Bhuvan - the Young Farmer Who Is Tired of British Oppression

Lagaan (2001)

Bollywood:

Cinema produced in India which now has the largest number of films produced annually of anyplace in the world, 800 films a year. It is nicknamed Bollywood because it was originally based in Bombay (Mumbai). Typical of Bollywood are musical sequences which intersperse the movie, as well as sometimes over-dramatized performances, creating a soap opera appeal. Lots of dancing as well as bright colors and costume changes typify these productions. Lagaan has many of these elements but it not as “Bollywood” as they come.

Story Synopsis:
Bhuvan hails from a village called Champaner, somewhere in the interiors of India (Gujarat). Set in 1893 during the British rule under Queen Victoria, the village is facing a drought. It hasn't rained in three years. Their king who shares a working relationship with the Britishers, who is led by Capt Russell in their cantonment. One day, playing a political game with the traditionally Hindu, vegetarian king, Russell demands he eat meat or have his kingdom cough up twice the lagaan or tax. The king refuses and the prospect of paying twice the tax seems daunting to the poor villagers. The villagers of Champaner approach their king, who in turn explains to them that the lagaan cannot be waived this year. But Russell 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 Brits and beat them at their own game, so to speak A love story, yes. A story about cricket, yes. A musical, in part. A foreign film, yes but there are English subtitles. Enjoy!

Characters:

Bhuvan - the young farmer who is tired of British oppression

Gauri- the young woman who longs for his heart.

Elizabeth- the British sister of Captain Russell who teaches the villagers cricket

Captain Russell- the local British authority

Read Other Reviews:

http://www.asiangigs.com/lagaanrev.htm

http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/lagaan/

As you are watching this, think about:

What is the setting/ geography of the film?

What is the role of the British in the 1890’s in India?

How does religion play a role? (diet, Muslims, Hindus…)

How is the cinematography different in this film than in American produced movies?

Did the ending surprise you? Why or why not?

Write a 2 page movie review

Due before the end of the trial.