|
Movie review: Lagaan
Cast: Amir Khan, Gracy Singh, Paul Blackthorne, Rachel Shelley
Direction: Ashutosh Gowariker
Music: A.R. Rahman
Lagaan is a period film set in 1893. The story takes place in a hamlet, Champanar, where the villagers are eagerly awaiting the monsoons failing which they have to face a famine. The local raja compounds the problem by announcing that farmers have to pay double tax that year.
A group of unlikely heroes, led by Bhuvan (Aamir Khan), Elizabeth (Rachel Shelley), a beautiful English girl, and Gauri (Gracy Singh), a perky village girl, begin a silent battle in which faith and courage take on arrogance and ruthlessness.
The highlight of the film is the cricket match, which dominates the second half and keeps the viewer on tenterhooks till the end.
The director has exhibited remarkable determination and grit in attempting a film of this magnitude. The cinematography (Anil Mehtha), music (A.R. Rahman), dialogues (K.P. Saxena) and performances have amply contributed to the film’s success.
Director Ashutosh Gowariker has paid attention to minute details and handled the theme beautifully. Rahman's music is inspiring and at least three numbers - Ghanan Ghanan, Radha Kaise Na Jale and Maine Pyar Tujhi Se Hain Kiya - have a mesmerising effect on the viewer.
Aamir Khan steals the show and gets ample scope to display histrionics especially in the cricket match sequence. Debutant Gracy Singh surprises with an amazing performance and great dancing.
The film has its flaws – it disappoints an audience, which expects an open confrontation between the villagers and the British Raj. The ‘fight’ takes place but on a cricket ground. The film is too lengthy (3 hours and 40 minutes) while the language used by the villagers (Avadhi) is largely incomprehensible.
Lagaan is a fitting example of good cinema. Hyped films rarely live up to their expectations by Lagaan is an exception. It not only fulfils expectations but also stands out in an industry where filmmaking has almost become a cliché. © HindiSong.com 2001
|
Songs
|
|
|