Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)

Name: Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India
Genre: Adventure, Drama, History
Released: 2001-06-15
Duration: 3 h 53 min
Cast: Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, Paul Blackthorne, Suhasini Mulay

15 June 20013h 53mHindiIndia

UAdventure Drama History

7.3/10TMDB · 678 votes

DirectorAshutosh Gowariker

StarringAamir Khan, Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, Paul Blackthorne

Watch onNot on major OTT platforms in India

Best for: Viewers who enjoy historical dramas with a sports underdog story and epic length.

Where to watch Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India online in India

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India is not currently listed on major OTT platforms in India. We check availability every week.

Availability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 24 October 2026.

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India story (no spoilers)

In 1893, India is under British occupation, and the tyrannical Captain Russell has imposed an unprecedented land tax on a small village. Outraged, the rebellious farmer Bhuvan 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 If Bhuvan and his men can defeat Russell's team, the tax will be repealed. The film blends adventure, drama, and history as Bhuvan and the villagers take on this unfamiliar challenge with high stakes.

Should you watch Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India?

Watch it for

Ashutosh Gowariker directs this 2001 adventure-drama-history, with Aamir Khan leading as Bhuvan.
A.R. Rahman composed the music for the film, which runs 233 minutes.
The story pits Bhuvan and his men against Captain Russell's team in a cricket match that could repeal the land tax.
The cast includes Gracy Singh as Gauri, Rachel Shelley as Elizabeth Russell, and Paul Blackthorne as Captain Andrew Russell.

Skip it if

The 233-minute runtime demands a long attention span.
The film is a period drama set in 1893, which may not appeal to those who prefer contemporary settings.

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India cast

Aamir Khanas Bhuvan

Gracy Singhas Gauri

Rachel Shelleyas Elizabeth Russell

Paul Blackthorneas Captain Andrew Russell

Suhasini Mulayas Yashoda

Kulbhushan Kharbandaas Raja Puran Singh Chawla

Raghubir Yadavas Bhura

Rajesh Vivekas Guran

Raj Zutshias Ismail

Pradeep Ram Singh Rawatas Deva Singh Sodhi

Akhilendra Mishraas Arjan

Daya Shankar Pandeyas Goli

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India movie details

Director	Ashutosh Gowariker
Writer	Ashutosh Gowariker, Sanjay Dayma, Kumar Dave
Music	A.R. Rahman
Cinematography	Anil Mehta
Producer	Aamir Khan, Mansoor Khan
Release date	15 June 2001
Runtime	3h 53m (233 minutes)
Original language	Hindi
Country of origin	India
Languages spoken in the film	Hindi, English
Original title	लगान
Certificate (India)	U
Budget	$5.2 million (approx.)
Worldwide box office	$8.1 million (approx.)

Parental guide: is Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India family friendly?

ViolenceMild

LanguageNone

Sexual contentNone

Family viewingSuitable

The film has a U certificate in India, suggesting it is suitable for general audiences; this is a general guide. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India official trailer

Our verdict

Lagaan is a well-crafted period drama that uses cricket as a central conflict. The 233-minute runtime is substantial, but the film's adventure and historical elements keep it engaging. Aamir Khan's performance as Bhuvan anchors the story.