It’s been a while since Aamir Khan’s film “Lagaan” hit the screens, but the memories of its making still seem like yesterday. The movie, which was made on a budget of 25 crores, went on to collect a whopping 34 crores at the box office, becoming the second-highest grossing film of 2001. But what’s interesting is that not many people had high hopes from the film, including the legendary Javed Akhtar. In a recent event, Aamir recalled how Javed Akhtar had expressed his doubts about the film’s concept, saying it wouldn’t last even a day in theaters.
Aamir, who’s soon going to turn 60, joked that he still feels like an 18-year-old, but the moment he looks in the mirror, reality hits him. The actor revealed that he was nervous during the filming of “Lagaan” and had his own set of fears. But Javed Akhtar’s skepticism took the cake. According to Aamir, Javed had called him over to express his concerns about the film. “You’re making a big mistake,” Javed apparently told Aamir. “This film won’t run for even a day. You’re making a movie about cricket, and we all know how that genre has performed in the past. The duration is another issue – who’s going to understand it?”
Javed Akhtar even made a comment about the film’s narration, which was done by none other than Amitabh Bachchan. “In those days, any film that had Amitabh Bachchan’s narration would flop,” Javed said. “And you’re making a film about a village story, which is being shot in a foreign location like Switzerland. Mark my words, this film is going to be a disaster.” Aamir, however, didn’t let Javed’s words deter him, and the rest, as they say, is history. Despite the initial doubts, “Lagaan” went on to become a massive hit, proving its critics wrong.
Javed Akhtar’s reservations about ‘Lagaan’
Aamir Khan recalled the conversation he had with Javed Akhtar, where the latter expressed his reservations about the film. Javed’s comments, though harsh, were a reality check for Aamir, who was determined to make the film despite the risks. The actor’s conviction paid off, and “Lagaan” became one of the most iconic films of his career.
It’s interesting to note how “Lagaan” defied all odds to become a hit. The film’s success can be attributed to its unique storyline, powerful performances, and, of course, Aamir Khan’s perseverance. The movie’s impact was such that it even got nominated for the Academy Awards, a rare feat for an Indian film.
Amitabh Bachchan’s narration – a contributing factor to the film’s success?
Amitabh Bachchan’s narration in “Lagaan” was one of the key aspects that Javed Akhtar was skeptical about. However, the megastar’s voice added a new dimension to the film, making it more engaging and immersive. The narration not only set the tone for the story but also helped in building the suspense, keeping the audience hooked till the very end. In hindsight, it’s clear that Javed Akhtar’s concerns were unfounded, and “Lagaan” turned out to be a masterpiece that has stood the test of time.
