Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and headlined by Aamir Khan, Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India released in 2001 and went on to achieve both critical and commercial success.
Set in 1893, the story follows villagers burdened by heavy taxation and drought who accept an extraordinary challenge from a British officer. Their fate depends on winning a game of cricket, a sport unfamiliar to them. The film’s compelling narrative, memorable performances and music by A. R. Rahman helped it become a global success.
Beyond its popularity, Lagaan earned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, becoming one of only a handful of Indian films to achieve the feat. It also won multiple honours, including eight awards at the National Film Awards, cementing its status as one of the most influential films in Indian cinema history.