LAGAAN 1/2
Typically crude but weirdly enjoyable Indian period musical.
In Hindi and English, with English subtitles. Running time: 223 minutes. Not rated (nothing objectional). At Film Forum, Houston Street, west of Sixth Avenue.
FILMGOERS not used to popular Indian movies may find it hard to believe that “Lagaan” comes out of the same cinematic culture as “Bandit Queen” and “Monsoon Wedding.”
Indeed, if you’ve never seen a “masala” musical, you may find “Lagaan” hilariously bad.
Cartoony acting, dreadful dialogue, obvious dubbing, and meandering but ultrapredictable plots are simply part of the Bollywood package, along with six musical numbers and a bizarre mixture of romance, comedy and melodrama.
And while “Lagaan” is gorgeously photographed, in every other way it’s so lacking in subtlety it could be the product of 12-year-olds.
Set in Victorian India, it’s about a thrilling cricket match that will determine whether the poor but courageous people of Champaner will have to pay triple “lagaan” (tax) to the British authorities, or none at all.
The villagers are led by Bhuvan (Aamir Khan), who is loved by both the lovely Ghauri (Gracy Singh) and Elizabeth (Rachel Shelley), sister of the villainous British Capt. Russell (Paul Blackthorne).
Its stereotypes occasionally make “Lagaan” feel like a Chinese Maoist propaganda opera. But if you can swallow its absurdities and crudities Lagaan really is enormously good fun.