993), ''[[Baazi (1995 film)|Baazi]]'' (1995) and ''[[Ghulam (film)|Ghulam]]'' (1998)). Pandey credited Gowariker for his acting in the film as Goli, saying that Gowariker and he would discuss the required emotions and expressions before shooting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag4.htm |title=Goli, the man with the largest piece of land: The Ten Samurai |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040825074344/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag4.htm |archive-date=25 August 2004 }}</ref>


[[Yashpal Sharma (actor)|Yashpal Sharma]] was chosen by Gowariker for the role of Lakha, the woodcutter, after his portrayal in ''[[Samar (1999 film)|Samar]]'' (1999). He said it was a good experience working with Khan and Gowariker during the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag6.htm |title=Lakha, the woodcutter: The Ten Samurai |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040826000951/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag6.htm |archive-date=26 August 2004 }}</ref> Amin Hajee earlier worked in a film with Gowariker. The friendly association brought Gowariker to him with the script, which he liked, and thereafter he successfully auditioned for his role of Bagha, a mute drummer. His knowledge of mute people and some assistance from a music band helped him better prepare for his role. Gowariker, who believed that Amin was like [[Sylvester Stallone]], would refer to him as Stallone during filming.<ref name="bagha_intw">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag1.htm |title=Bagha, the mute: The Ten Samurai |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050913005125/http://rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag1.htm |archive-date=13 September 2005 }}</ref> [[Aditya Lakhia]]'s association with Gowariker in ''[[Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa]]'' (1993) and ''Pehla Nasha'' (1993) brought him the role of Kachra, the untouchable. He read the book ''[[Everybody Loves a Good Drought]]'' by [[Palagummi Sainath|P. Sainath]] to better understand and portray his character.<ref name="kachra_intw">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag2.htm |title=Kachra, the untouchable: The Ten Samurai |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050419213010/http://rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag2.htm |archive-date=19 April 2005 }}</ref>
[[Yashpal Sharma (actor)|Yashpal Sharma]] was chosen by Gowariker for the role of Lakha, the woodcutter, after his portrayal in ''[[Samar (1999 film)|Samar]]'' (1999). He said it was a good experience working with Khan and Gowariker during the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag6.htm |title=Lakha, the woodcutter: The Ten Samurai |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040826000951/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag6.htm |archive-date=26 August 2004 }}</ref> Amin Hajee earlier worked in a film with Gowariker. The friendly association brought Gowariker to him with the script, which he liked, and thereafter he successfully auditioned for his role of Bagha, a mute drummer. His knowledge of mute people and some assistance from a music band helped him better prepare for his role. Gowariker, who believed that Amin was like [[Sylvester Stallone]], would refer to him as Stallone during filming.<ref name="bagha_intw">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag1.htm |title=Bagha, the mute: The Ten Samurai |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050913005125/http://rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag1.htm |archive-date=13 September 2005 }}</ref> [[Aditya Lakhia]]'s association with Gowariker in ''[[Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa]]'' (1993) and ''Pehla Nasha'' (1993) brought him the role of Kachra, the untouchable. He read the book ''[[Everybody Loves a Good Drought]]'' by [[Palagummi Sainath|P. Sainath]] to better understand and portray his character.<ref name="kachra_intw">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag2.htm |title=Kachra, the untouchable: The Ten Samurai |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050419213010/http://rediff.com/movies/2001/jun/27lag2.htm |archive-date=19 April 2005 }}</ref>
Line 134: Line 133:
In 2001, ''Lagaan'' had a world premiere at the [[International Indian Film Academy Awards]] (IIFA) weekend in [[Sun City, North West|Sun City]], South Africa.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=12 January 2008 |url=http://www.iifa.com/web07/showcase/2001.htm |title=Showcase IIFA 2001 – Sun City |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220034425/http://www.iifa.com/web07/showcase/2001.htm |archive-date=20 December 2007 }}</ref> The [[Locarno International Film Festival]] authorities published the rules of cricket before the film was screened to a crowd which reportedly danced to its soundtrack in the aisles.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=13 January 2008 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2001-08-21/lucknow/27250012_1_locarno-film-festival-lagaan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021131822/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2001-08-21/lucknow/27250012_1_locarno-film-festival-lagaan |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 October 2012 |title=LAGAAN scores a six! |last=Da Cunha |first=Uma |date=21 August 2001 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> ''Lagaan'' was shown 4 times due to public demand as against the usual norm of showcasing films once at the festival.<ref name="Rediff_LIFF"/> It subsequently won the Prix du Public Award at the festival.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=12 January 2008 |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117860289.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 |title=SPC googly for ''Lagaan'' |last=Lyons |first=Charles |date=5 February 2002 |work=Variety |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403131557/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117860289.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 |archive-date= 3 April 2008 }}</ref> After the film's publicity in Locarno, the director, Gowariker said that distributors from Switzerland, Italy, France, Netherlands, North Africa, Finland and Germany were wanting to purchase the distribution rights.<ref name="Rediff_LIFF"/> Special screenings were held in Russia, where people were keen to watch the film after its Oscar nomination.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=20 January 2008 |date=2 May 2002 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/8614223.cms |title=Russia calling, Bollywood answering! |work=The Times of India |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080322162640/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/8614223.cms |archive-date=22 March 2008 }}</ref>
In 2001, ''Lagaan'' had a world premiere at the [[International Indian Film Academy Awards]] (IIFA) weekend in [[Sun City, North West|Sun City]], South Africa.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=12 January 2008 |url=http://www.iifa.com/web07/showcase/2001.htm |title=Showcase IIFA 2001 – Sun City |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220034425/http://www.iifa.com/web07/showcase/2001.htm |archive-date=20 December 2007 }}</ref> The [[Locarno International Film Festival]] authorities published the rules of cricket before the film was screened to a crowd which reportedly danced to its soundtrack in the aisles.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=13 January 2008 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2001-08-21/lucknow/27250012_1_locarno-film-festival-lagaan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021131822/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2001-08-21/lucknow/27250012_1_locarno-film-festival-lagaan |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 October 2012 |title=LAGAAN scores a six! |last=Da Cunha |first=Uma |date=21 August 2001 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> ''Lagaan'' was shown 4 times due to public demand as against the usual norm of showcasing films once at the festival.<ref name="Rediff_LIFF"/> It subsequently won the Prix du Public Award at the festival.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=12 January 2008 |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117860289.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 |title=SPC googly for ''Lagaan'' |last=Lyons |first=Charles |date=5 February 2002 |work=Variety |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403131557/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117860289.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 |archive-date= 3 April 2008 }}</ref> After the film's publicity in Locarno, the director, Gowariker said that distributors from Switzerland, Italy, France, Netherlands, North Africa, Finland and Germany were wanting to purchase the distribution rights.<ref name="Rediff_LIFF"/> Special screenings were held in Russia, where people were keen to watch the film after its Oscar nomination.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=20 January 2008 |date=2 May 2002 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/8614223.cms |title=Russia calling, Bollywood answering! |work=The Times of India |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080322162640/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/8614223.cms |archive-date=22 March 2008 }}</ref>


Apart from these screenings, it was shown at the [[Sundance Film Festival]],<ref>{{cite news|access-date=12 January 2008 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1602604.stm |title=Memorable flicks that made it big |date=28 December 2001 |work=[[The Hindu]] |last=Ramnarayan |first=Gowri |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427111656/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1602604.stm |archive-date=27 April 2015 }}</ref> [[Cairo International Film Festival]],<ref>{{cite news|access-date=12 January 2008 |url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2002/609/cu8.htm |title=Cairo Film Festival Programme |work=Al-Ahram Weekly |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119214904/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2002/609/cu8.htm |archive-date=19 January 2008 }}</ref> [[Stockholm International Film Festival]],<ref>{{cite news|access-date=12 January 2008 |url=http://www.stockholmfilmfestival.se/en/om_oss/history |title=History |work=Stockholm International Film Festival |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119035647/http://www.stockholmfilmfestival.se/en/om_oss/history |archive-date=19 January 2008 }}</ref> [[Helsinki Film Festival]]<ref>{{cite news|access-date=12 January 2008 |url=http://2002.hiff.fi/elokuvat/elokuva.html?elokuva_id=80 |title=Helsinki International Film Festival |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614112012/http://2002.hiff.fi/elokuvat/elokuva.html?elokuva_id=80 |archive-date=14 June 2006}}</ref> and the [[Toronto International Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite news|access-date=12 January 2008 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2002-05-31/news-interviews/27139713_1_indian-films-landmark-theaters-lagaan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023235245/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2002-05-31/news-interviews/27139713_1_indian-films-landmark-theaters-lagaan |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 October 2012 |title=Spidey neighbourhood asks for Lagaan |date=31 May 2002 |last=Tsering |work=[[The Times of India]] |first=Lisa}}</ref> The film is available on [[Netflix]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.netflix.com/in/title/60020906|title=Lagaan|website=Netflix|access-date=3 September 2019}}</ref>
Apart from these screenings, it was shown at the [[Sundance Film Festival]],<ref>{{cite news|access-date=12 January 2008 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1602604.stm |title=Memorable flicks that made it big |date=28 December 2001 |work=[[The Hindu]] |last=Ramnarayan |first=Gowri |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427111656/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1602604.stm |archive-date=27 April 2015 }}</ref> [[Cairo International Film Festival]],<ref>{{cite news|access-date=12 January 2008 |url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2002/609/cu8.htm |title=Cairo Film Festival Programme |work=Al-Ahram Weekly |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119214904/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2002/609/cu8.htm |archive-date=19 January 2008 }}</ref> [[Stockholm International Film Festival]],<ref>{{cite news|access-date=12 January 2008 |url=http://www.stockholmfilmfestival.se/en/om_oss/history |title=History |work=Stockholm International Film Festival |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119035647/http://www.stockholmfilmfestival.se/en/om_oss/history |archive-date=19 January 2008 }}</ref> [[Helsinki Film Festival]]<ref>{{cite news|access-date=12 January 2008 |url=http://2002.hiff.fi/elokuvat/elokuva.html?elokuva_id=80 |title=Helsinki International Film Festival |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614112012/http://2002.hiff.fi/elokuvat/elokuva.html?elokuva_id=80 |archive-date=14 June 2006}}</ref> and the [[Toronto International Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite news|access-date=12 January 2008 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2002-05-31/news-interviews/27139713_1_indian-films-landmark-theaters-lagaan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023235245/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2002-05-31/news-interviews/27139713_1_indian-films-landmark-theaters-lagaan |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 October 2012 |title=Spidey neighbourhood asks for Lagaan |date=31 May 2002 |last=Tsering |work=[[The Times of India]] |first=Lisa}}</ref> The film is available on [[Netflix]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.netflix.com/in/title/60020906|title=Lagaan|website=Netflix|access-date=3 September 2019}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


=== Home media ===
=== Home media ===
Line 171: Line 170:
== Awards ==
== Awards ==
{{main|List of accolades received by Lagaan}}
{{main|List of accolades received by Lagaan}}
Khan and Gowariker went to Los Angeles to generate publicity for the [[Academy Award]]s. Khan said, "We just started showing it to whoever we could, even the hotel staff."<ref name="usatoday">{{cite news|access-date=20 January 2008 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/2002/2002-03-08-bollywood.htm |title=Hooray for Bollywood, and India's ''Lagaan'' |date=8 March 2002 |work=[[USA Today]] |last=Wloszczyna |first=Susan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517073123/http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/2002/2002-03-08-bollywood.htm |archive-date=17 May 2008 }}</ref> About India's official entry to the 2002 Oscars, ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' wrote, "A Bollywood film that portrays the British in India as ruthless sadists and Mafia-style crooks has been chosen as Delhi's official entry to the Academy Awards."<ref name="telegraphuk">{{cite news|access-date=20 January 2008 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2001/11/25/wbolly25.xml |title=Anti-British Indian film in chase for Oscar |date=25 November 2001 |work=The Daily Telegraph |author2=Chris Hastings |first=Susan |last=Bisset |location=London |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040112074628/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2001%2F11%2F25%2Fwbolly25.xml |archive-date=12 January 2004 }}</ref> It added that the film was expected to win the nomination.<ref name="telegraphuk"/>
Aamir Khan and Gowariker went to Los Angeles to generate publicity for the [[Academy Award]]s. Khan said, "We just started showing it to whoever we could, even the hotel staff."<ref name="usatoday">{{cite news|access-date=20 January 2008 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/2002/2002-03-08-bollywood.htm |title=Hooray for Bollywood, and India's ''Lagaan'' |date=8 March 2002 |work=[[USA Today]] |last=Wloszczyna |first=Susan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517073123/http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/2002/2002-03-08-bollywood.htm |archive-date=17 May 2008 }}</ref> About India's official entry to the 2002 Oscars, ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' wrote, "A Bollywood film that portrays the British in India as ruthless sadists and Mafia-style crooks has been chosen as Delhi's official entry to the Academy Awards."<ref name="telegraphuk">{{cite news|access-date=20 January 2008 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2001/11/25/wbolly25.xml |title=Anti-British Indian film in chase for Oscar |date=25 November 2001 |work=The Daily Telegraph |author2=Chris Hastings |first=Susan |last=Bisset |location=London |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040112074628/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2001%2F11%2F25%2Fwbolly25.xml |archive-date=12 January 2004 }}</ref> It added that the film was expected to win the nomination.<ref name="telegraphuk"/>


On 12 February 2002, ''Lagaan'' was nominated for the [[List of submissions to the 74th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film|best foreign language film]] at the Academy Award nominations ceremony.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=20 January 2008 |url=http://archives.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/Movies/02/12/aa.oscar.nominations/index.html |title=''Rings'' lords over Oscar with 13 nominations |date=12 February 2002 |publisher=[[CNN]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202192348/http://archives.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/Movies/02/12/aa.oscar.nominations/index.html |archive-date= 2 February 2008 }}</ref> After the nomination, Khan reacted by saying, "To see the name of the film and actually hear it being nominated was very satisfying".<ref>{{cite news|access-date=20 January 2008 |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2002/03/03/stories/2002030300461600.htm |title=A "golden" push for Indian cinema |date=3 March 2002 |work=Business Line |last=Chandran |first=Rina |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810201750/http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2002/03/03/stories/2002030300461600.htm |archive-date=10 August 2011 }}</ref> Post-nomination reactions poured in from several parts of the world. ''[[USA Today]]'' wrote "Hooray for [[Bollywood]], and India's ''Lagaan''".<ref name="usatoday"/> With [[Sony Pictures Classics]] distributing the film and Oscar-winning director [[Baz Luhrmann]] praising it, ''Lagaan'' had a chance to win.<ref name="usatoday"/><ref>{{cite news|access-date=20 January 2008 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/delhi-times/its-lagaan-for-luhrmann/articleshow/9498427.cms |title=It's Lagaan for Luhrmann |date=10 May 2002 |work=The Times of India |last=Mahajan |first=Nupur |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111171026/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/delhi-times/Its-Lagaan-for-Luhrmann/articleshow/9498427.cms |archive-date=11 November 2012 }}</ref> The ''[[BBC]]'' commented that the nomination raised [[Bollywood]] hopes that Indian films would become more popular in the US.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=20 January 2008 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1818660.stm |title=Bollywood's hopes for Oscar dollars |publisher=BBC |date=13 February 2002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122142657/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1818660.stm |archive-date=22 November 2008 }}</ref> In India, the nomination was celebrated with news reports about a win bringing in "a great boost for the Indian film industry"<ref>{{cite news|access-date=20 January 2008 |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2002/02/15/stories/2002021501541100.htm |title=Lagaan lives on |date=15 February 2002 |work=Business Line |last=Murari |first=Timeri N. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810201803/http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2002/02/15/stories/2002021501541100.htm |archive-date=10 August 2011 }}</ref> and "a [[Bharat Ratna]] for Aamir Khan and the status of a '[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film|national film]]' for Lagaan".<ref>{{cite news|access-date=20 January 2008 |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020223/windows/main1.htm |title=Lagaan's ultimate test |date=23 February 2002 |work=The Tribune |last=Gangadhar |first=V. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118221922/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020223/windows/main1.htm |archive-date=18 January 2008 }}</ref>
On 12 February 2002, ''Lagaan'' was nominated for the [[List of submissions to the 74th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film|best foreign language film]] at the Academy Award nominations ceremony.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=20 January 2008 |url=http://archives.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/Movies/02/12/aa.oscar.nominations/index.html |title=''Rings'' lords over Oscar with 13 nominations |date=12 February 2002 |publisher=[[CNN]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202192348/http://archives.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/Movies/02/12/aa.oscar.nominations/index.html |archive-date= 2 February 2008 }}</ref> After the nomination, Khan reacted by saying, "To see the name of the film and actually hear it being nominated was very satisfying".<ref>{{cite news|access-date=20 January 2008 |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2002/03/03/stories/2002030300461600.htm |title=A "golden" push for Indian cinema |date=3 March 2002 |work=Business Line |last=Chandran |first=Rina |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810201750/http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2002/03/03/stories/2002030300461600.htm |archive-date=10 August 2011 }}</ref> Post-nomination reactions poured in from several parts of the world. ''[[USA Today]]'' wrote "Hooray for [[Bollywood]], and India's ''Lagaan''".<ref name="usatoday"/> With [[Sony Pictures Classics]] distributing the film and Oscar-winning director [[Baz Luhrmann]] praising it, ''Lagaan'' had a chance to win.<ref name="usatoday"/><ref>{{cite news|access-date=20 January 2008 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/delhi-times/its-lagaan-for-luhrmann/articleshow/9498427.cms |title=It's Lagaan for Luhrmann |date=10 May 2002 |work=The Times of India |last=Mahajan |first=Nupur |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111171026/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/delhi-times/Its-Lagaan-for-Luhrmann/articleshow/9498427.cms |archive-date=11 November 2012 }}</ref> The ''[[BBC]]'' commented that the nomination raised [[Bollywood]] hopes that Indian films would become more popular in the US.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=20 January 2008 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1818660.stm |title=Bollywood's hopes for Oscar dollars |publisher=BBC |date=13 February 2002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122142657/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1818660.stm |archive-date=22 November 2008 }}</ref> In India, the nomination was celebrated with news reports about a win bringing in "a great boost for the Indian film industry"<ref>{{cite news|access-date=20 January 2008 |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2002/02/15/stories/2002021501541100.htm |title=Lagaan lives on |date=15 February 2002 |work=Business Line |last=Murari |first=Timeri N. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810201803/http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2002/02/15/stories/2002021501541100.htm |archive-date=10 August 2011 }}</ref> and "a [[Bharat Ratna]] for Aamir Khan and the status of a '[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film|national film]]' for Lagaan".<ref>{{cite news|access-date=20 January 2008 |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020223/windows/main1.htm |title=Lagaan's ultimate test |date=23 February 2002 |work=The Tribune |last=Gangadhar |first=V. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118221922/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020223/windows/main1.htm |archive-date=18 January 2008 }}</ref>

Revision as of 19:00, 25 August 2024

Lagaan
English-language release poster
Directed byAshutosh Gowariker
Story byAshutosh Gowariker
Dialogue byK. P. Saxena
(Hindi)
Ashutosh Gowariker
(English)
Produced byAamir Khan
Sanjay Dayma
Starring
Narrated byAmitabh Bachchan
CinematographyAnil Mehta
Edited byBallu Saluja
Music byA. R. Rahman
Production
company
Aamir Khan Productions
Distributed bySET Pictures[1]
Release date
  • 15 June 2001 (2001-06-15)
Running time
233 minutes[2]
CountryIndia[3]
LanguageHindi
Budget250 million[4]
Box officeest. 659.7 million (see below)

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India, or simply Lagaan, (transl. Land tax) is a 2001 Indian Hindi-language epic period musical[5] sports drama film written and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. The film was produced by Aamir Khan, who stars alongside debutant Gracy Singh and British actors Rachel Shelley and Paul Blackthorne. Set in 1893, during the late Victorian period of British colonial rule in India, the film follows the inhabitants of a village in Central India, who, burdened by high taxes and several years of drought, are challenged by an arrogant British Indian Army officer to a game of cricket as a wager to avoid paying the taxes they owe. The villagers face the arduous task of learning a game that is alien to them and playing for a victory.

Produced on a budget of 25 crore (US$5.3 million), Lagaan was the most expensive Indian film at the time of its release. It faced multiple challenges during production: Khan was initially skeptical to star in a sports film, and later, prospective producers called for budget cuts and script modifications. Eventually, the film would become the maiden project of Aamir Khan Productions, and mark Khan's foray into film production. Gowariker was inspired by aspects of sports drama Naya Daur (1957) in developing the film. The language featured in the film was based on Awadhi, but was diluted with standard Hindi for modern audiences. Principal photography took place in villages near Bhuj. Nitin Chandrakant Desai served as art director, while Bhanu Athaiya was the costume designer. The original soundtrack was composed by A. R. Rahman, with lyrics written by Javed Akhtar.

Lagaan was theatrically released in India on 15 June 2001, clashing with Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. It received widespread critical acclaim for Gowariker's direction, Khan's performance, dialogues, soundtrack, and the film's anti-imperialist stance. With earnings of 65.97 crore (US$13.98 million) during its initial release, the film was the third highest-grossing Hindi film of 2001. Lagaan was screened at numerous international film festivals and garnered multiple accolades. It was the third, and as of 2024 the last, Indian film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film after Mother India (1957) and Salaam Bombay! (1988). Lagaan became the most-awarded film at the 47th Filmfare Awards with eight wins, including Best Film, Best Director for Gowariker and Best Actor for Khan. At the 49th National Film Awards, the film won eight awards, including Best Popular Film.

Plot

The farmers of the village of Champaner live under the oppressive and racist British rule in the Central India Agency, paying land tax (lagaan) every year to the British. Due to lack of rain, they haven't been able to pay the full taxes the previous year, and are told to pay double lagaan for the current year. Upset by this unfair taxation, they ask the king, Raja Puran Singh, for an exemption from the lagaan. They interrupt a cricket match underway between British officers, and one of their party, a farmer named Bhuvan, insults their game. This provokes the regiment captain, Andrew Russell, who offers a wager: in exchange for the farmers beating the British at cricket, Russell offers to cancel lagaan for the next three years for Champaner and the entire province if the farmers win. But if they lose, they will have to pay triple the usual lagaan. Bhuvan is made to decide for the village and agrees to the bet.

Russell's actions infuriate his superiors, who state that if he loses, he'll pay the triple lagaan himself and be transferred to Africa. The match is scheduled to take place after three months. Bhuvan begins to enlist support for the match amongst the villagers, and is aided by Elizabeth, Russell's sister, who offers to teach them the game. Other villagers are motivated to join, but one of them, Lakha, only does so out of a grudge against Bhuvan. Lakha secretly schemes with Russell to play against his team in the match. He also informs Russell of Elizabeth's actions to help the farmers. Russell tries to restrict Elizabeth's movement out of the cantonment, but she stands up to him. Elizabeth has fallen for Bhuvan who is in love with Gauri, daughter of the village medic.

The day of the match dawns and the cantonment grounds fill with spectators. The match will be played over three days, and the British choose to bat first, meaning that the farmers must score one run more than them to win (see: Rules of cricket). Due to Lakha's sabotage, the British team does well on the first day. Later that night, the farmers learn about Lakha's betrayal from Elizabeth and attack him. Bhuvan confronts Lakha, who apologises and offers to redeem himself. Bhuvan agrees, and the following day, the British innings ends after they score 322; the farmers have to score 323 runs to win the game.

The farmers' innings starts off with promise, but they lose almost all of their best batters by the end of the day. Bhuvan must steady the innings on the third day to keep them in the game. The match enters the final over, and odds are stacked against the farmers as they need five runs off the last ball. Bhuvan, taking strike due to a no ball, hits six runs off the last ball to win the match. The crowd erupts in celebration, and their joy is doubled when clouds gather and it starts raining. Elizabeth sees Bhuvan and Gauri together, and heartbreakingly realises the truth.

Unable to bear the defeat, the British regiment leaves the province and Champaner, delighting the villagers. Captain Russell is transferred to Africa as punishment for his team's loss. Elizabeth says a heartfelt goodbye to all the villagers, and returns to England, never marrying and keeping Bhuvan in her heart. Bhuvan marries Gauri in a ceremony blessed by Raja Puran Singh himself, and the village of Champaner attains a prestigious status. Yet, even after this historic victory, Bhuvan's name was lost in the pages of history.

Cast

  • Aamir Khan as Bhuvan (captain and all-rounder)
  • Gracy Singh as Gauri
  • Rachel Shelley as Elizabeth Russell
  • Paul Blackthorne as Captain Andrew Russell
  • Suhasini Mulay as Yashoda Maa, Bhuvan's mother
  • Kulbhushan Kharbanda as Raja Puran Singh Chawla
  • Rajendra Gupta as Mukhiya Ji, the village chieftain
  • Raghubir Yadav as Bhura (fielder)
  • Rajesh Vivek as Guran (all-rounder)
  • Raj Zutshi as Ismail (batsman)
  • Pradeep Rawat as Deva Singh Sodhi (all-rounder)
  • Akhilendra Mishra as Arjan (batsman), the blacksmith
  • Daya Shankar Pandey as Goli (seamer), the man with the largest piece of land
  • Shrivallabh Vyas as Ishwar (wicket-keeper), the vaidya (doctor) in the village and Gauri's father
  • Yashpal Sharma as Lakha (batsman), the woodcutter
  • Amin Hajee as Bagha (batsman), the mute drummer
  • Aditya Lakhia as Kachra (spinner)
  • Javed Khan as Ram Singh, Indian who works with British and helps Elizabeth in translating villagers language
  • A. K. Hangal as Shambu Kaka
  • Amin Gazi as Tipu
  • John Rowe as Colonel Boyer
  • David Gant as Major Warren
  • Thor Halland as Captain Roberts
  • Jeremy Child as Major Cotton
  • Chris England as Lt Yardley, an English fast bowler. England also wrote a book about his experience making the film titled Balham to Bollywood
  • Howard Lee as Lt Burton, English wicketkeeper batsman
  • Ben Nealon as Lt Patrick Smith, Deputy and English all-rounder
  • Simon Holmes as Lt Brookes, an English batsman
  • Ray Eves as Lt Willis, an English fast bowler
  • Jon House as Lt North, an English batsman
  • Neil Patrick as Lt Harrisson, an English all-rounder
  • Jamie Whitby Coles as Lt Wesson, an English all-rounder
  • Barry Hart as Lt Benson, an English spinner
  • Travis Head as Lt Flynn, an English batsman
  • Amitabh Bachchan as narrator

Production

Development

Lagaan was inspired by Naya Daur (1957), a sports drama film directed by B. R. Chopra, written by Akhtar Mirza and Kamil Rashid, and starring Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala and Ajit Khan.[6][7]

Director Gowariker has stated that it was almost impossible to make Lagaan. He went to Khan, who agreed to participate after hearing the detailed script. Khan had initially rejected the idea of a "sporty" film, but was "himself in tears" upon hearing the full dialogued script.[8] Even after securing Khan, Gowariker had trouble finding a producer. Producers who showed interest in the script wanted budget cuts as well as script modifications. Eventually, Khan agreed to Gowariker's suggestion that he would produce the film.[9] Khan corroborated this by saying that the faith he had in Gowariker, the story and script of the film,[10] and the opportunity of starting his own production company inspired him to produce Lagaan.[11] He also said that by being a producer himself, he was able to give greater creative freedom to Gowariker. He cited an example:

"If the director tells the producer that he wants 50 camels, the latter will probably say, 'Why not 25? Can't you manage with 25 camels?' Whereas, if he is telling me the same thing... I will not waste time asking him questions because I am also creatively aware why he needs them."[12]

Jhamu Sughand co-produced the film because he liked the emotional and patriotic story.[13][14] Lagaan was made on a then-unprecedented budget of 250 million (US$5.32 million), the highest for an Indian film of the time.[4][15]

Casting

Gowariker first thought of Shah Rukh Khan, Bobby Deol, Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan for the role of Bhuvan. After Bachchan chose to enter cinema with J. P. Dutta's Refugee (2000), Khan was approached with the idea.[16]

Several actresses had express interest to act in the female lead role in the film, but Khan needed someone who matched the description of the character given in the script. After considering Rani Mukerji who did not have dates to accommodate the film, Sonali Bendre, Nandita Das, Shamita Shetty and Ameesha Patel were approached for the role,[17] Gowariker selected Singh for the female lead because he was convinced that she was a good actress and dancer and resembled actress Vyjayanthimala. Singh, a newcomer, devoted all her time to the film.[12] Since the script also demanded a British cast, Gowariker and Khan hired Danielle Roffe as one of the casting directors.[18] After Danielle and Gowariker screen-tested many, Shelley and Blackthorne were chosen for the prime roles. Overall, the film cast 15 foreign actors.[19]

Raghubir Yadav played the role of the legendary Haji Nasruddin in the teleplay Mullah Nasiruddin and has given many memorable performances such as Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne. Yadav was selected for the role of Bhura, a poultry farmer, based on his performance in Earth (1998). He had undergone an appendectomy during the filming schedule and returned to complete some of his scenes.[20] Rajesh Vivek, who played the fortune teller Guran, was spotted by Gowariker in the film Junoon (1978). His liking for cricket helped him in his role.[21] Raj Zutshi's friendship with Khan and association in several films brought him the role of Ismail the potter after auditions.[22] Pradeep Rawat's association with Khan in Sarfarosh (1999) brought him the role of Deva, a Sikh ex-sepoy, which was initially intended for Mukesh Rishi. Rawat claimed that it was the highest ever compensation he received in his career.[23] Daya Shankar Pandey, who preferred the role of Kachra, was known to Khan and Gowariker through previous films (Pehla Nasha (1993), Baazi (1995) and Ghulam (1998)). Pandey credited Gowariker for his acting in the film as Goli, saying that Gowariker and he would discuss the required emotions and expressions before shooting.[24]

Yashpal Sharma was chosen by Gowariker for the role of Lakha, the woodcutter, after his portrayal in Samar (1999). He said it was a good experience working with Khan and Gowariker during the film.[25] Amin Hajee earlier worked in a film with Gowariker. The friendly association brought Gowariker to him with the script, which he liked, and thereafter he successfully auditioned for his role of Bagha, a mute drummer. His knowledge of mute people and some assistance from a music band helped him better prepare for his role. Gowariker, who believed that Amin was like Sylvester Stallone, would refer to him as Stallone during filming.[26] Aditya Lakhia's association with Gowariker in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1993) and Pehla Nasha (1993) brought him the role of Kachra, the untouchable. He read the book Everybody Loves a Good Drought by P. Sainath to better understand and portray his character.[27]

Pre-production

One of the first members to join the production team was Nitin Chandrakant Desai, the art director, with whom Gowariker set out for extensive location hunt throughout India, to find the setting for the fictional town of Champaner, in late 1998. After searching through Rajasthan, Nasik, UP, they zeroed in on an ancient village near Bhuj, located in Gujarat's Kutch district, by May 1999, where the film was primarily shot.[8][28]

The script demanded a dry location: an agricultural village where it had not rained in several years. To depict the 1890s era, the crew also required a village which lacked electricity, communication and automobiles.[10] Kutch faced the same problems at that time and hence the village of Kunariya, located a few miles away from Bhuj, was chosen. During the filming of Lagaan, it did not rain at all in the region. However, a week after the shoot finished, it rained heavily bringing relief to Bhuj, which had a lean monsoon the previous year.[17] The typical old Kutch hamlet was built by the local people four months before the arrival of the crew.[8] The 2001 Gujarat earthquake devastated this region and displaced many locals. The crew, including the English, contributed to their cause by donating 250,000 (equivalent to 1,000,000 or US$12,000 in 2023), with further contributions during the year.[29]

Avadhi, which is a dialect of Hindi, is primarily from a region in Uttar Pradesh. It was chosen to give the feel of the language spoken during that era. However, the language was diluted, and modern viewers can understand it.[12] The dialogues, which were a combination of three dialects (Avadhi, Bhojpuri and Braj Bhasha) were penned by Hindi writer K. P. Saxena.[17]

Bhanu Athaiya, who won an Oscar for her work in Gandhi (1982), was the costume designer for the film. With a large number of extras, it was difficult for her to make enough costumes. She spent a lot of time researching to lend authenticity to the characters.[17]

Filming

The film took approximately a year to plan, which included ten months for production and one month for the development of Khan's character, which the first-time producer found tiring. Khan obtained a crew of about 300 people for six months. Due to the lack of comfortable hotels in Bhuj, he hired a newly constructed apartment and furnished it completely for the crew. Security was set up and a special housekeeping team was brought to take care of the crew's needs.[11] Most of the 19th century tools and equipment depicted in the film were lent to the crew by the local villagers. Initially, they did not want to part with their equipment, but after much coaxing, they gave in. They then travelled to different parts of the country to collect the musical instruments used in that day and era.[11]

During the shooting, Gowariker suffered from a slipped disc and had to rest for 30 days. During this period, he had his bed next to the monitor and continued with his work.[30]

The filming schedule spanned the winter and summer, commencing in early January and finishing in mid-June. This was physically challenging for many, with the temperatures ranging from 0 to 50 °C (32 to 122 °F).[22][26] The actors had to drink frequently and sit in the shade.[21][23] The schedule was strict. The day began at 6 am, changing into costumes and getting onto the actors' bus, which took them to the sets in Kanuria. The actors, including Khan, all travelled on the same bus. If anyone missed it, it was up to them to reach the sets. One day, Khan was late and missed the actors' bus. That day, his wife Reena, the executive producer, reprimanded him for being late. She told him he had to set an example for the rest of the crew. "If he started coming late, how could she tell the others to come on time?"[23] While on the sets, the actors were given call sheets with the day's timetable such as breakfast, hairstyling, make-up, costumes, etc.[31]

Music

Release

Before its worldwide release, Khan kept a promise to screen the film to the locals of Bhuj.[32] Lagaan clashed with Anil Sharma's Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, starring Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel, at the box-office.[33][34] The film made it to the UK Top 10 after its commercial release.[35] It was the first Indian film to have a nationwide release in China[36] and had its dubbed version released in Italy.[37] With favorable reviews from the French press, Lagaan premiered in Paris on 26 June 2002 and continued to have an unprecedented nine weeks of screening with over 45,000 people watching.[38] It was released in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Africa and the Middle East with respective vernacular subtitles.[37][39] The film took a cumulative of $2.5 million at the international box-office and 380 million (equivalent to 1.5 billion or US$18 million in 2023) at the domestic box-office.[40][41][42]

In 2001, Lagaan had a world premiere at the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) weekend in Sun City, South Africa.[43] The Locarno International Film Festival authorities published the rules of cricket before the film was screened to a crowd which reportedly danced to its soundtrack in the aisles.[44] Lagaan was shown 4 times due to public demand as against the usual norm of showcasing films once at the festival.[37] It subsequently won the Prix du Public Award at the festival.[45] After the film's publicity in Locarno, the director, Gowariker said that distributors from Switzerland, Italy, France, Netherlands, North Africa, Finland and Germany were wanting to purchase the distribution rights.[37] Special screenings were held in Russia, where people were keen to watch the film after its Oscar nomination.[46]

Apart from these screenings, it was shown at the Sundance Film Festival,[47] Cairo International Film Festival,[48] Stockholm International Film Festival,[49] Helsinki Film Festival[50] and the Toronto International Film Festival.[51] The film is available on Netflix.[52]

Home media

There were two releases for the DVD. The first, as a 2-DVD set, was released on 27 May 2002 in limited regions. It contained subtitles in Arabic, English, Hebrew, Hindi, Turkish and several European languages. It is available in 16:9 Anamorphic widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, progressive 24 frame/s, widescreen and NTSC format. It carried an additional fifteen minutes of deleted scenes, filmographies and trailers.[53]

The second was released as anniversary edition 3-disc DVD box after 6 years of the theatrical release. This also included Chale Chalo which was a documentary on the making of Lagaan, a curtain-raiser on the making of the soundtrack, deleted scenes, trailers, along with other collectibles such as 11 collector cards, a collectible Lagaan coin embossed with the character of Bhuvan, a 35 mm CinemaScope filmstrip hand-cut from the film's filmstrip were bundled with the film.[54] After its release, it became the highest-selling DVD in India, beating Sholay (1975).[55] Chale Chalo – The Lunacy of Film Making, won the National Film Award for Best Exploration/Adventure Film.[54]

A comic book, Lagaan: The Story, along with 2 colouring books, a mask book and a cricket board game were subsequently released to the commercial market. The comic book, available in English and Hindi, was targeted at children between the ages of 6 and 14. At the book's launch, Aamir Khan said that they were keen to turn the film into a comic strip during the pre-production phase itself.[56][57]

In March 2002, a book titled The Spirit of Lagaan – The Extraordinary Story of the Creators of a Classic was published. It covers the making of the film, describing in detail the setbacks and obstacles that the crew faced while developing the film from concept to its release.[58]

Reception

Box office

The film initially grossed 65.97 crore (equivalent to 263 crore or US$31 million in 2023) worldwide in 2001. This made it the third highest-grossing Hindi film of 2001, behind Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... and Gadar: Ek Prem Katha.[59]

Domestically, Lagaan grossed 55.13 crore (equivalent to 219 crore or US$26 million in 2023) in India. Its domestic net income was ₹34.31 crore, equivalent to ₹187 crore ($25 million) when adjusted for inflation.[60]

With an overseas gross of 10.84 crore[42] (US$2.2 million) in 2001, it was the year's second highest-grossing Indian film overseas, preceded only by Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham....[61] Lagaan's overseas gross included £600,000 in the United Kingdom, US$910,000 in the United States and Canada, and US$180,000 in the Arab states of the Persian Gulf.[60]

In China, where the film released on 16 May 2003, it grossed ¥3 million,[62] equivalent to 1.71 crore[63] (US$362,500).[64]

Including the film's China collections, the film's total worldwide gross was ₹67.68 crore (US$14.533 million).[65] At a ticket inflation rate of 5.5 times in 2016,[60] the film's total gross is equivalent to approximately ₹372 crore ($50 million) when adjusted for inflation in 2016.

Critical reception

Lagaan was met with critical acclaim. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 95% of 64 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.9/10. The website's consensus reads: "Lagaan is lavish, rousing entertainment in the old-fashioned tradition of Hollywood musicals."[66] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 84 out of 100, based on 21 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".[67]

Sudish Kamath of The Hindu suggested that "the movie is not just a story. It is an experience. An experience of watching something that puts life into you, that puts a cheer on your face, however depressed you might be."[68] The Times of India wrote, "Lagaan has all the attractions of big-sounding A. R. Rahman songs, excellent performances by Aamir Khan... and a successful debut for pretty Gracy Singh. In addition, there is the celebrated David vs. Goliath cricket match, which has the audiences screaming and clapping."[69]

Roger Ebert, writing for the Chicago Sun-Times, gave the film 3.5 out of 4 stars and wrote, "Lagaan is an enormously entertaining movie, like nothing we've ever seen before, and yet completely familiar... At the same time, it's a memory of the films we all grew up on, with clearly-defined villains and heroes, a love-triangle, and even a comic character who saves the day. Lagaan is a well-crafted, hugely entertaining epic that has the spice of a foreign culture."[70] Derek Elley of Variety suggested that it "could be the trigger for Bollywood's long-awaited crossover to non-ethnic markets".[71] Somni Sengupta of The New York Times, described it as "a carnivalesque genre packed with romance, swordplay and improbable song-and-dance routines".[72] Dave Kehr, another New York Times film critic, called Lagaan "a movie that knows its business -- pleasing a broad, popular audience -- and goes about it with savvy professionalism and genuine flair."[73] Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times argued that the film is "an affectionate homage to a popular genre that raises it to the level of an art film with fully drawn characters, a serious underlying theme, and a sophisticated style and point of view."[74]

Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian described the film as "a lavish epic, a gorgeous love story, and a rollicking adventure yarn. Larger than life and outrageously enjoyable, it's got a dash of Spaghetti Western, a hint of Kurosawa, with a bracing shot of Kipling."[75] Kuljinder Singh of the BBC stated that "Lagaan is anything but standard Bollywood fodder, and is the first must-see of the Indian summer. A movie that will have you laughing and crying, but leaving with a smile."[76]

Lagaan was listed as #14 on Channel 4's "50 Films To See Before You Die" and was the only Indian film to be listed.[77] The film was also well-received in China, where its themes resonated with Chinese audiences.[78] It was ranked #55 in Empire magazine's "The 100 Best Films of World Cinema" in 2010.[79] In 2011, John Nugent of the Trenton Independent called the film "a masterpiece ... and what better way to learn a bit about India's colonial experience! History and great entertainment, all rolled into one (albeit long) classic film."[80]

Awards

Aamir Khan and Gowariker went to Los Angeles to generate publicity for the Academy Awards. Khan said, "We just started showing it to whoever we could, even the hotel staff."[81] About India's official entry to the 2002 Oscars, The Daily Telegraph wrote, "A Bollywood film that portrays the British in India as ruthless sadists and Mafia-style crooks has been chosen as Delhi's official entry to the Academy Awards."[82] It added that the film was expected to win the nomination.[82]

On 12 February 2002, Lagaan was nominated for the best foreign language film at the Academy Award nominations ceremony.[83] After the nomination, Khan reacted by saying, "To see the name of the film and actually hear it being nominated was very satisfying".[84] Post-nomination reactions poured in from several parts of the world. USA Today wrote "Hooray for Bollywood, and India's Lagaan".[81] With Sony Pictures Classics distributing the film and Oscar-winning director Baz Luhrmann praising it, Lagaan had a chance to win.[81][85] The BBC commented that the nomination raised Bollywood hopes that Indian films would become more popular in the US.[86] In India, the nomination was celebrated with news reports about a win bringing in "a great boost for the Indian film industry"[87] and "a Bharat Ratna for Aamir Khan and the status of a 'national film' for Lagaan".[88]

When Lagaan lost the award to the Bosnian film No Man's Land,[89] there was disappointment in India. Khan said, "Certainly we were disappointed. But the thing that really kept us in our spirits was that the entire country was behind us."[90] Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt criticised the "American film industry" as "insular and the foreign category awards were given just for the sake of it."[90] Gowariker added that "Americans must learn to like our films".[91]

The film won a number of awards at Indian award ceremonies including eight National Film Awards,[92] eight Filmfare Awards, eight Screen Awards[93] and 10 IIFA Awards.[94] Apart from these major awards, it also won awards at other national and international ceremonies.

See also

References

  1. ^ Mathur, Arti (30 December 2001). "Sony closes Hindi film distrib biz". Variety. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  2. ^ "Lagaan (PG)". British Board of Film Classification. Archived from the original on 1 January 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
  3. ^ "Lagaan (2001)". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on 31 December 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  4. ^ a b "Aamir Khan causes traffic jam". The Tribune. 1 June 2001. Archived from the original on 20 January 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2008.
  5. ^ Zilko, Christian; Chapman, Wilson; Foreman, Alison (24 April 2023). "The 57 Best Movie Musicals of All Time, Ranked". IndieWire. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  6. ^ "I'm not aware if Big B & SRK have copied me". Filmfare. 30 April 2013.
  7. ^ South Asian Cinema. South Asian Cinema Foundation. 2001. p. 86.
  8. ^ a b c Malani, Gaurav (18 June 2007). "Chale Chalo – Review". oneindia.in. Archived from the original on 28 February 2014. Retrieved 6 November 2009.
  9. ^ Nandy, Pritish (17 July 2001). "The Ashutosh Gowariker interview". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 26 May 2005. Retrieved 28 December 2007.
  10. ^ a b Pandya, Haresh (21 February 2000). "A true actor can play any role". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 11 November 2007. Retrieved 28 December 2007.
  11. ^ a b c Mukherjee, Sanjeeb (July 2001). "Aamir Khan on Lagaan – the surprise of the year!". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 14 December 2007. Retrieved 28 December 2007.
  12. ^ a b c "Many top heroines had offered to work in this film". Rediff.com. 21 February 2000. Archived from the original on 24 May 2005. Retrieved 28 December 2007.
  13. ^ Kulkarni, Ronjita. "I'm sure Lagaan will win the Oscar". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2007.
  14. ^ "Lagaan producer Jhamu Sughand passes away". The Times of India. 27 May 2008. Archived from the original on 26 December 2014. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
  15. ^ "Historical Exchange Rates Tool & Forex History Data (47 INR per USD)". OFX. 2001. Archived from the original on 19 June 2018. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  16. ^ Khubchandani, Lata (27 August 2001). "I approached Shah Rukh and Abhishek for Lagaan". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 26 May 2005. Retrieved 28 December 2007.
  17. ^ a b c d Verma, Sukanya (1 June 2001). "Lagaan: A ready reckoner". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 3 November 2004. Retrieved 28 December 2007.
  18. ^ End credits – Lagaan: part 2 (DVD). Aamir Khan Productions. 2001. Event occurs at 224 minutes.
  19. ^ Pandya, Haresh (14 February 2000). "Where time stands still..." Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 11 November 2007. Retrieved 28 December 2007.
  20. ^ "Bhura, the poultry farmer: The Ten Samurai". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 27 August 2004. Retrieved 29 December 2007.
  21. ^ a b "Guran, the fortune teller: The Ten Samurai". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 26 August 2004. Retrieved 29 December 2007.
  22. ^ a b "Ismail, the potter: The Ten Samurai". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 27 August 2004. Retrieved 29 December 2007.
  23. ^ a b c "Deva, the Sikh from the neighboring village: The Ten Samurai". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 25 August 2004. Retrieved 29 December 2007.
  24. ^ "Goli, the man with the largest piece of land: The Ten Samurai". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 25 August 2004. Retrieved 29 December 2007.
  25. ^ "Lakha, the woodcutter: The Ten Samurai". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 26 August 2004. Retrieved 29 December 2007.
  26. ^ a b "Bagha, the mute: The Ten Samurai". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 13 September 2005. Retrieved 29 December 2007.
  27. ^ "Kachra, the untouchable: The Ten Samurai". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 19 April 2005. Retrieved 29 December 2007.
  28. ^ "15 Years of 'Lagaan': 20 Lesser Known Facts About the Film". News18. 15 June 2016.
  29. ^ Das, Ronjita (3 February 2001). "One contribution isn't enough". Rediff. Archived from the original on 11 November 2007. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  30. ^ Koppar, Arati. "Gracy Singh: Interview". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 August 2001. Retrieved 28 December 2007.
  31. ^ "Arjan, the blacksmith: The Ten Samurai". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 10 September 2005. Retrieved 29 December 2007.
  32. ^ "Aamir Khan screens 'Lagaan' at Bhuj". The Tribune. 13 June 2001. Archived from the original on 28 January 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  33. ^ "Bollywood 2001—A year of Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham". Zee News. 28 December 2001. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  34. ^ Debnath, Sitesh (26 July 2001). "Betting bug bites Bollywood". The Tribune. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  35. ^ "Leicester – Movies – Lagaan". BBC. 26 July 2001. Archived from the original on 24 September 2005. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  36. ^ "Lagaan released in China". The Tribune. Press Trust of India. 20 November 2002. Archived from the original on 27 December 2007. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  37. ^ a b c d Jha, Subhash K (13 August 2001). "Lagaan wins top honours at Swiss film festival". Rediff. Archived from the original on 2 November 2004. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  38. ^ "Lagaan a big hit in France". The Times of India. 17 August 2002. Archived from the original on 12 January 2009. Retrieved 20 January 2008.
  39. ^ "Aamir has NY in a jam". Rediff. 30 May 2001. Archived from the original on 1 December 2004. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  40. ^ "Lagaan (2001): International Box-Office Results". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on 8 December 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  41. ^ "Lagaan loses to No Man's Land". UNI, PTI. Archived from the original on 19 January 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  42. ^ a b "Top Lifetime Grossers Worldwide (IND Rs)". Archived from the original on 15 October 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
  43. ^ "Showcase IIFA 2001 – Sun City". Archived from the original on 20 December 2007. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  44. ^ Da Cunha, Uma (21 August 2001). "LAGAAN scores a six!". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  45. ^ Lyons, Charles (5 February 2002). "SPC googly for Lagaan". Variety. Archived from the original on 3 April 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  46. ^ "Russia calling, Bollywood answering!". The Times of India. 2 May 2002. Archived from the original on 22 March 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2008.
  47. ^ Ramnarayan, Gowri (28 December 2001). "Memorable flicks that made it big". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  48. ^ "Cairo Film Festival Programme". Al-Ahram Weekly. Archived from the original on 19 January 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  49. ^ "History". Stockholm International Film Festival. Archived from the original on 19 January 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  50. ^ "Helsinki International Film Festival". Archived from the original on 14 June 2006. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  51. ^ Tsering, Lisa (31 May 2002). "Spidey neighbourhood asks for Lagaan". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  52. ^ "Lagaan". Netflix. Retrieved 3 September 2019.[permanent dead link]
  53. ^ "Amazon: Lagaan (2001) DVD". Amazon UK. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  54. ^ a b "Lagaan Special Anniversary Edition 3-Disk DVD Set". Lagaan DVD. Archived from the original on 21 January 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  55. ^ "Lagaan beats Sholay in DVD sales". The Financial Express. 21 July 2007. Archived from the original on 19 January 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  56. ^ Fernandes, Vivek (9 February 2002). "Egmont unwraps Lagaan comic book, game for kids". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 4 December 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2008.
  57. ^ "Lagaan nominated for Oscar". Agence France-Presse. 13 February 2002. Archived from the original on 15 September 2007. Retrieved 20 January 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  58. ^ Bhatkal, Satyajit (March 2002). The Spirit of Lagaan. Mumbai: Popular Prakshan. p. 243. ISBN 81-7991-003-2.
  59. ^ "Top Worldwide Grossers 2001". Box Office India. Retrieved 7 November 2017.
  60. ^ a b c "Lagaan". Box Office India. Retrieved 7 November 2017.
  61. ^ "Top Overseas Grossers 2001". Box Office India. Retrieved 7 November 2017.
  62. ^ "印度往事 – 猫眼电影 – 一网打尽好电影". Maoyan. Retrieved 14 January 2018.
  63. ^ "Pacific Exchange Rate Service (5.6857 INR per CNY)". UBC Sauder School of Business. University of British Columbia. May 2003. Retrieved 14 January 2018.
  64. ^ "Pacific Exchange Rate Service (8.2769 CNY per USD)". UBC Sauder School of Business. University of British Columbia. May 2003. Retrieved 14 January 2018.
  65. ^ "Historical Exchange Rates Tool & Forex History Data (46.57 INR per USD)". OFX. 2003. Archived from the original on 19 June 2018. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  66. ^ "Lagaan". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved 16 July 2022. Edit this at Wikidata
  67. ^ "Lagaan". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc.
  68. ^ Kamath, Sudhish (29 June 2001). "Scoring sixers with every scene". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 22 January 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2008.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  69. ^ "Film-hungry fans lap up Gadar, Lagaan fare". The Times of India. 28 June 2001. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  70. ^ Ebert, Roger (7 June 2002). "Reviews: Lagaan – Once upon a time in India". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on 5 January 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  71. ^ Elley, Derek (19 July 2001). "Lagaan: Once Upon A Time in India Review". Variety. Archived from the original on 31 March 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  72. ^ Sengupta, Somini (31 March 2002). "The World: Bollywood Dreams; A Movie Recalls India to Its Ideals". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 19 January 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  73. ^ Kehr, Dave (8 May 2002). "Film Review; The Cricketing of an Indian Village". The New York Times. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  74. ^ Thomas, Kevin (10 May 2002). "Movie Review: 'Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India'". The Los Angeles Times: Calendar Live. Archived from the original on 20 January 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  75. ^ Bradshaw, Peter (22 June 2001). "Film Reviews: Lagaan". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 19 January 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  76. ^ Singh, Kuljinder (18 June 2001). "Film Review: Lagaan (Tax) (2001)". BBC. Archived from the original on 23 October 2007. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  77. ^ "Film buffs reveal 'must see' list". BBC News. 23 July 2006. Archived from the original on 17 July 2009. Retrieved 17 December 2008.
  78. ^ Aneja, Atul (10 February 2018). "Uncle Aamir's charm offensive on millennials". The Hindu.
  79. ^ "The 100 Best Films of World Cinema – 55. Lagaan". Empire.
  80. ^ John Nugent, The DVD Discount Bin: Lagaan Redux, Trenton Independent, 1 April 2011, Page B2
  81. ^ a b c Wloszczyna, Susan (8 March 2002). "Hooray for Bollywood, and India's Lagaan". USA Today. Archived from the original on 17 May 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2008.
  82. ^ a b Bisset, Susan; Chris Hastings (25 November 2001). "Anti-British Indian film in chase for Oscar". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 January 2004. Retrieved 20 January 2008.
  83. ^ "Rings lords over Oscar with 13 nominations". CNN. 12 February 2002. Archived from the original on 2 February 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2008.
  84. ^ Chandran, Rina (3 March 2002). "A "golden" push for Indian cinema". Business Line. Archived from the original on 10 August 2011. Retrieved 20 January 2008.
  85. ^ Mahajan, Nupur (10 May 2002). "It's Lagaan for Luhrmann". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 11 November 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2008.
  86. ^ "Bollywood's hopes for Oscar dollars". BBC. 13 February 2002. Archived from the original on 22 November 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2008.
  87. ^ Murari, Timeri N. (15 February 2002). "Lagaan lives on". Business Line. Archived from the original on 10 August 2011. Retrieved 20 January 2008.
  88. ^ Gangadhar, V. (23 February 2002). "Lagaan's ultimate test". The Tribune. Archived from the original on 18 January 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2008.
  89. ^ "Bosnian war film gets Oscar". CNN. 25 February 2002. Archived from the original on 11 October 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2008.
  90. ^ a b "Indians mourn Oscar miss". BBC News. 25 February 2002. Retrieved 20 January 2008.
  91. ^ "Americans must learn to like our films: Ashutosh". The Times of India. 15 April 2002. Archived from the original on 13 January 2009. Retrieved 20 January 2008.
  92. ^ "South takes the lion's share; Lagaan wins 8 national awards". The Hindu. 27 July 2002. Archived from the original on 16 January 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  93. ^ "Lagaan walks away with eight Filmfare awards". Apunkachoice.com. 17 February 2002. Archived from the original on 21 January 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  94. ^ "Lagaan scoops Bollywood awards". BBC News. 6 April 2002. Archived from the original on 23 November 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2008.

Further reading

  • Bhatkal, Satyajit (March 2002). The spirit of Lagaan. Mumbai: Popular Prakshan. pp. 243. ISBN 81-7991-003-2.