Lagaan

Lagaan (transl. Agricultural tax), released internationally as Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India, is a 2001 Indian Hindi-language epic musical sports film written and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. The film is produced by Aamir Khan who stars alongside debutant Gracy Singh while British actors Rachel Shelley and Paul Blackthorne play supporting roles. Made on a then-unprecedented budget of ₹250 million[2] (US$5.32 million),[3] the film was the maiden project from Aamir Khan Productions and was shot in villages near Bhuj.[4]

The film is set in 1893, during the late Victorian period of India’s colonial British Raj. The story revolves around a small village in Central India, whose inhabitants, burdened by high taxes, and several years of drought, find themselves in an extraordinary situation as an arrogant British army officer challenges them to a game of cricket, as a wager to avoid paying the taxes they owe. The narrative spins around this situation as the villagers face the arduous task of learning a game that is alien to them and playing for a result that will change their village’s destiny.

Lagaan released on 15 June 2001, clashing with Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. Lagaan received widespread critical acclaim and awards at international film festivals, as well as many Indian film awards. It became the third Indian film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film after Mother India (1957) and Salaam Bombay! (1988).

In 1893, the villagers of Champaner await meeting their Raja outside the British cantonment grounds. They want to ask for an exemption from tax (lagaan) but the Raja is busy watching the British play a match of cricket. A young farmer named Bhuvan incites laughter by mocking the game. This is overheard by the sadistic company captain, Andrew Russell, who feels slighted. He challenges Bhuvan to a game of cricket in return for cancelling their tax for three years, a bet that Bhuvan accepts.

Despite protests from the village, Bhuvan gathers a few who support him, and together, they crouch outside the cantonment grounds trying to understand the game. Elizabeth, Captain Russell’s visiting younger sister, approaches them, offering to help. She wants to teach them the game so that the match is played fairly. Bhuvan is delighted, and the group starts meeting Elizabeth at grounds outside the village to learn the game. Word spreads in the village and others are inspired to join Bhuvan’s team.