Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India is a Bollywood epic sports drama film released in 2001. The film is set in 1893 during the British Raj and follows the story of a small village in Champaner, India. The residents of the village are struggling to pay the heavy taxes imposed by the ruling British, who have increased the taxes by three times due to a drought that resulted in a famine.
Bhuvan (played by Aamir Khan), a young villager and the protagonist of the movie, challenges the commander of the British troops, Captain Russell (played by Paul Blackthorne), to a game of cricket, with the wager being that if the villagers win, they will not have to pay the taxes for the next three years, whereas, if they lose, they will have to pay three times the current taxes.
Bhuvan and his team consisting of the villagers and his love interest Gauri (played by Gracy Singh) begin to train in earnest for the match. The team faces several challenges, including learning how to play cricket for the first time, facing racism from Captain Russell and his team, and dealing with their own internal conflicts and rivalries.
The story of Lagaan is not only about cricket, but also a larger battle between imperialism and freedom. The film captures the spirit of patriotism, hope, and resilience against all odds. The final match between the British and the Indian team is a nail-biting drama that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
The film received critical acclaim at home and abroad, winning several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, and becoming India's official entry for the 74th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category. Lagaan is considered one of the best sports movies to come out of India.