South Asian Business news and information

Hat Trick is the first Hindi movie on the theme cricket, the most popular sports in India. However, many would disagree with me on this. Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India, released in 2001, was also a movie about cricket but these two movies differ in many aspects.

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India

Lagaan is an Urdu word which means “tax.” The title of the movie makes it clear that the movie deals with a different subject matter.

The background of the movie is set in a village, Champaner, in the 19^th century British India. The commanding officer of the British cantonment, Captain Andrew Russell, forced the local people to pay high tax. Because of drought, the harvest was poor. So the villagers went to the local Maharaja’s and requested him to talk with Captain Russell and lower the tax but the meeting was not fruitful. On their way to home, the people watched Russell and his men playing cricket. Russell noticed them and offered them a way out. The villagers would have to play a cricket match with Captain Russell’s team. If they won, they would not pay tax for the next three years. However, if they fail they would have to pay triple tax. Bhuvan (Amir Khan), one of the village youngsters, accepted the offer. The villagers did not know how to play cricket. Russell’s sister, Elizabeth, came to their aid. With her guidance, and Bhuvan’s unique leadership ability, the villagers finally won the match. Not only Captain Russell paid the tax from his income but also was transferred to East Africa.

From the movie synopsis, again it becomes clear that the movie’s major theme is protest against the British oppression. They are the oppressors and the villagers used cricket as a weapon against them. Cricket was born in England and the English played it. The villagers never knew how to play the game. They learned to play cricket not to enjoy the game but to save themselves. Hence, the major theme of Lagaan is not the spirit of cricket rather protest against the British Raj.

All the characters of the movie are not cricket players or cricket lovers. They are simple villagers. They do not know anything about cricket.

None of the songs of the film are related to cricket. 

Hat Trick:

When any player achieves three goals in a game s/he is supposed to have made a hattrick.

Hat Trick, the Hindi movie, solely exploits the various aspects of cricket. The story of the film contains five sub stories. The last story is about Indian Cricket Team. All these stories are related to cricket, particularly, the ICC World Cup Cricket, to be held in the Caribbean. There are success stories of three underdogs.  

Hemu Patel, a janitor in Heathrow airport and an illegal British immigrant would do anything to become a citizen. Dr. Satyajeet, a pessimistic person, who hates cricket. He meets famous leg spinner, Madhav Anna and his life changes forever. Sarbjeet Singh, and Kashmira are a cute couple. Sarbjeet is a rich man’s son. He wants to become an actor but instead of working on his acting skills he depends more on his luck. He is more interested in doing poojas and throwing parties where he invites directors and producers. As the couple reaches on verge of divorce Sarbjeet understands his mistake. 

All the characters of the film Hat Trick have one thing in common; love for cricket; except Dr. Satyajit, and Kashmira. Dr. Satyajit does not like cricket and suffers from pessimism. Kashmira is a good looking air hostess, and a very practical and independent girl. 

The theme song titled “Wicket Bacha” in the song album of Hat Trick is about cricket.

Now I think it is safe to say that Hat Trick is solely based on the game of cricket and it is the first movie of its kind in Bollywood. Although people may not go to the theatres as the ICC World Cricket will begin from March 11^th since the movie is on cricket. I think people will feel interested to see the movie.

Useful links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagaan

http://www.planetbollywood.com/Film/Lagaan/

http://www.bollywoodvillage.com/Movie-detail.asp?mid=925