Experiment:
Started out with four non-Indians. Three Americans, one Middle-easterner. For this experiment, I will give them imaginary names:

Ahmed - A long-time friend of mine. He's semi-interested in Indian culture. I've taken him with me to see Asoka in the past, and he liked that. Additionally, he likes Indian music (his favorite is Breathless by Shankar Mahadevan). Plus, he knows that Lagaan won an Oscar nomination
Potential for liking: 9.5/10

Eric – I was just taking a walk with Ahmed and Eric and randomly invited Eric over. He said “Why not?” He doesn’t mind Indian culture, but he doesn’t know too much about it either.
Potential for liking: 7/10

Greg – Just felt like inviting him. He had no particular interest or knowledge in Lagaan or Indian culture.
Potential for liking: 6/10

Zach – He wasn’t interested at all in seeing Lagaan. I invited him, but he only came because he had to go somewhere with Eric the next day.
Potential for liking: 4/10

So, the day began. We headed to my place, ate dinner, and started Lagaan. Up till “Ghanan Ghanan”, I felt they were probably getting bored. However, Zach immediately changed my reaction by telling me that “This movie is awesome.” So, we watched. Though their eyes were obviously fixated on the subtitles, they still made note of voices and facial expression. All was going well.

Minutes before “Ghanan Ghanan” began, I made a little note. “By the way, all Indian films are musicals. Just in case you were wondering.” When “Ghanan Ghanan” came, they were a bit surprised. However, they enjoyed laughing at how badly the translated subtitles for the songs were.

To movie continued on from that point. They were really enjoying the movie. Zach made particular good note about the use of color throughout. Additionally, they loved the build-up of various themes: “A war without bloodshed”, “The triumph of human spirit”, and “Unity in all races, religions, genders, and physical capabilities”.

The cricket match was particularly enjoyed. All four felt it was very tense, and, even though they knew the outcome, they were always on the edge of their seats. They literally shouted “YESSSSSS!!!!” or “YAAAAY!” when the Indians scored, and acted really pissed at the unfair play of the British (especially to Lakha, Bhuvan, and Tipu).

After seeing the entire film, and commenting on it as “the best film I’ve ever seen” (Zach), we watched the deleted scene. During this scene, they couldn’t stop laughing (with the film, that is). Guran made them laugh like anything, as did Aamir Khan, talking to Gracy about her experiences with the Gori.

After the movie, all four were convinced that Lagaan deserves the Oscar for best foreign film, and wished it was nominated for best film. They loved the music, but weren’t used to the many idiosyncrasies of Bollywood, such as songs in the movie, sung by playback singers. They loved the messages given across, and will recommend Lagaan to their friends. They ended up understanding more about cricket and Indian culture in general. In fact, they’re interested in learning more about how to play cricket.

As for the film, they loved the acting. They felt Aamir Khan did an outstanding job (as well as making comments about how Aamir Khan looked like me. Poor Aamir). They liked Gracie Singh’s simplistic looks, and liked her acting during the scenes of jealousy, as well as her dancing talents. Of the entire cricket team, their favorite character was Guran, followed by Deva Singh Sodi. They loved all technical aspects, including direction, cinematography, and choreography (however, they felt that the clouds looked too fake).

As for me, this being my fourth time with Lagaan, I noticed one thing that I really loved: the background music. Each character has their own theme, fitted to the mood. Guran has a suitably jungle-type atmosphere, while Elizabeth has a European-classical theme. Additionally, there’s consistency in the characters. Goli always grunts after doing something strenuous (e.g. throwing the slingshot, bowling the ball, and hitting the ball).

Overall, watching Lagaan with non-Indians was an excellent experience. If you can do the same with your friends, please do it. It’ll help increase awareness of this excellent movie throughout.

The most surprising part, however, was that Zach was the one who loved the film the most. Go figure. He was followed by Ahmed, then Eric, then Greg (based on my personal inferences). Zach is interested in watching more Indian films now.

Which brings me to my next point: What to show them? Raj and I have discussed this before, and come out with some good solutions, but there’s some empty space still there.
Dil Chahta came to mind, as a modern day Indian setting is the perfect contrast to India under rule of the British Raj. After that, Gadar, Shool, Satya, and Sarfarosh came to mind.

Anyway, let me know what you think of this whole experiment, and provide some suggestions for future films as well.

I showed a bunch of my friends Mission Kashmir last year (one Indian with no interest in Bollywood, 2 whites and 3 Chinese) and they all thought it was pretty good. A friend laughed at some of the cheezy sequences featuring Hrithik (like how he fell at the end, and his annoying yell) but were overall showed sympathy for both Sanjay Dutt and Hrithik. They thought the action was awesome and even liked most of the songs - oddly enough the lullaby song and Sanjay's song were the most popular!! And yeah, they though Preity Zinta was hot!!

I've lent a couple more films to some of my friends (mainly Sanjay Dutt films and KNPH) and will introduce them to Sunny Deol films next. I'll even show Tumko Na Bhool Payenge (because of the AMAZING action), Lagaan and Dil Chahta Hai (you should know why), and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge (cause its my favourite film of all time).

I should mention that I tried to show two of these guys Dil Se once but they looked really bored. I forwarded through the middle part till the end and they admitted that the movie got better from the interval. They did think that SRK did an amazing job, esp. at the climax, and that the songs were REALLY good (along with the cinematography).

Good Job. I think there are many good hindi movies that one can make their non-Indian friends watch and appreciate in the process, globalizing Bollywood. Will follow suit and will key in my observations in.

btw, one should make them watch DCH for sure.

I think Lagaan is one of the most accessible Bollywood films
for people not used to this kind of film. I also think that
Lagaan will win the oscar if only Aamir Khan manages to
get enough academy members to actually see the film. That
is the problem, make them see such a long film.
Concerning my own experiences with showing Bollywood to
non Indian friends I have been pretty successful. The good
films are generally appreciated.
Michel Hafner

I have lent my DVD's at work to white people and they seem to want more.

They like the music and colours.

They do not want to see modern bollywood films but surprisingly the traditional bollywood with songs and dance in a variety of location around the world.

In there opinion it is refreshing and good light entertainment.

i have an afro-carabbien mate that i regularly call to my house... however good a bollywood movie is he will turn round and take piss out of it!! I showed him lagaan and he took the piss out of Elizabeths cheesy dialogue when she tells bhuvan she luvs him... u gotta agree it is a bit of a piss take!! But one of the worst things hes turned round and said is look at AB the guy looks like a prick in agneepath... NOW THAT PISSED ME OFF... i was close to smacking the shit out of him!! how can anyone take the piss out of his white suit and white slip ons!! ok maybe they are a bit extreme, but for god sakes look at Al Pacino in Scarface, the guy looks like a maniac with his suits...!! anyway this is going a bit of topic now!!

I lent the DVD to a couple of my mates (non-asian) and they hated the film. But then they loved the films Abhay and Aks and one of my female mate Katie (who loves the fashion females wear in Indian films) loved Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai over Lagaan!

Ask him for his favourite films, then take these apart.
Every film can be torn to shreds. It's not difficult to
find 'problems'.
Some people just don't get the concept of Bollywood
films. Like opera. Their loss, not ours.
I was wrong about Lagaan. Academy members must see it
or they can't vote. That means the film has now very
goood chances to win.
Michel Hafner

Hafner, talk abt this.. I have met a JAPANESE/DUTCH/SWISS woman from a forum who is inetrested in Hindi films and whoa LAGAAN was in her priority lists. I wish LAGAAN is dubbed into French and released here in Canada and maybe also in Switzerland . It definately can have a good effect on folks there.

Why dont you pitch in with these comments in your reviews (online or print media)

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is a huge hit with any girl who's ever watched it with me, regardless of her ethnicity. To a woman, they all cry madly at the pre-intermission leave-taking. DCH is also good if you want to shame someone who thinks that all Bollywood films are flaky!

I would show my non-Indian male friends SATYA. It rivals Goodfellas any day.

I have a cousin who's completely hates Indian Movies. However, me and a few other family members forced him to watch a few selected Indian movies, which we thought he would like, and he loved them. Other than DDLJ, SATYA, DCH, LAGAAN, and KAUN? He hates Indian flicks.

Well, being an Aamir Khan fan, I would recommend Dil Chahta Hai for sure after Lagaan. It seriously is like any American romantic comedy/drama out there (aside from the songs) from a technical and performance aspect.

I would also recommend Bombay and 1947 Earth. Although these two aren't Bollywood (if that's what you're looking for), I think they're great Indian movies. And they're perfect for people who are under that impression that Indian cinema is all just sugary musicals where a love triangle is the biggest problem in the story.

On a sidenote...I wish there were more Malayalam movies available on DVD (being a Malu!). Some of my Indian, non-Malu friends have wanted to see a Malayalam film, but there aren't that many to choose from. I would think they would enjoy Manichitrathazhu, which was actually a huge film at the box office, but for some reason is not out on DVD. Anyone know if there are plans to make it?

Lagaan will be released in Switzerland.
What reviews? I write only technical DVD reviews. No
place for random comments there.
Michel Hafner

I've shown Lagaan to a few Chinese friends and they loved it. But the Malays seem to prefer films like K3G...



Edited By Aryan on Mar. 01 2002 at 12:12

The Zulmies along with this forum tread goes mainstream at the Rediff Movie Page :p
h: