There was a certain verve to the Lagaan reunion Aamir put on for a special re-release showing, to mark a quarter-century of the 2001 hit. He made for a fine photo op with the rest of the team, and for fans, it was pure nostalgia. The re-release is in theatres through to the 14th, right before we hit the 15th and the big date. If you were there, you saw the easy banter and the kind of chemistry you can’t put on. It wasn’t your typical stiff tribute; it had the feel of a homecoming, which is only right for a film of this standing.
A nostalgic reunion with a fan-first energy
It was a no-fuss affair with all the old hands back in the room. Aamir and Ashutosh Gowariker were at the centre of it, with the people who put together an underdog tale that India is still talking about by their side. Suhasini Mulay, Yashpal Sharma, Akhilendra Mishra, Raj Zutshi – you could read it in their smiles. Reena Dutta and Ira Khan were on hand as well, to put a bit of a personal spin on the pictures. The makers put out a clip that says it: ‘Aamir Khan and Ashutosh Gowariker reunite with the Lagaan cast after 25 years.’ Dayashankar Pandey and Aditya Lakhia were in the mix, and having Paul Blackthorne there was a nice touch from across the pond. Some of the highlights for those in the room and on the internet: – Selfies with the cast that had a family vibe to them – Some lighthearted come-ons for the photographers and the fans – A few photos with Aamir, Reena and Ira that spanned a generation or two – Paul Blackthorne being there to stir up some memories – And a heads-up that you can still see it till the 14th
Why Lagaan still hits like a six
Back in 1893, the story of a village in the grip of a drought is one of turning pointlessness into purpose. You have ordinary folks going up to the British over a game they don’t even know. There’s a lot of courage and hope in it, and when it pays off, it’s hard to look away.
And it went far. Lagaan got an Oscar nod for Best Foreign Language Film, in the same company as Mother India and Salaam Bombay! For a period piece made in India, that kind of kudos is still something to be proud of.
Music that doesn’t show its age
Then there’s A R Rahman’s work. You can’t help but hum along. Ghanan Ghanan, Mitwa, Radha Kaise Na Jale, O Rey Chhori… they’re more than tunes. As soon as the curtain in a theatre goes up, you’re right back in the moment.
Where are they now?
Gracy Singh and Rachel Shelley have been on with their own things, and Paul has been on the other side of the world on TV. Amin Hajee has his hands in writing and producing. For the likes of Raj Zutshi and Akhilendra, the work has just moved on to different stages, in film and beyond.
Aamir has his own track record to add to. Most recently he was in Sitaare Zameen Par, the sports drama from RS Prasanna with Genelia Deshmukh in it.
See it while you can
Lagaan is back in the house for a while, with tickets you can pick up for shows up to June 14. If you haven’t seen it, go for the full effect. If you have, it’s a way to remember where we’ve been.
We’ll be at the 25-year mark on the 15th. But as the weekend showed, the film can still put a room in the mood for it.
