LAGAAN (2001)

Starring: Aamir Khan, Gracie Singh, Rachel Shelly
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
Duration: 225 minutes
Released: Columbia Tristar

RADIOSARGAM.COM DVD RATING:
*****

MOVIE STORY:
One of Bollywood's rare period dramas, 'Laagan' ('Tax') is set in a remote Indian village during the late 1800s. Many of the locals are hard working farmers, whose earnings have been considerably cut due to lack of rain during the monsoon period. To make matters worse, their cruel British ruler Captain Russell (Paul Blackthorn) announces that he is doubling their tax for the year. Unable to cope, the villagers plead with him to change his mind. In turn, he offers them a challenge: to learn the game of cricket and play against the British. If they win, he will waive the tax for the next three years, if they lose they will have to pay their tax threefold.

MOVIE BACKGROUND:
A long-awaited, hotly anticipated epic, 'Lagaan' has not only met sky-high expectations but exceeded them as well. Despite it lengthy three and a half hour running time, it grips throughout - with the performances simply outstanding. Producer and star Aamir Khan gives the best turn of career to date, making headstrong farmer-turned-cricket captain Bhuvan immensely likable, while newcomer Gracie Singh delivers an exceptional debut performance as his loyal girlfriend, Gauri. AR Rahman's outstanding score also perfectly compliments the film, which boasts a slew of expertly choreographed dance scenes. A captivating, enchanting movie, bursting with humour and emotion, 'Lagaan' isn't just a good Bollywood film, it's a great movie full stop. It has even been nominated for an Oscar at this year's awards!

DVD FEATURES:
Movie (with subtitle options in English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese and Thai - including songs)
Chapters
Songs
Dolby Digital 5.1 / Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround
2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Deleted Scene
Filmographies
Production Notes
Web Links

DVD kindly supplied to Radio Sargam by www.bollywooddvd.co.uk - the UK's first specialised online Hindi DVD store.

[Please note features may vary from country to country. This DVD is region 1 encoded and you must have either a region 1 DVD player or a multi region player - Region 2 DVD expected March 2002]