London Indian Film Festival to Celebrate 25 Years of 'Lagaan'

Actor-producer Aamir Khan will headline the festival’s silver jubilee tribute to the iconic, Oscar-nominated sports drama.

LONDON — The London Indian Film Festival (LIFF) 2026 is set to host a landmark celebration for the 25th anniversary of Lagaan, one of Indian cinema’s most globally recognized films. The 17th edition of the festival will feature a special IMAX screening of the 2001 sports drama, followed by an exclusive "In Conversation" event with lead actor and producer Aamir Khan.

The tribute serves as a centerpiece for the festival, which is expanding its footprint to six cities across the United Kingdom this year. The screening of Lagaan at the BFI IMAX on July 12, followed by the onstage conversation at BFI Southbank on July 16, marks a major highlight in the festival’s multi-city calendar, which includes events in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, and Bradford.

A Legacy of Global Acclaim

Released in 2001, Lagaan—directed by Ashutosh Gowariker—remains a seminal work in Indian cinema. Beyond its domestic success, the film earned a prestigious Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, a feat that propelled Indian storytelling onto the global stage. Its soundtrack, composed by A.R. Rahman, and its narrative of resilience and unity have solidified its status as a timeless classic.

"As Lagaan completes 25 years, it's hard to put into words what this journey has meant," Aamir Khan stated ahead of the festival. "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. I'm truly delighted that this milestone is being celebrated with a screening at the BFI."

Festival Expansion and Innovation

The London Indian Film Festival continues to evolve in its 17th year, showcasing a diverse lineup that spans 10 languages and promotes both established and emerging talent. The 2026 edition opens with the European premiere of the coming-of-age drama 52 Blue, directed by Ali El Arabi and starring Adil Hussain and Neha Dhupia.

A significant addition to this year’s program is a specialized section dedicated to the intersection of artificial intelligence and filmmaking. This showcase highlights a new generation of South Asian filmmakers who are integrating AI into their creative processes, marking a shift toward tech-driven storytelling.

"Bringing together a glittering box of indie gemstone films from some of the world's finest film festivals to UK premiere at our five-city festival offers a rare treat to our audiences," said Cary Rajinder Sawhney, CEO and Programming Director of the London Indian Film Festival. "We are delighted to share the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Lagaan and show this epic film on the UK's largest IMAX screen with Aamir Khan present to talk about its making."

Official Sources

According to festival organizers, the event is supported by the BFI Audience Projects Fund, which utilizes National Lottery funding to enhance film accessibility. The festival also features the return of the Satyajit Ray Short Film Competition, a dedicated strand aimed at championing the next generation of South Asian directors.

Why It Matters

The 25th-anniversary celebration of Lagaan provides fans and cinema enthusiasts with a rare opportunity to engage with one of the most influential figures in Indian film history. For the industry, the focus on both classic milestones and AI-driven innovation reflects a broader trend of bridging heritage with forward-looking technological advancements in the arts.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Anniversary Milestone: 2026 marks 25 years since the release of Lagaan.

• Festival Scale: The 17th London Indian Film Festival is expanding to six cities: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, and Bradford.

• Event Highlights: The festival includes an IMAX screening of Lagaan on July 12 and an "In Conversation" session with Aamir Khan on July 16 at BFI Southbank.

• Diverse Programming: The lineup features films in 10 different languages, alongside a new showcase for AI in cinematic arts.

FAQ

Where can I see Lagaan during the festival? The film will be screened at the BFI IMAX in London on July 12, 2026.

When is Aamir Khan’s "In Conversation" event? The onstage conversation with Aamir Khan, centered on Lagaan and his career, is scheduled for July 16 at BFI Southbank.

What other films are premiering at the festival? The festival opens with the European premiere of the drama 52 Blue. Other highlights include Priyankka Saha's Anmol – Lovingly Yours and the 4K restoration of the cult classic In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones.

Source: London Indian Film Festival, British Film Institute (BFI), Press Trust of India (PTI)