Cinema: Lagaan

AFTER WEEKS of anticipation, days of exhilaration are here. After days of anxiety, here are a few moments - well, actually 224 minutes - of fulfilment.

For all those who equated the film in the run-up to its release with ``Do Bigha Zameen'' and ``Mother India'', here is another thought coming. And a delightful one at that. And for cricket buffs who have never had a chance to watch a cricket match on 70 mm silver screen here is an opportunity unlike any other. From a no-ball to an lbw, to a hit-wicket and run-out, besides, of course, the boundaries and nimbly run singles, ``Lagaan'' packs it all in with a punch.

It is only incidentally a nudge into the lap of history. Actually, it is throbbing with a touch of the contemporary and aims to make the best possible use of three factors which guide our nation - cricket, patriotism and romance. All these woven to tuneful music.

It starts off as a tale of Champaner, a village in Central India in the year 1893. The village has had a drought the previous year and is faced with starvation when the British decide to impose double tax - `lagaan'. Distraught, the locals plead for concession. To no avail. Until the headstrong Captain Russell challenges them to a battle without bloodshed - a cricket match which can have only one loser. If the locals win it, they won't have to pay tax for the next three years. But if they lose, they will have to pay triple the amount. Bhuvan - played by Aamir Khan - takes up the gauntlet and goes about rallying the reticent villagers. This is what ``Lagaan'' is all about - a paper thin plot, absolutely non-existent script but still a spirited entertainer which keeps smiles on the face of the viewers all the way.

The locals prepare for the match in earnest. And as they set about achieving their task on D-day, the chances of their losing the life and death match hold as much water as the drought playing a trick with the desert. Yet, the viewer is sucked into the play. And remains glued to the proceedings till the final predictable winning run is hit. No suspense. Little action. Just a walk across 22 yards of accomplishment, cricketing glory and cinematic enjoyment.

``Lagaan'' has a surprise packet, though. It comes in the form of shapely Gracy Singh who makes a fine debut. And if the latter part of her career is as good, she can be sure of a long innings.

ZIYA US SALAM

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