Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India

Jun 15 2001 PG 3h 44m
Adventure, Drama, Musical

In 1890s India, an arrogant British commander challenges the harshly taxed residents of Champaner to a high-stakes cricket match.

Plot

This is the story about the resilience shown by the Indians when they were under the British Rule. They are already taxed to the bone by the British and their cronies, but when Jack Russell announces that he will double the Lagaan (tax) from all villagers, they decide to oppose it. Leading the villagers is a handsome young man named Bhuvan, who challenges them to a game of cricket, a game that is to be played by veteran British cricket players, versus villagers, including Bhuvan himself, who have never played this game before, and do not even know a bat from a piece of wood. As the challenge is accepted, the interest grows and attracts Indians from all over the region, as well as the British from all over the country - as everyone gathers to see the 'fair play' that the British will display against their counter-parts, who are aided by none other than the sister, Elizabeth, of Captain Rusell.

Written by

Ashutosh Gowariker, Kumar Dave, Sanjay Dayma

Directed by

Ashutosh Gowariker

Production Countries

India

Production Companies

Ashutosh Gowariker Productions, Jhamu Sughand Productions, Aamir Khan Productions

Languages

English

Awards

Nominated for 1 Oscar. 54 wins & 22 nominations total

Scores
# of Votes
123,341
Average Rating
8.1 out of 10
Metascore
84
Popularity
NA