Lagaan Movie Review

My first impression of Lagaan was that it was just another gaudy sports movie like the many that litter Hollywood (American) cinema. Further into the movie, however, I realized that it is more than a flashy sports film but one with several layers of meaning. First and foremost, it is the embodiment of India’s victory over it’s oppressors. It also addresses a major social divide that continues even to today. Several elements in the film come together to make it the critically acclaimed movie that it is. These elements include the morals of the movie as well as the universally enjoyed game of cricket and an incorporation of dual cultures that allows a broad base of audiences to understand the film.

The extended title of the movie is “Lagaan: Once upon a time in India” because it is the historical re-telling of what life was probably like in rural India during British rule. India had a delicate relationship with the British colonizers of the time. Although they received some benefits from the collaboration, they also lost their sense of national identity, which as we know is a big deal for the Indian psyche. The film Lagaan reinterprets India’s loss of power to Britain to be not quite as devastating saying that there are still small instances of Indian triumph all over the nation. Bhuvan is just one example of this. India is represented as a strong, noble country that maintains it’s dignity even during this time of weakness. Lagaan just further build up Indian national pride, which is always a great way for films to gain popularity with Indian audiences!

One of the reasons Lagaan has such a deep-seated impact on viewers is because of the sensitive social issues that are addressed. Caste is one of the more surprising issues because the subject is hardly dealt with in Hindi films. In Hindu culture the higher castes ostracize the lowest class of the Hindu order known as the dalits or the “untouchables”. This is a norm that no one dare disputes since it is part of religious dharma. What that means for the untouchables, however, is a tragic life in which they are not allowed to participate in various events. Lagaan addresses this controversial topic and makes the stand that untouchables are people like anyone else thus deserve to be treated as equals. What the producers have chosen to do here is a risky move with Indian audiences but ultimately heralded all the recognition Lagaan has received. Addressing caste is a small but positive step in social justice that will hopefully broaden the minds of Indian people. Of course, there are problems with the way untouchables are incorporated into society in the film. For example, Bhuvan only tolerates Kachra because he brings a valuable skill to the cricket team and only within the confines of the team is Kachra really accepted. Not to mention that Kachra really is not benefiting from the services he is giving the team, he will return to untouchable status and be mistreated once again as soon as the match is over. Nonetheless, we see at least some positive regard of untouchables that will hopefully spark further human rights for the group.

Lagaan has racked up an impressive collection of awards and honors. I believe the reason it has been so successful internationally is because it encompasses the immense popularity of cricket and is relatable to audiences foreign to Indian culture. Cricket is not only the lifeblood of India but an obsession among countries with a history of British colonialism. The mention of cricket insights passion and excitement in people across the globe. It makes sense that a movie featuring a cricket match that makes up half of the movie would be popular. The cricket match allows for several filmic conventions that generally hook audiences immediately, namely the good versus evil scenario. The viewer immediately sympathizes with the underdog and becomes enthralled in the film, hoping the underdog wins. The cricket match also provides a platform for India to battle Britain and come out victorious. Lagaan also has European culture and characters added to the mix which allows people outside the Indian sphere to recognize aspects of the movie and relate to it. Even if European culture is ridiculed in the movie, at least it serves as a familiar base for people to understand the meaning of Lagaan through.

Overall, I enjoyed the movie. I think it has a great message and conveys it artfully and effectively. I also really like the songs; they’re quite catchy. The fact that Aamir Khan stars in it does not hurt either, he’s a great actor. Lagaan deserves the honors it has received and will hopefully spark social movements that advocate tolerance throughout India.