'Lagaan' which literally mean Tax (in the form of grains) is a story of ordinary people set in a small village 'Champaner' in Central India during the British rule in 1893. The tale narrates the determination of the villagers to fight against injustice and opposition.

The story goes like this...There is no rain in the village since a year. The villagers who depend on rain for farming are unable to pay the lagaan to the ruler Captain Russel. On top of that they are asked to pay dugna lagaan (two taxes). Captain Russell gives an alternative to the villagers that if they defeat the British in a game of cricket, they will be exempted from tax for three consecutive years but if they loose they will have to pay three times more lagaan. It becomes a life or death situation for the villagers.

Bhuvan (Aamir Khan) a young farmer takes up the impossible task to save his village. He forms a team of 11 with his fellowmen. Elizabeth (Rachel Shelly) Captain Russell's sister who has a soft corner for Bhuvan gives her full support to the villagers cause despite her brother's opposition. Gauri, a village girl loves Bhuvan and has complete faith in him.

The music in this film composed by A.R.Rehman is radically different from other films, it transports us back to the days of the British Raj and giving a right feel of the time. The lyricist and singers have also contributed to the earthy feel and rural touch of the music. Aamir Khan as Bhuvan gives a convincing performance as always. Gracy Singh, has merged with the character of Gauri as a lively and charming village belle. British actors ; Paul Blackthorne (Russel) and Rachel Shelley (Elizabeth) both stage artists from Britain and other Indian actors Yashpal Sharma, Raghubir Yadav, Rajesh Vivek, Aditya Lakhia, Amin Hajee have all put in their best.

'Lagaan' shot in and around the Kutch of Bhuj in Gujarat (where the disastrous earth quake took place recently) is Aamir Khan's first production. It is commendable that he has made extensive research, even filmed period pieces in the U.K to give a feel of authenticity to the film. Around 40 British actors have played the role of Englishmen and officers.

The cricket sequences have also been taken very well and the only drawback you can point out is its length which is a full 3 hours 40 minutes.