A rebellious song and dance

Ketan Mehta, one of India's best directors, tackles an epic drama based on the history of the British East India Company, the huge power and wealth of which upheld the British Empire in the mid-19th century.

Made in British and Hindi, the film details, in particular, the Sepoy Revolt of 1957, when the Company's soldiers refused to use new rifles greased with pig and cow fat - anathema to both Hindus and Muslims alike. Aamir Khan, of Lagaan fame, plays the Sepoy leader and Toby Stephens the British officer who befriends him but can't stop the rebellion.

Mehta is striving for a middle way between the art of what used to be called the Parallel Cinema of Satyajit Ray and the out-and-out commerce of Bollywood. But the songs and dances here seem to belong to another film, however well the director tries to integrate them.

It is lavishly produced and decently acted, particularly by Khan, but like many another historical drama seeking action and a feast for the eye, it has its ponderous moments and little essential verve.

The Rising - Ballad Of Mangal Pandey
Cert: 12A