Aamir Khan to celebrate ‘Lagaan's’ 25th anniversary at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

One of Indian cinema's most celebrated films is set to receive a fitting tribute as Aamir Khan heads to Australia to commemorate the 25th anniversary of ‘Lagaan.’ The actor-producer will attend a special screening of the Oscar-nominated classic on July 9 at Melbourne's ACMI Cinema, marking the curtain raiser for the 17th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).

Although the festival officially runs from August 13 to August 23, organizers have chosen to launch this year's celebrations a month early with a dedicated event honoring ‘Lagaan.’ Aamir Khan will officially open the festival's curtain raiser before joining audiences for the anniversary screening.

Released in 2001 and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, ‘Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India’ is widely regarded as a landmark in Indian filmmaking. Set in a drought-hit village during British colonial rule, the story follows a group of farmers who challenge British officers to a game of cricket after being burdened with an unjust land tax, or lagaan. The outcome of the match determines whether the villagers must pay double the tax or earn complete exemption, turning the sporting contest into a powerful story of resilience, unity and resistance.

The film featured Aamir Khan alongside Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley and Paul Blackthorne. Blending sports, history and social drama, ‘Lagaan’ is loved by audiences both in India and internationally. It became only the third Indian film to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, a recognition that cemented its place among the country's most influential cinematic achievements.

The silver jubilee celebrations extend beyond Melbourne. Aamir Khan is also expected to participate in events commemorating Lagaan's 25th anniversary at the London Indian Film Festival, highlighting the film's enduring global appeal.

Speaking about the Melbourne event, IFFM Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said ‘Lagaan’ remains one of the defining films of Indian cinema and continues to inspire audiences and filmmakers across generations. She added that the festival is delighted to welcome Aamir Khan for the special celebration, which sets the tone for this year's edition.

Supported by the Government of Victoria, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne has become one of the world's leading platforms for Indian cinema outside India. Over the years, it has welcomed prominent actors and filmmakers, including Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, A.R. Rahman, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Ram Charan, Vicky Kaushal and Zoya Akhtar.

The 17th edition of IFFM will feature film screenings, premieres, industry discussions, masterclasses and cultural events, bringing together filmmakers, artists and cinema enthusiasts from around the world. Opening the celebrations with Lagaan's 25th anniversary shows the film's lasting legacy as a work that continues to represent Indian storytelling on the global stage.