Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India

PG

Released May 10, 2002

3h 43m

Romance

History

Drama

List

95%

Tomatometer

64 Reviews

93%

Audience Score

10,000+ Ratings

The year is 1893 and India is under British occupation. In a small village, the tyrannical Captain Russell (Paul Blackthorne) has imposed an unprecedented land tax on its citizens. Outraged, Bhuvan (Aamir Khan), a rebellious farmer, rallies the villagers to publicly oppose the tax. Russell offers a novel way to settle the dispute: he challenges Bhuvan and his men to a game of cricket, a sport completely foreign to India. If Bhuvan and his men can defeat Russell's team, the tax will be repealed.

Read More

Read Less

Critics Consensus

Lagaan is lavish, rousing entertainment in the old-fashioned tradition of Hollywood musicals.

Read Critics Reviews

Shubhra Gupta

The Indian Express

A bunch of rag-tag villagers beat the English in a game of cricket in Ashutosh Gowariker's sprawling epic which changed the way Hindi movies were made.

Aug 17, 2021

Full Review

Derek Elley

Variety

An involving, easily digestible hunk of pure entertainment that could be the trigger for Bollywood's long-awaited crossover to non-ethnic markets.

Jul 24, 2008

Full Review

Mark Peranson

Chicago Reader

Few recent American musicals are this fluid or engaging.

Mar 26, 2007

Full Review

Sakhi Thirani

Common Sense Media

Deviating starkly from Bollywood's usual production of romantic dramas that reigned dominant during the 2000s, this period piece is a landmark film in Indian cinema that captivates with epic storytelling, electric dialogue, and intense action.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 26, 2023

Full Review

Katherine Singh

Refinery29

The movie is a must-watch for the very fact that it covers a period of time not often seen in films, and — albeit in a roundabout way — addresses the inequality of colonial rule in India.

Oct 4, 2022

Full Review

Film Companion Staff

Film Companion

One of Hindi cinema's greatest underdog tales, a powerful script, impressive execution and an unforgettable soundtrack from A R Rahman...

Oct 27, 2020

Full Review

Read all reviews

Avant S

This has to be one of the best sports movie!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/14/24

Full Review

Yuvraj C

In my opinion this film changed the way films were being made in the mainstream bollywood and credit must go to Ashutosh Gowariker and Aamir Khan. At 3 hours 40 minutes film feels bit of stretch but it is entertaining all around with no dull moment. All the performance are top notch. And score from AR Rahman is a cherry on the top.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/13/23

Full Review

Yatik K

The climax was an easy 11/10, but the buildup to it was way too boring and dragged out.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/27/23

Full Review

Leaburn O

This film is average 🤏

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/11/23

Full Review

Nora S

Music that you can sing all day, romance, politics, friendship, excitement. And then- the dancing!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/01/23

Full Review

SaChi B

Watched the movie first time and was on my feet whole time while the game of cricket was going. Truly amazing portrayal of underdog team winning there dream of life.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/20/22

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Ashutosh Gowariker

Director

Aamir Khan

Bhuvan

Gracy Singh

Gauri

Rachel Shelley

Elizabeth Russell

Paul Blackthorne

Capt. Andrew Russell

Suhasini Mulay

Yashodamai

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

76%

74%

The Young Victoria

73%

67%

Shadow Magic

68%

85%

Amazing Grace

86%

66%

Springtime in a Small Town

82%

72%

The House of Mirth

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

50 Movies & TV Shows to Netflix and Chill with This Valentine’s Day

View more photos

Synopsis

The year is 1893 and India is under British occupation. In a small village, the tyrannical Captain Russell (Paul Blackthorne) has imposed an unprecedented land tax on its citizens. Outraged, Bhuvan (Aamir Khan), a rebellious farmer, rallies the villagers to publicly oppose the tax. Russell offers a novel way to settle the dispute: he challenges Bhuvan and his men to a game of cricket, a sport completely foreign to India. If Bhuvan and his men can defeat Russell's team, the tax will be repealed.

Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
Screenwriter: Ashutosh Gowariker, Ashutosh Gowariker
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Rating: PG (Some Violence|Language)
Genre: Romance, History, Drama
Original Language: Hindi
Release Date (Theaters): May 10, 2002, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 9, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $905.9K
Runtime: 3h 43m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, Dolby A, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)