Common Sense Media Review
By Sakhi Thirani
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Colonial India sports drama has racism, prejudice, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
LAGAAN: ONCE UPON A TIME IN INDIA takes place during British colonial rule in India in 1893, where an egotistical and arrogant British commander, Captain Russell (Paul Blackthorne), challenges an ordinary Indian farmer, Bhuvan (Aamir Khan), to a game of cricket. But this is no ordinary game. If Bhuvan and his inexperienced team win, then the extremely high and unfair taxes that have been placed on their village will be abolished.
Is It Any Good?
This thrilling sports drama is an unforgettable classic gem in Indian cinema. In Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India, director Ashutosh Gowariker superbly brings together Khan's mesmeric turn as Bhuvan, a simple farmer turned hero, with A. R. Rahman's magical tunes and Javed Akhtar's heartwarming lyrics. Deviating starkly from Bollywood's usual production of romantic dramas that reigned dominant during the 2000s, this period piece is a landmark film in Indian cinema that captivates with epic storytelling, electric dialogue, and intense action. The film is predominately male led and it's a shame the few female characters are reduced to either romantic interests or mothers, sisters, and daughters. They exist only in their relationship to men in the world of the film. But in an elaborate catalog of competing masculinities, the men are at least varied and layered. The film also deserves kudos for dealing with and actively condemning themes of racism and casteism.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India's messages of courage, perseverance, and teamwork. Why are they such important character strengths to have? Can you think of times you've demonstrated these traits?
Talk about the racism and prejudice seen in the movie. The movie is set during Britain's colonial rule of India. What do you know about this period? Why is it important to look back on the past? What can we learn from it?
Talk about the film's violence. How did it make you feel? Did it add to the story? Do some types of media violence have different impact than others?
Discuss the female characters in the film. What roles did they tend to take? Did you find it problematic? How can I find positive gender representations in movies and on TV?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 15, 2001
- On DVD or streaming: January 22, 2002
- Cast: Aamir Khan , Paul Blackthorne , Gracy Singh
- Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
- Inclusion Information: Indian/South Asian actors, Female actors
- Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts , History , Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time: 224 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: language and some violence
- Last updated: October 19, 2023
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