In the movie Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India, What liberties does the film take with the past?

Question

and what, if any, modern point is the film trying to make?

Answer 1

"It revolves around the peasants from a barren village who are oppressed by high taxes imposed by the British. When the peasants attempt to persuade the officers to reduce the taxes, the officers put forth a proposition to the peasants. One senior officer offers them to cancel their taxes for three years if their village team beats them at cricket. After accepting this proposition, the villagers face the arduous task of learning the game and playing for a result that will change their village's destiny".