Jul 04, 2001 02:53 PM
4779 Views
Lagaan : It requires grit and determination to attempt a film of this magnitude. It requires guts to defy the norms and parameters of commercial cinema and devote the entire film to a cricket match. It also requires valour and money in abundance to recreate an era which none from the present generation have witnessed (the film is set in the year 1893 and the Budget approx. 25 crores) and who else but the best in the film industry tried and succedded in making a Masterpiece, I am talking about the One and Only Aamir Khan who has been my all time favourite right from his entry in this industry 13 years ago.I have been a great admirer of this guy, the way he works and the perfection that he always show in whatever he does inspires me alot.
Now about the movie which has created history and will go on to break records in future, Personally I have following the movie right from the day it started it shooting, the hardships every artists had to face while shooting cause it was a desert area which had no suitable accomadation and drinking water available and how two british actors fell in love during the making and Aamir personally did the Kanyadaan and got them married according to Hindu Tradition speaks for itself. An epic in the making from day one itself .
The movie is based in a small village Champaner where lives Bhuvan perfectly played by Aamir Khan,the village is facing a drought. It hasn't rained in three years and to top all that the villagers are told to cough up twice the lagaan or tax.The villagers of Champaner approach their king, who in turn explains to them that the lagaan cannot be waived this year. But Russell the British commander played by Paul Blackthorne in an inexplicable move concedes, demanding that the villagers beat him and his team at cricket, to settle an old score with Bhuvan. Bhuvan accepts and is left with looking for team-mates to play against the Britishers and beat them at their own game.
A battle begins, which is fought without bloodshed. Bhuvan starts building up his cricket team helped by Elizabeth (Rachel Shelley), the beautiful English girl, and Gauri (Gracy Singh), the young and perky village girl.
The rest is history and I would not like to disclose as it is the most exhilarating part of the film and you gotta watch it to believe it. In short it is the cricket match which is most fabulous part of the film, which keeps the viewer on tenterhooks right till the end. The highs and lows of the villagers and the emotions attached to the game are so true to life that you will become part of the crowd watching the game on screen and jump on and off your seats
Flawless in execution and technically brilliant, the film certainly makes for a memorable cinematic experience
The performances are superb, to say the least, with the casting being a bonus. Every character is hand-picked and fits in just right. Some of them, like Aditya Lakhia who played Kachra, the untouchable sweeper and Rajesh Vivek, the Jyotish are definitely the ones to look out for. All others provide more than able support. Gracy Singh looks good and dances like a dream. With her innocence and charm, she looks just like the village belle one would imagine. With a rather expressive face and a brilliant smile, Gracy is here to stay. But at the end of the day, it is Aamir's film all the way. He gets under the skin of the character of Bhuvan and plays it out with a sincerity never before seen. His passion appears to have been infectious. Watch out for some of his scenes with Gracy which are so soulfully enacted with passion that you will just love it.
The British actors Paul Blackthorne and Rachel Shelly are sincere and have done a great job, Rachel looks gorgeous in some of the indian dresses and the red gown which she wears in the song.The scene in which she proposes to Aamir looks so realistic that you feel for her.
Amitabh Bachchan's background voiceover is definately one of the assets in the movie. Rahman's music is inspiring, All the songs in the movie are cool – 'Ghanan Ghanan', 'Radha Kaise Na Jale' and 'Maine Pyar Tujhi Se Hain Kiya','Chale Chalo' – have a mesmerising effect on the viewer and the placement of the songs is also perfect. Even the background score is fabulously orchestrated by the genius.
As a Director Ashutosh has given us a movie which we should be proud of and sure are, he has excelled in every department of movie making, kudos to him.
But Lagaan belongs to Aamir all the way, if it wasn't for him and his dedication it would not have been possible, he has given his best performance to date and the movie will surely go down in history as one of the best movies ever made. Go For It
Some of the word used in this review are of a good friend of mine' Taran Adarsh', He was so perfect in describing this movie that I couldn't help but fit those words in my Review.
