As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but express my unwavering appreciation for the cinematic masterpiece that is Lagaan. Its captivating climax cricket match continues to resonate deeply within me, long after the final credits have faded away. Each scene, graced by a stellar cast and the heartfelt cheers of the villagers, leaves an indelible mark on my memory.
However, there’s a fascinating aspect about this film that many might not be aware of: the herculean task of managing the village crew behind the scenes was no walk in the park. In a riveting interview, CA Bimal Parekh revealed an intriguing tidbit – the locals were novices when it came to movies and initially harbored doubts about the filmmakers, particularly regarding their compensation.
Why were villagers hesitant to be part of Lagaan
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter India, Bimal Parekh, a certified accountant, witnessed the chaos on set when the team worked with around 10,000 extras. He labeled the day as exceptionally hectic, stating that the strategy was to hand out cash payments to everyone right away.
Yet, a hurdle presented itself: as the villagers lacked prior experience with a film crew, they found it difficult to trust the entire venture. Parekh observed that the villagers flatly rejected checks and demanded cash transactions instead.
This situation sparked worries that some people might attempt to rejoin the line multiple times to get additional funds. At first, they contemplated using ink to mark the fingers of those who had already received payment, much like how it’s done during voting. However, they were apprehensive about fraudsters also getting inked and claiming money unjustly, which could make the entire process extremely complicated.
To tackle this situation, they designed a system where group heads were assigned, responsible for gathering between 200 and 400 individuals. These leaders were identifiable, compensated directly, and then they would distribute the funds among their groups. Parekh added that each participant received Rs 100 as an additional payment and was given food on the day of filming.
About Lagaan
The movie titled “Lagaan,” helmed by Ashutosh Gowariker and co-produced by Aamir Khan, is a highly praised Indian sports drama that unfolds under the backdrop of British colonial administration.
The narrative centers around a band of locals who struggle under heavy taxation (heavy taxes). In an attempt to defy these burdens, the villagers propose a game of cricket against the British authorities, with the stipulation that if they triumph, their taxes will be forgiven. Consequently, they must familiarize themselves with this alien sport and unite as a cohesive team.
Under Bhuvan’s leadership, portrayed by Aamir Khan, the villagers embarked on an arduous challenge with fervor, solidarity, and resolve. The film Lagaan was a significant hit, both critically and commercially, garnering a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards and becoming one of India’s most revered and motivational cinematic works.
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2025-05-21 15:09