Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has described Lagaan as a film created with “belief, passion and honesty” as the iconic sports drama prepares to mark 25 years of its release with a special screening at the London Indian Film Festival.
The Academy Award-nominated film, which blended history, cricket and social themes against the backdrop of colonial India, will be screened at BFI IMAX on July 12, 2026, as part of the upcoming festival edition. The celebration will also feature Aamir Khan in conversation, where the actor is expected to discuss the making of the film and his journey in cinema.
Reflecting on the milestone, Aamir said the impact of Lagaan continues to surprise him even after two-and-a-half decades.
“As Lagaan completes 25 years, it’s hard to put into words what this journey has meant. We made the film with a lot of belief, passion and honesty, never imagining the kind of love it would receive and continue to receive all these years later,” he said.
The actor added that seeing the film connect with audiences across generations and countries remains a special experience.
“I’m truly delighted that this milestone is being celebrated with a screening at the BFI. To see Lagaan still connect with audiences across generations and across geographies is very special,” Aamir said.
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and released in 2001, Lagaan became one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated films. Set during British rule, the film follows a group of villagers who challenge colonial officers to a high-stakes cricket match to escape an unfair tax burden. The film earned international recognition and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards.
The London Indian Film Festival will also celebrate Aamir’s wider contribution to cinema during the “Aamir Khan In Conversation” event at BFI Southbank on July 16. The session will explore his career journey, from his early days as a child actor to becoming one of India’s most influential performers and producers.
The festival’s 17th edition promises a diverse programme featuring the reunion of the acclaimed comedy team behind Goodness Gracious Me, Europe’s first Indian AI and Film Showcase, and premieres of independent films and short films across five UK cities.
The festival will open with 52 Blue, directed by Ali El Arabi and starring Adil Hussain and Neha Dhupia. The filmmaker and cast members are expected to attend screenings.
Festival CEO and Programming Director Cary Rajinder Sawhney said the event would celebrate the enduring impact of Lagaan while highlighting new voices in Indian cinema.
He said the festival was expanding beyond London to cities including Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield and Bradford, showcasing a wider range of Indian storytelling.
With its themes of courage, unity and resistance, Lagaan continues to remain a landmark film, and its 25th anniversary celebration highlights the lasting influence of a story that crossed cultural and geographical boundaries.
