Deviating starkly from Bollywood's usual production of romantic dramas that reigned dominant during the 2000s, this period piece is a landmark film in Indian cinema that captivates with epic storytelling, electric dialogue, and intense action.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 26, 2023

The movie is a must-watch for the very fact that it covers a period of time not often seen in films, and — albeit in a roundabout way — addresses the inequality of colonial rule in India.

| Oct 4, 2022

A bunch of rag-tag villagers beat the English in a game of cricket in Ashutosh Gowariker's sprawling epic which changed the way Hindi movies were made.

| Aug 17, 2021

One of Hindi cinema's greatest underdog tales, a powerful script, impressive execution and an unforgettable soundtrack from A R Rahman...

| Oct 27, 2020

Will be the film all others in Bollywood are judged against, in terms of both creativity and success.

| Aug 3, 2008

An involving, easily digestible hunk of pure entertainment that could be the trigger for Bollywood's long-awaited crossover to non-ethnic markets.

| Jul 24, 2008

Few recent American musicals are this fluid or engaging.

| Mar 26, 2007

With an equally stunning soundtrack, this rollicking yarn is a must for all film lovers.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Dec 30, 2006

The film's got a big scope and a big heart, even taking time to decry class, social, and racial discrimination.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Jul 22, 2004

A great big Bollywood musical, complete with song and dance and doomed love triangles and elegantly photographed men playing cricket. And it's terrific fun, in a way that only great big musical fantasies can be.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Dec 31, 2003

A great introduction to the joys of Indian popular cinema.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 21, 2003

This is a lavish production that will remain a favourite for years to come.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Oct 30, 2002

If you're in the mood for a Bollywood film, here's one for you.

| Oct 21, 2002

A skillfully made, good-natured movie.

| Original Score: B+ | Sep 18, 2002

A good example of the 'masala' type of Indian filmmaking, where politics, romance, class consciousness and long musical numbers are stirred together in an entertaining stew.

| Sep 13, 2002

So fascinating, you may not notice how much time has passed when the credits finally roll.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 13, 2002

There's no denying that when this film is good, it's very good.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 2, 2002

Even during the climactic hourlong cricket match, boredom never takes hold.

| Jul 26, 2002

After having seen this Cinemascope extravaganza in a theater, on DVD and video, I still think the big screen experience is worth it.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jul 20, 2002

The most deliriously entertaining movie of the summer.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Jul 19, 2002