The year is 1893.

Champaner.

A small village in
the heart of India.

The people of Champaner
depended on agriculture ...

... like those in
thousands of villages.

A British cantonment
bordered the village.

Two miles south, beyond
the cantonment, was the fort ...

... of the Rajah
of this province.

The British protected the Rajah's
domain from neighbouring attacks.

They also promised the other Rajahs
protection from this Rajah.

Thanks to this double-dealing,
the British ...

... collected a tax from the Rajahs ...

... paid by every farmer
in the country.

Lagaan:

The submission of a portion
of the farmer's harvest ...

... to the Rajah as tax.

"Every Rajah collected" lagaan "from"
villages under his rule.

The Rajah would keep one share ...

... and give the rest to the British.

In this way, the British fist
grew iron strong.

Like thousands of villages
across the country ...

... the farmers of Champaner
toiled on empty bellies ...

... and paid taxes to the Rajah
every year.

Last year it rained,
but very little.

And this year, there has been
no rain so far.

Dry eyes ...

... scan the sky.

You're there again!
What are you looking at, Mother?

Just wondering when the sky
will darken with clouds.

How I long for the rains.

A month of rainy season gone by
and not a drop of rain.

Coming, coming.

By God's grace,
at least we have drinking water.

Or we'd be parched to the bone.

- Such are his ways.
- Yes, Mother.

The fields are parched.
How will the grains ripen?

Don't lose heart, Hari "Bhai."

We'll dig into the earth.

We'll tear up the earth for water.

It's what I told Bhuvan.

Where is he?

He went out in the morning.

It's time to eat.
Send him home if you see him.

Yes, Mother.

You pests!
I'll wring your necks!

Oh, no!
The Great Chicken War again.

Goli, you moron!

See if I don't ram you
down a gun barrel!

Morons!
You think these are your own hens!

Go to hell, Bhura!

Come here, I'll show you.

- Wait right there!
- Come on!

- I'll put you in bed for days!
- How dare you hit my kids?

I'll hang them
and burn chilies under them.

Hassling my hens!
And you?!

You behave or else
I'll burn your slingshot!

- Is that so?
- Stop it now.

You two are worse
than cats and dogs.

But his boys are after my hens!

Stop acting like
they're being molested!

Your hens aren't getting married!

They're only kids.
Goli, control your kids.

Tell me, have you seen Bhuvan?

- No. You seen him, Bhura?
- No!

Why?

Left, right, left!

Scumbags!
Sons of jackals!

Strutting around in the heat!

You're all going back
to that little island ...

... whimpering!

May the mighty hands of Fate
ruin you!

Guran! Why bother
reading their fortune?

They won't even care.
Won't you read my fortune?

Tell me. Will I get the prince
of my dreams?

Why not?

If you truly love him,
then he'll give you ...

... your wedding bangle.
You'll be his bride.

- Really? You heard that, Jigni?
- Yes.

But ...

But ...
But what?

I see an obstacle.

What obstacle?
Tell me quickly.

Gauri!

Later.

Read my fortune.

What is it, "Kaka"?

- Was Guran telling your fortune?
- No.

- Yes.
- He's mad.

No clue about the present
and he babbles about the future!

No, Hari "Kaka."
He's not mad.

What about Durga "Bhabi"?

She was childless for nine years.
Then Guran said she'd have a son.

And wasn't Somu born?
What about--?

All right, all right.
That lunatic is not mad.

Now tell me.
Have you seen Bhuvan?

No, but I know where he will be.

Amazing!

So our little girl keeps tabs
on him?

Lakha, what is it to you?

I see! This concerns me
and I'm not to open my mouth?

Why don't you wear
wedding bangles for me?

- Lakha, what nonsense is this?!
- I really mean it.

You've grown old ...

... and Gauri here
doesn't care for me.

Here, look at this. Look.

- See how badly hurt I am.
- Hurt?

It's my father you need, not me.

- Father!
- What is it?

Lakha has a gash on his hand.

He seems to cut his hand
more than he cuts wood.

What can I do, lsar "Chacha"?!
I'm always wounding myself ...

... very badly.

"Kaka," I'll go fetch Bhuvan.

Listen, if you see him,
tell him Mother is waiting for him.

Yes, I'll tell him.

One.

Two.

Three.

Missed again.

Ram Singh!
Quick! From there.

Wesson, you go round.
Let's corner the blasted animal!

One ...

Drop the stone.

Finally. Got the darn creature.

Well done, "sahib."
Good shot.

Thank you, Ram Singh.

Now for something bigger.

Arrest him.

Sir, this dacoit
was hiding in the bushes ...

... with this stone.

He'd been distracting the deer.

Now I understand ...

... why I missed five times.

You, a protector of animals, eh?

He's a farmer from Champaner.

Well, you must be a very good runner.

Try saving this one.

Next time, I will shoot you.

Next time, you'll be the target.

Captain Russell!
Rajah Puran Singh ...

... is waiting for you.

Puran Singh!
What could he want now?

Bhuvan!

Why are you screaming
your head off?

I was looking for you.
I couldn't see you.

- Was I lying dead somewhere?
- How should I know?

God! What am I saying?

Why are you so angry?

Never mind.
What do you want?

- I've got something to tell you.
- What?

Sit down, won't you?

So tell me.

Guran read my fortune today.

What's the misfortune?

So mean!
I'm not telling you then.

All right, tell me.

Come on.

Guran said ...

... I'll put henna on my hands
this year.

I mean, get married.

Wow!

That's great news.

You'll be dancing with joy.
Who's the boy?

How would I know?

Guran didn't tell me that.

But one thing is certain:

The house I marry into will have ...

... a neem tree in the courtyard.

A big field beside the house ...

... two cows, a pair of oxen ...

... and three goats.

Guran said my home will be ...

... a little heaven.

How wonderful!
You're really lucky.

Lucky?
You call this lucky?

Heaven for a home.
What more do you want?

Lord knows what'll become of me.

Tell me one thing, Bhuvan.

- What kind of girl do you like?
- Me?

I will only like the girl
whom my mother likes.

- Whom Mother likes?
- Yes.

- Oh, God!
- What happened?

I came to tell you that ...

... Mother wants to see you.

Now you tell me!
After all this!

You sit here. I'm going.

Bhuvan, I'm sorry.

Rajahji.

How did your hunt go?

The British are the best
when it comes to hunting.

- The British Empire is the best, right?
- Absolutely.

- But I'm worried.
- About what?

When all the game is finished ...

... whom will your guns target next?

We're fortunate that you came
to visit us.

But I don't know the reason.

I've brought a request on behalf
of my subjects.

A request?

Morning, Eliza.

Your Highness, I present to you
my sister Elizabeth.

She just arrived from London.

Elizabeth, His Highness Puran Singh
Chawla of Champaner.

It is my good fortune to meet you.

- Rajahji, she doesn't know Hindi.
- Of course.

Charmed to meet you.

Pleased to meet you.

- Sir.
- At ease, Smith.

Rajahji.

Elizabeth, meet my deputy,
Lt. Patrick Smith.

- How do you do?
- Pleased to meet you.

Gentlemen.

Well, Rajahji, I am at your service.

For the last three years,
my people haven't worshipped ...

... at the Siddheshwar Temple.

They believe that ...

... worshipping there will end
the hardships they faced last year.

- But--
- But the temple is in the land ...

... ruled by Rajah Diler Singh,
your cousin and your enemy.

And your dear friend.

I'm sure if you speak to Diler Singh,
he won't say no.

No, thank you.
Hum shakahari hai.

I mean, vegetarian.

What do you think, Captain Russell?
Is it possible?

Well, he could be persuaded.

Your work might be done.

But on one condition.

There's one condition.

Condition?

Yes, tell me.

Eat the meat, Your Highness.

You eat this meat
and I'll talk to Diler Singh.

As I told you, I'm a vegetarian.

Hum shakahari hai.

Just one piece of meat.

You eat it and consider your job done.

Andrew.

Eat the meat.

How's my eating meat
connected to the temple?

It's not connected.

I just want to see you eating meat.

Captain Russell ...

... I cannot betray my religion ...

... in order to do my duty.

I'm sorry.

All right then.
You'll have to pay me double tax.

Double "lagaan"?

Look, Rajahji.

Last year, I agreed to cut the tax
by half at your request.

And delayed, at that.

You have to clear the arrears
this year.

So ...

- ... double "lagaan."
- Sir.

But it hasn't rained yet.

The British Raj does not bathe
in India's rains, Rajahji.

Rain or no rain,
I must maintain this cantonment.

The army costs money.

It has to be paid, fed and clothed ...

... for your protection.

How will the farmers pay?

Come on, Rajahji.
It's only double "lagaan."

And moreover ...

... you don't even eat meat.

Hey, Arjan!
What's Bagha so thrilled about?

- I don't know.
- Must be something special.

Hey, Bagha!
What are you beating that drum for?

Clouds!

Dark and dense

Dark and dense
Come the swirling clouds

Dark and dense
Roar the clouds

The thunder reverberates

How lethally does lightning flash

The clouds make my heart race

O black cloud
Pour down your rain

Wield not
Lightning's flashy sword

But instead
The arrows of raindrops

The clouds
Bring rain in their wake

Swirling darkly
The clouds come

My heart leaps and says.:

Dance with joy

Step out of the house

The clouds will rain down nectar

Gone are the days of hardship
Sing the melodies of the monsoon

Dark and dense
The swirling clouds

Dark and dense
Roar the spreading clouds

When joyous rain pours

Who then will be thirsty?

The cuckoo will sing
Perched on the parapet

The songbirds will sing

Of the new days
That are to come

Light shall smile at darkness

Love's rain
Will drench hearts and bodies

On the earth
A mirror of water

Wherever you go

You will see

This splendid sight

The earth here
Wears a rainbow-hued veil

Let's hang swings from trees
And swing high

O black cloud
Pour down rain

Wield not
Lightning's flashy sword

But instead
The arrows of raindrops

Now comes the intoxicating season

To spread a carpet of green

Bring along the season of rain

Anklets of lightning
Adorn her feet

The cloud is her veil

The season comes to bedeck
The bridal earth

Boughs wear
Bracelets of blossoms

Joy will now rain
Upon every courtyard

Now every bud will bloom

Every path will ring with laughter

The breeze makes the season balmy

Doused is the scorching heat
That burns body and soul

O black cloud
Pour down your rain

Wield not
Lightning's flashy sword

But instead
The arrows of raindrops

Dark and dense
The swirling clouds

Dark and dense
Roar the spreading clouds

The thunder reverberates

Oh, look!
How lethally does lightning flash

Oh, God!

We celebrated too soon.

Who knows what God
is punishing us for?

There'll be no rain this year too.

Bloody lunatic!
Lunatic!

- Always saying inauspicious things!
- Wretch!

Listen, villagers,
to this proclamation!

Orders of Rajah Puran Singh,
your liege and master.

This year you shall pay
twice the amount ...

... of wheat, rice and maize.

The double "lagaan"
will apply to the whole province.

- How can this be possible?
- This is tyranny!

Double "lagaan"!

Demon! Why don't you just
skin us alive?!

Our plight isn't hidden from the Rajah!
Even then, double "lagaan"!

What have we done wrong?
Why double "lagaan"?

We didn't pay on time last year.
And we paid only half.

"Abba," it was Rajahji who waived it
because it didn't rain.

Sweets one year and abuse the next.

We're being punished for it now!

Quiet, Lakha!

I won't hear one word
against our Rajahji.

He and his ancestors have protected us.

So? Was that any favour?

It is the duty of a tree to shelter.

All I want to know is ...

... for how long will we
fill his coffers?

Try and understand, Arjan.

This demand is the doing
of those damn white "sahibs"!

Whether we put it into
the right hand or the left ...

... it is still we who pay.

I say we all go to the palace
and talk to him.

He's seen these clouds too.

We'll say we cannot pay "lagaan."

Not a single grain.

What if Rajahji refuses
even after hearing us?

Then the fingers of my hand
will close into a fist.

Meaning? You'll fight?

- If it's necessary, then I will.
- Have you lost your mind?

If you offend Rajahji,
we'll all be ruined!

Is your life all joy
and comfort right now?

I won't let the whole village
come to harm!

What should we do?

Sell our homes?
Our cattle? Ourselves?

What justice is it
to demand double "lagaan"?

Pitch it up a bit.

Running!

Chief, there he is!

Where are you going?

Please. We must meet His Highness.
It is most urgent.

But the game is going on.

Sit here. You must wait
until the game is over.

All of you, sit down.

What are they playing?

God knows what these white guys
are playing.

It's quite like our game of
gilli-danda.

Why are they playing
a kid's game then?

Run it! Run it!

How's that?

Yardley!

Any clouds up there?

Great shot!

Wasn't that a wonderful shot?

You are not supposed to
touch the ball!

Bloody darkie!
Arrest him!

Long live Your Highness!

What are you all doing here?

Forgive us.

We came to see you,
not to see their stupid game.

We are desperate here
and now he hits Bhura!

- Captain Russell--
- I didn't hear what you just said.

Forgive them.

They've come to me with their problems.

The boy is an innocent anyway.

He's not so innocent.

It was you in the jungle, right?

All right.

We'll decide this after the game.

Leave him.

Come on, chaps.
Back to the game.

- We'll talk after the game.
- As you wish, Your Highness.

Well done, Smith.
Well done.

Enjoy the game?
It was a good one.

Long live Your Highness.

All right, Chief.
What is the matter?

As you are aware, Your Highness ...

... there have been no rains.

If we can live on ...

... what we have this year,
we may be able to get by.

Our liege lord.
We've come to make a plea.

Waive our "lagaan"
for this year, Lord.

Listen, Chief.

I fully understand
what you are all going through.

But my hands are tied as well.

These whites don't even spare
their own kin.

You will pay double "lagaan."

- We'll die of hunger.
- We'll starve.

- Any problem, Your Highness?
- Captain Russell ...

- ... they have come with a petition.
- And that is?

They want to be exempted
from paying "lagaan."

I told them it's not possible.

But it is possible.

How?

I will tell you.

All right.

I'll cancel the tax.

But there is a condition.

Condition?

What condition, sir?

You.

Come here.

What was that you said
about our game?

What did he say?

"A stupid game."

What do you know about this game?

We've played it since we were kids.

We call it "gilli-danda" and ...

- Who knows what you call it?
- Cricket!

So you're saying that
you can play cricket too?

Yes. It's easy.

All right.
I'll cancel the "lagaan."

But you must
defeat us in this game.

This is the condition:

You beat us at this game
and you won't have to pay "lagaan."

I'm serious.

You beat us in this game ...

... and I'll cancel your tax.

But ...

... if you lose ...

... you will have to pay triple tax.

That is, three times the "lagaan."

All right?
What do you think?

Do you accept?

Sir, I think the cat's got his tongue.

Quiet.

All right.
I will raise the stakes.

If you defeat us in this game ...

... I'll cancel not only ...

... this year's "lagaan,"
but next year's as well.

Agreed?

Bhuvan!
Don't you say anything!

- Don't say a word.
- Yes. Be silent.

All right.

I'll raise the stakes even higher.

Not just one year.

I'll cancel "lagaan"
for the next two years.

That means three years!

And not just for you,
but for the whole province.

Now do you accept?

He's digging a pit
to bury us in, Bhuvan.

- Chief, you speak up now.
- Yes, Chief, speak up.

- Sir--!?
- Shut up!

You.

Tell me.

Will you pay double "lagaan"?

Or do you accept the bet?

I accept the bet.

- Did he agree?
- Yes, he did.

All right.

So it's decided. The game will be played
after three months.

- This will kill us, Your Highness.
- We'll die.

This is unfair.

So is life.

No "lagaan" if you win.

But if we lose, we have to pay
three times the amount.

And Bhuvan here
agreed to this condition!

- What have you done?
- From double to triple!

We are ruined!

I told you we could
face a calamity, didn't I?

Was there any choice?

I ask you,
did we have a choice?

What else could we do?

Isn't double "lagaan" unjust?

Are we strong enough to pay it?
Tell me, can anyone here pay it?

This isn't a calamity.
It's an opportunity.

This is not bravado.

You have to get burnt
to save your home from fire.

I know.

I know we are weak.

But this way we have hope.

And I want to turn
this hope into reality.

This game is for
our fields and harvest.

Have you forgotten? If we win,
we'll be happy for three years.

Just think.

No "lagaan" for three years.

You know what that means?

It means our grain will be ours.
Only ours.

Not a grain to be given.

The welfare of our children,
our entire village, is in this.

Our sweat will run
as blood in our veins.

Marvellous!

Such small eyes
dreaming such big dreams.

Yes, Arjan, I have a dream.

And only those who dream
can make them come true.

lsar "Kaka," three months is time enough.

We can defeat them.

A whole year of hitting with a stick
won't teach you ...

... this game!

I know this isn't easy, Lakha.

But, Chief,
it's not impossible either.

I need your support.

Nobody in this village
will support you in this madness!

- But Ismail--
- Enough.

We've only one hope.

We'll all go to Rajahji once again
and beg him to save us.

What are you thinking, Mother?

About what happened today, son.

I swear on you, Mother!
I did what was right.

I feel rage when we pay "lagaan"
to the Rajah.

And he gives it
to those filthy whites.

You tell me, Mother.

Who ploughs the earth
to sow the seeds? We do.

Who waters it?
We do.

So why should we fill their coffers?

The white "sahib" said that "lagaan"
may be cancelled for three years.

How could I remain silent, Mother?

You tell me.

Should I have stayed silent?

What are you looking at, Mother?

You talk just like your father.

He was just as spirited.
Always spoke the truth.

Go and sleep now.

Don't let this burden you.

Gauri?
What are you doing here?

I came to see you.

To tell you ...

... that I am with you.

I have faith ...

... in you and in your courage.

That's all I came to say.

Bhuvan "Bhaiyya." I lost my "gilli."
Make me another.

What's this?

I'll tell you.

Who knows what'll happen?

It's not at all difficult, Tipu.

They play it wearing pants
and call it "kirkut."

We wear loincloths and call it
"gilli-danda." Get it?

Our fathers and grandfathers
played "gilli-danda."

Go over there.

Back. Further back.

A little more. Stop.

Now catch the ball.

Catch it properly, Tipu!

Toss it to me. I'll show you.

See that?

It's very easy.
Why, even you can learn it!

This game is just like "gilli-danda."

Catch.

Very good!

What a catch!

Well done, Tipu.
Isn't it easy?

Now throw the ball.
I'll show you how to hit it.

Throw.

Wow!
That's some throw!

You throw well, Tipu!

Gauri.
Throw it here.

Hey, Gauri!

What are you doing?
Go heat the water.

Here, Tipu.

Now watch me this time.
It's very easy.

Damn!
The stick slipped.

My hands are sweaty.

This should do the trick.

Okay, Tipu, throw.

And don't feel bad.

This time I'll whack it.

"I'll whack it."

Wow!

Hey, Bagha!
Throw the ball.

- May I say something, Father?
- What?

I feel Bhuvan is doing
the right thing.

All right.
Go see if the water's boiling.

That's it, Bagha.
Hit it hard.

Well done, Bagha!

Bhuvan, like Bagha,
I am also with you.

Who are they, Father?

Ramprasad and Namdeo.
Chiefs of Tanipura and Bhind.

But with so many people ...

- Who is Bhuvan?
- Bhuvan?

There he is.

There he is!

Stop, Ramprasad!

- Respect the code of honour!
- I've no quarrel with your village.

We've come to teach Bhuvan a lesson!

Why should we suffer
for what he's done?

You bigmouth!
Who are you to decide for us?

- I've done what is good for us.
- To hell with your good!

You must beg for forgiveness
from the "sahib"!

As for your game,
to hell with that!

No? You are asking for trouble!

Be calm, Ramprasad!
It'll be as you say.

- But, Chief--
- Enough!

No more buts!

We must go to our Rajahji.

The issue is not about the temple,
"lagaan" or the game.

But of British honour.

And Captain Russell's ego.

Talk to the white "sahib" once more,
Your Highness.

Forgive him, Your Highness.
He is na�ve.

- He got carried away.
- It doesn't matter what he is.

He has challenged the British
on your behalf.

He is ready to beg for forgiveness.
All of us are.

I'll agree to 100 whiplashes.

- But I won't beg for forgiveness.
- What?!

It's too late for forgiving.

You must pay for what you have done.

So what shall we do then?

I suggest you learn their game.

Why are all these other guys
standing in the field?

Like in "gilli-danda,"
to catch the "gilli." I mean, the ball.

How's that?!

That is out, sir.

Why does he point his finger
at the sky?

I'm trying to understand.

He's thinking of his mother.
She's sitting up there, right?

Bowl it on the offside!

Excuse me.
I'll just take a walk.

Quiet.

This bug's after me.

Quiet!

Quiet. The white lady is coming here.

Damn, it's got in!

Oh, no! It'll kill me!

Miss? What happened?
These darkies bothering you?

It's okay. They're farmers.
I know them.

Thank you.
Carry on your game.

I know what you were doing.

You were trying to learn the game.

No, "memsahib." We're only
trying to learn the game.

Oh, I thought you were
trying to learn the game.

What's she saying, Bhuvan "Bhaiyya"?

I think she's telling us to go.

- All right, we're going.
- No.

Wait.

Ram Singh!

Yes, "memsahib."
What can I do?

Tell them that I would like
to help them learn the game.

Yes, "memsahib."

"Memsahib" says she'll help you
understand--

"Memsahib," just a minute.

If Russell "sahib--"?
Russell "sahib" will get angry.

- Ram Singh, can I trust you?
- Of course, "memsahib."

No one should know about this.

All right, "memsahib."

No one will know.

"Memsahib" says she wants to help you
understand the game.

Really?

But why?
After all, she's white too.

The man wants to know ...

... why you want to do this
as you too are British.

Tell him I know what happened is unfair
and I want to ...

... give them a fair chance.

"Memsahib" knows injustice
has been done.

That's why she wants to give you
an equal chance.

We are pleased to accept.
Thank you.

He's happy to have your help
and thanks you.

- Good.
- Wonderful!

Tell him I'll meet him tomorrow.

Same time, but not here.

And not in their village.

Some other place?

She'll see you tomorrow,
same time. But not here.

Nor in the village.
Have you any other place?

I got it.

Behind the hill near the village.

You can meet him next to the hill,
near the village.

- I know the place.
- All right.

What's his name?

"Memsahib" wants to know your names.

He's Guran. That's Bagha.
This is Tipu.

And I am Bhuvan.

No, no. Bhuvan.

That one came out right!

- My name is Elizabeth.
"-Memsahib"'s name is Elizabeth.

Ali ... and what?

My God! I'll twist my tongue
saying that!

It's a nice name.
Whatever it may be.

"Memsahib," we're leaving.
Namaste.

Come on.

He'll never agree, Bhuvan.

Father.

He will.

- Greetings, "Bhabi."
- How are you?

What are you up to, you imp?

- Have you eaten, Goli?
- Yes.

I didn't see you all day.

I was busy preparing for the game.

How's your game coming along?

It's just the beginning.
We're learning.

Do you know everyone
is making fun of you?

They say you've got fine players.

Bagha and Guran. One knows
only how to beat the drum.

The other keeps staring
like a madman.

Oh, no!

- It's the others who say this.
- Really?

We also have a white lady with us.
She teaches us the game.

A white lady?

- Stop lying.
- Why don't you ask them?

Is this true, Gauri?

Yes. There is some white lady.

You're really going to play?

Is there a choice?

I don't have so much land like you
that I can sell off a bit.

What do you mean? Why should I
sell my land? I'm not selling.

Then is your grandmother
going to pay the "lagaan"?

Well, I'd better be off.

Hey, Bhuvan.

- Could I be of any use?
- No, but your buffalo might be!

- You're the most useful to us of all.
- How's that?

You throw the ball the way
you swing your slingshot.

What deadly aim you have!

Slingshot ...

Then we won't have to pay "lagaan"?

Yes, Goli.

We'll never go hungry.

Will our dream come true?

No, Bhuvan. It hurts too much
to dream like that.

Have faith, Goli.

He who has faith and courage
in his heart shall win in the end.

Beautifully said!

Every saint

And seer has said

He who has truth and courage

In his heart

It is he

Who wins in the end

Come on, come on

However long the path may be

This body of yours
Shall not grow weary

Come on

Hear the call of the road

Let not the road
Remain waiting for you

You come along

You are the king of this earth

Know this for sure

Go forth
And meet hardship head on

Don't ever accept defeat

Listen, my friend

What is this fear you have?

This earth is ours

So is the sky

Listen, my friend

What is this fear you have?

You come along

Hear me, my friend

What's in your heart

Is in my heart too

The dream you have

Is also my dream in life

Yes, we go on

Our eyes lit with hope

May this light of our hope

Never go out

May never a storm

Put out this light

Listen, my friend

What is this fear you have

This earth is ours

So is the sky

Listen, my friend

This balmy easterly breeze

Will cast its intoxicating spell

If we call out in unison

The season of flowers

Will also come

Happy days shall be here again

With no trace of sorrow

Let's together create

A festival of joyous colour

Tell me why you stay

Aloof this way

Listen, my friend

What is this fear you have?

This earth is ours

So is the sky

Every saint

And seer has said

He who has truth and courage

In his heart

It is he

Who wins in the end

That lady is not here yet.

- I'm here.
- We're waiting for the white lady.

Not a girl but a lady!

There she is, Bhuvan "Bhaiyya"!

Tell me something.

Why did that witch agree to help you?

She took a fancy
to Bhuvan "Bhaiyya."

Is that so?

Cheeky brat!

Namaste.

Who are they?

Wow!
You learned our language very fast.

Ram Singh taught me.
Who are they?

You know Tipu, Bagha and Guran.

This is Goli. He's lsar "Kaka."
And this is Gauri.

Gauri.

We'll meet again.

"Memsahib," that was wrong.

You should say,
"I'm glad to meet you."

Gosh!

I'm sorry.

I'm glad to meet you.

We're glad to meet you too.

- What do you know about the game?
- What?

"Memsahib" wants to know
what you know about the game.

Lots!

There are six sticks.
Three on either side.

Two fellows stand with planks
before the sticks.

One runs near the sticks
and throws a ball.

The other hits the ball
with his plank.

And everyone runs
here and there.

One of them grabs the ball
and gives it back.

He throws the ball again
at the guy who twirls the plank.

This goes on all day.

Throw the ball, twirl the plank.
Throw and twirl. Right?

"Memsahib," I can't translate all that.

No need, Ram Singh.

I understood most of that.

He knows nothing.

This is what a cricket field looks like.

- This is the field.
- This is a cricket pitch.

The game is played on this strip.

There are three main aspects:
batting, bowling and fielding.

There are three aspects:
Wielding the bat ...

... throwing the ball
and guarding the field.

Even our great-uncles won't
understand this.

What did he say?

This language, even his
ancestors won't understand.

Better make it simpler.

Cricket is played by two teams,
say yours and the English.

Each team has 11 players.

Five batters, five bowlers
and one wicketkeeper.

Gauri.

Yes?

What happened?

- Nothing.
- Memsahib ...

... I think we should leave.
It's getting late.

This is enough for today.

- We'll begin with a little prayer.
- Hari Om.

Catch, Bagha.

Everyone, try catching the ball.
Don't let it drop.

Bhuvan, the white lady said
there must be 11 in a team.

We are only five.

Why five?
I'm here too.

Whatever the white lady can do,
so can I.

All right, Gauri.
We're six, not five.

You are doing it for your village,
I'm sure the others will too.

- If not, we'll drag them in anyway.
- Goli!

Catch the ball!

- Who threw this ball?
- Goli "Chacha" did?

Goli, you jackass!

I'm gonna get you today!

There they go again.

I'll crack you open like an egg!

Will you two stop your squabbling?

- lsar "Kaka," don't interfere!
- Stop it, you fools.

Gauri ...

... our sixth player.

Bhura!

Wow!

Did you see how a ball is caught,
lsar "Kaka"?

Amazing!
Like a bird diving for fish.

- Oh, so that's how it's done?
- Of course!

Bhura, show it to them once more.

Especially to Goli here.
He just doesn't know how to catch.

Everybody!
Go there and watch carefully.

Come on, Goli.

Ready, Bhura?

Watch carefully.

You see that?!

Brilliant, Bhura.
That was something.

But where did you learn that?

I'll tell you.

A ball travels in a straight line.
But hens run in a zigzag!

To catch hens,
you've got to be quick.

Like Bhura.

Bhura will teach us now.
Won't you?

I'll teach you, but ...

But what?

What about my hens?

Bhura, these hens of yours
are a real pain!

At ease, captain.

You know Major Cotton.
That is Major Warren.

Take a seat.

Now ...

... what is this we hear ...

... that you have agreed to cancel
the tax of the farmers ...

... if they beat you
in a game of cricket?

Is this true?

Yes, Colonel Boyer. It is.

What are you here for?
To play games?

Let me remind you that you are
working for Her Majesty, the Queen.

Your job is to ensure
the smooth running of your province.

Pardon me.
But that's what I'm doing.

We'll be the judge of that, Russell.

We also understand that
if you lose this "match" ...

... you will cancel their taxes
for three years.

Not just Champaner,
but the entire province.

- But they won't win.
- You're missing the whole point.

Do you realise we could have
a situation where there will be ...

... cricket matches all over
the subcontinent ...

... to cancel the tax?

But there is one thing.
If they lose, which they will ...

... they will have to pay
three times the tax.

Oh, this is ridiculous!

He's making the government
into a bookie ...

... with whom he can
place his wagers.

What would you have us do next?
Race horses?

This is the most preposterous idea!

The British Empire
cannot function ...

... according to your
whims and fancies.

Now jolly well understand this:

If you win, you'll have had
a narrow escape.

But if you lose, you will pay
the taxes for Champaner ...

... and the entire province yourself.

Then you'll be sent to Central Africa.
Is that clear?

Yes, sir.

That will be all.
You may go.

You're supposed to salute
when a superior officer passes!

- I did, sir.
- I didn't see it.

That's better.

- Your meeting did not go well.
- Damn right, it didn't.

The old hats will teach me
how to run the show.

They've lost their sense of adventure.

What's wrong with some fun
along with the "lagaan"?

- Is the match cancelled, sir?
- No!

How dare you hurt my horse?

Hurt my horse, will you?
I'll destroy you people!

I'll take so much "lagaan ..."

... you won't have a rag
on your backs.

You bloody slaves
will remain crushed ...

... under our boots!

However thick the sole
may be, "sahib ..."

... it wears out.
Then the nails begin to prick.

Ram Singh!

Yes, sir?

- Get him out before I kill him.
- Yes.

Quick.

Arjan, what happened?

Bhuvan, I've been blind
and stupid.

I am with you now.

Tell me, how can I help?

That's great. We're coming together
to form a fist.

No, no, Arjan.
Not like that.

Lakha, Goli was telling the truth.

- About what?
- The white lady.

So?

We were wrong, Lakha.

But we can still make it right.
We must support Bhuvan.

What did you say?
Have you gone crazy?

Try to understand.

Look.

Look!

An English girl ...

... is helping us
save our bodies and souls.

And we sit sulking?

Shame on us!

It is Allah's command.
We must be with him.

Come with me. Come!

Ismail ...

... have you gone senile?
Then get yourself a crutch ...

... and a shroud too.

This Bhuvan of yours
will never succeed.

Ismail ...

... he'll never take you
into his team.

Now catch this!

Bhuvan ...

... it's not just your honour,
but that of the whole village.

I'm ashamed of all the things
I said the other day.

I swear by God ...

... I am with you.
It's the word of a man of prayer.

What a beautiful thing to say!
He has raised our spirits.

Who can stop us now?

With a procession
Of elephants and horses

Raise a cry of victory
To Lord Krishna

What are you looking at, "memsahib"?

These statues.
Whose images are those?

This is the temple of Radha
and Krishna. These are their idols.

Today is Krishna's birthday,
so the idols are decorated.

It's very beautiful.

Yes.

Were they husband and wife?

Oh, no, "memsahib."

Krishna was married to Rukmini
and Radha to Anay.

But the deep love they had
for each other set an ideal.

It's like ...

... a dewdrop on a lotus leaf.

Neither united nor separated.

They've been worshipped together
for eons.

- Pujariji?
- Oh, yes, Gauri.

Let's go.

If Krishna were to meet
A lovelorn nymph in the grove

And then smile and talk
Or even tease her

How can Radha be not jealous?

Her body and heart
Are on fire

Even if Krishna were to meet
A lovelorn nymph in the grove

It's only Radha's love
That blooms in his heart

Then why is Radha jealous?

With no rhyme or reason

Why is Radha jealous?

The nymphs are but stars
And Radha is the moon

Why is her faith then
So half-hearted?

Faithless Krishna is forever
Looking hither and thither

Then how can poor Radha
Believe in herself?

Nymphs come and go
But Radha is the queen of his heart

Dawn and dusk
By the Jamuna's banks

It's only Radha
That Krishna calls out to

If someone garlands Krishna
With her entwined arms

How can Radha be not jealous?

Her body and heart
Are on fire

How can Radha be not jealous?

If Radha is enshrined
In Krishna's heart

Why doesn't he tell her so?

Love has its own language
Its own expression

Let the eyes speak
Such is Krishna's sweet wish

These eyes of yours
O Krishna

They destroy the peace
Of many a nymph's heart

She meets your eyes
And is in love

Even if she be
The fairest damsel

If love for Krishna ripens
In a nymph's heart

Why is Radha jealous?

How can Radha be not jealous?

Gauri, you sing
and dance beautifully.

Elizabeth, this is Lt. Edward Wesson.
This is Lt. Richard North.

- How do you do?
- Charmed.

Sir, there's a villager
who'd like to speak with you.

Not now. Tomorrow.

He says he has some important
information about the match.

Excuse me.

Sahib.

Long live our protector.

- What is it you want to tell me?
- Bhuvan is training his team. But ...

But what?

Spare my life, "sahib"!

But a white "memsahib"
from here ...

... teaches them the game.

White "memsahib"?

Yes, "sahib."
I saw her with my own eyes today.

She also came to attend
the prayer at our temple today.

Is the white "memsahib" among them?

There she is.

- You're not making a mistake?
- You can hang me if I'm mistaken.

I swear.
She's the one.

So you too are in the team?

I'm not crazy like Bhuvan to
challenge the might of the government.

Why are you telling me all this?

Only the slaughtered beast knows
the agony of death.

I too am in agony.

Let's just say that my victory
lies in Bhuvan's defeat.

What is your name?
Your name?

Lakha, "sahib."

Lakha ...

... this is what you do:

You join Bhuvan's team.

- What are you saying, "sahib"?
- You will join Bhuvan's team.

But you will work for me.

I understand, "sahib."

Yes, Andrew?

What is it?

So you've been sightseeing.

How's the countryside?

It's beautiful.

The mountains, the woods,
the cattle.

And the villages?

- I didn't see any.
- My foot, you didn't!

You were teaching them cricket!
You thought I wouldn't know?

You had the audacity to go
against your own brother?

Now you listen to me carefully.

You will not meet them again ...

... because you will not
leave the cantonment.

Is that understood?

Bloody farmers!