Aamir Khan’s Lagaan had 10,000 extras in its epic climax: CA Bimal Parekh reveals how they had been paid in money | Hindi Film Information

Lagaan, considered one of Bollywood’s most iconic movies, continues to be remembered for its highly effective narrative, unforgettable climax, and the sheer scale of its manufacturing. Whereas audiences had been captivated by the gripping cricket match and emotional performances, only a few are conscious of the behind-the-scenes chaos that got here with managing 1000’s of villagers who appeared within the movie as extras.In a current interview, CA Bimal Parekh, who was current on set throughout the shoot, opened up in regards to the logistical challenges the crew confronted, particularly when it got here to paying the native extras who had by no means even seen a film earlier than.‘The day was notably loopy,’ says ParekhIn line with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bimal Parekh recalled a chaotic day on the units when the crew labored with practically 10,000 extras. These villagers, unfamiliar with how movie shoots labored, had been initially hesitant to belief the crew—particularly when it got here to funds.Parekh shared, “The plan was to pay everybody in money instantly,” because the extras refused to just accept cheques. Having no prior expertise coping with a film manufacturing, many had been skeptical and insisted on being paid in hand, not by means of formal means.Ink marks, lengthy queues, and a belief difficultyThe crew initially thought of marking every paid additional with ink—much like the voting system utilized in elections—to stop individuals from gathering a number of funds. However this posed one other threat: what if somebody who wasn’t speculated to be paid acquired inked by mistake and claimed the cash?The state of affairs was turning right into a logistical nightmare, particularly with so many individuals and no prior system in place.How they solved the chaosTo streamline the method, the crew got here up with a intelligent resolution: assigning group leaders. “Every chief was liable for a bunch of 200 to 400 individuals,” Parekh defined. These leaders had been paid straight, marked to keep away from duplication, after which took cost of distributing the Rs 100 funds to the people of their respective teams. Meals was additionally offered to all extras on the day of the shoot.This method labored effectively and helped the crew preserve management over an in any other case overwhelming state of affairs.

Lagaan: A movie that made historical pastDirected by Ashutosh Gowariker and produced by Aamir Khan, Lagaan tells the inspiring story of a bunch of villagers who tackle British officers in a recreation of cricket to win aid from oppressive taxes. Set throughout British colonial rule, the movie is remembered not just for its highly effective storytelling but additionally for its themes of resilience, unity, and self-belief.Led by Bhuvan (performed by Aamir Khan), the villagers study the unfamiliar sport of cricket and put every part on the road. The movie was a crucial and industrial blockbuster, incomes an Academy Award nomination for Greatest Overseas Language Movie and cementing its place within the annals of Indian cinema.