Lagaan: A Project ManagementCase Study of the Making of the Film

Sujoy SinghaStudent ID: 22924299M.Sc Management Science,University of SouthamptonMANG 6133: Managing Resources andOperations2008-2009Word Count: 2,955

CONTENTS

1. Introduction2. Synopsis3. Project Scope and Work Breakdown Structure4. Stakeholders Analysis5. Risk Analysis I6. Project Network and Critical Path7. Risk Analysis II and Causal Mapping8. How is Causal Mapping helpful in ProjectManagement?9. Structures and Methods for Governance andManagement of Project9.1 Suggestions For Project ManagementFrameworks And Methods10. Project ResultReferences

Lagaan: A Project Management CaseStudy of theMaking of the Film

One of Indian cinema's biggest successes, Lagaan was not only big interms of revenue and worldwide acclaim, but also for its grand scale -including an international cast, remote location shooting, 10,000extras and a first time producer. This article attempts to capture theaspects of Project Management in the making of this movie and reflects upon the Project's scope, Work Breakdown Structure, Risk Analysis and Governance methods. By combining these, a graphicalrepresentation of the entire process of movie making can be viewed from the eyes of Project Management.

1. INTRODUCTION:

15th of June, 2001 saw history being made on the big screen. One of India's biggest movie hits ever, Lagaan was released worldwide and itwas an instant success. Almost 3 years in the making, Lagaan was builton an astronomical budget of Rs. 250 million (almost US $ 5 million)(

BoxOfficeIndia.com

). It was not only a domestic success (domesticrevenue: Rs. 389 million or US $ 7.78 million), but also woninternational acclaim and earned US $ 2.5 million at the internationalbox-office. For debutante producer Aamir Khan, (who was also the leadactor in the movie) and director Ashutosh Gowariker, this was a hugecanvas which could sway in either direction -become a monstrous hit,or fall flat on its face.

2. SYNOPSIS:

Lagaan depicts the story of the villagers of Champaner in 1893, Indiawho are faced with increasing land tax (Lagaan) by the British rulers. The British army captain challenges the villagers to a cricket matchand at stake is tax exemption. But if the villagers lose the game, thetax would be raised further. The villagers led by Bhuvan, accept thechallenge and courageously come face to face with the British army inthe climactic cricket match.

3. PROJECT SCOPE:

“Project scope management is primarily concerned with definingand controlling what is and is not included in the project.” (

PMBOK Guide

)From the writer and director-Ashutosh Gowariker’s perspective,this project began with the initial idea inception stage which led to thefull scripted storyline of the idea. This script was then pitched in front