Lagaan

In Victorian England, a drought-stricken village puts everything on the line in a cricket match against British troops, the stakes being a triple-or-nothing bet on their annual lagaan (property tax). It seems impossible that an epic four-hour Indian musical about a cricket game could be this good, but it is (then again, of course, it’s not just about cricket). Director Ashutosh Gowariker (who co-wrote with Kumar Dave, Sanjay Dayma and K.P. Saxena) juggles dozens of characters with ease, and the film brims with vitality. The only shortcomings are the cardboard British villains and an awkward narration that takes over the final minutes; otherwise, it’s a joy. Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh as young village lovers head an excellent cast. The wonderful songs are by A.R. Rahman and Javed Akhtar.