Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001) is an Oscar-nominated epic that remains one of the most celebrated films in Indian cinema. Written and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and produced by Aamir Khan, it tells a stirring story of courage, unity, and hope set in 1893 during the British Raj, when a drought-hit village takes on a British officer in a cricket match with its future at stake.
Twenty-five years after its release, Lagaan is back in the spotlight for its 25th anniversary, with a theatrical re-release, a new trailer, and renewed attention for A. R. Rahman's celebrated soundtrack. Read the Aamir Khan biography for more on the star and producer behind this landmark film.
Movie Credits
Movie: Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)
Release Date: 15 June 2001
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
Producer: Aamir Khan, his maiden project under Aamir Khan Productions
Cast: Aamir Khan (Bhuvan), Gracy Singh (Gauri), Rachel Shelley (Elizabeth Russell), Paul Blackthorne (Captain Russell), Yashpal Sharma, Raghubir Yadav, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Suhasini Mulay
Music Director: A. R. Rahman
Lyricist: Javed Akhtar
The film was released theatrically on 15 June 2001, when it clashed with Gadar. Set in 1893, the plot follows a drought-hit village that plays a cricket match against a British officer, with victory set to waive the lagaan, or land tax, for three years.
Songs & Soundtrack
The music of Lagaan was composed by A. R. Rahman, with lyrics by Javed Akhtar, and the soundtrack remains one of Rahman's most admired works. Standout tracks include Ghanan Ghanan, Mitwa, Radha Kaise Na Jale, performed by Asha Bhosle and Udit Narayan, and Chale Chalo. These songs capture the film's range, from celebration and romance to resolve and collective spirit.
The enduring appeal of the music was highlighted again when the Academy paid tribute to Radha Kaise Na Jale on Instagram on May 31, 2025. For more Bollywood music, see Tujhe Dekha To lyrics — Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
Awards & Legacy
Lagaan was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 74th Academy Awards, making it the third Indian film ever to receive that nomination and the last as of 2025. It also won 8 National Film Awards, including Best Popular Film, 8 Filmfare Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Story, and 9 IIFA Awards.
According to Wikipedia, the film was made on a budget of 25 crore rupees and earned 65.97 crore rupees in its initial run, making it the third-highest Hindi film of 2001. Like Sholay (1975) — release date, cast, trailer & soundtrack, Lagaan has grown into a classic that continues to be discovered by new audiences.
25th Anniversary
For its 25th anniversary in 2026, Lagaan returned to theatres for a three-day re-release from June 12 to June 14, 2026, with a new trailer, as reported by Filmfare and Zoom TV. The anniversary celebrations also included a reunion of Aamir Khan and Rachel Shelley at LIFF this week, as reported by thesouthasiantimes.
In a 2026 PTI interview, Rahman reflected on making music that lasts, saying he wanted to create something enduring. The anniversary moment underlines how Lagaan's story, performances, and music have stood the test of time.
Watch the Trailer
Watch the official 25th-anniversary re-release trailer for Lagaan (2001) below, from the Aamir Khan Talkies official channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lagaan released? Lagaan was released theatrically on 15 June 2001.
Who composed the music for Lagaan? A. R. Rahman composed the music, with lyrics by Javed Akhtar.
Was Lagaan Oscar-nominated? Yes. It was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 74th Academy Awards, the third Indian film ever to be nominated in that category.
What is the 25th-anniversary re-release? The 25th-anniversary re-release was a three-day theatrical run from June 12 to June 14, 2026, featuring a new trailer for the film.
0 Comments
Please don't enter any spam link in the comment box.
Emoji