Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India Movie Review (2025)

Parents need to know that Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India is an epic sports drama set during the British colonial rule of the country in 1893. The film follows Bhuvan (Aamir Khan), a simple Indian farmer, who prepares his team for a cricket match after accepting a challenge posed by the British commander, Captain Russell (Paul Blackthorne), where the stakes involve abolishing tax for the Indians if they win. Set during the British rule of India, the film shows the casteism and racism of the time, showing the injustices of both. What's handled less well is the portrayal of women who are generally reduced to love interests or female relatives. Violent threats are made and there is a mention of molestation. There are multiple scenes that involve animal hunting. Guns are pointed at individuals. Physical fights take place, people are kicked, slapped, and whipped. Mobs armed with sticks chase individuals. During the game of cricket, characters are hurt on numerous occasions and blood-covered wounds are visible. In Bollywood tradition, there are music and dance sequences that involve romance and flirting, while a character is left heartbroken. Language includes "moron," "lunatic," "hell," etc. The film is in Hindi-infused Awadhi with English subtitles.

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Violence & Scariness

some

Characters threaten to beat each other. A joke is made where someone mentions molestation. Sequences where animals are hunted with rifles and repeatedly shot. People are held at gunpoint. There are intense brawls between characters; individuals are smacked, kicked, chased by mobs, beaten with whips, and slapped. During a cricket match, players are severely injured multiple times with the ball; some blood and gore.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

a little

There is some flirting, romance, and heartbreak in the film.

Language

a little

Language includes: "Pests," "darn," "moron," "get lost," "wretch," "scumbag," "crazy," "lunatic," "demon," "stupid," "hell," "witch," "idiot," "bloody," "slaves," "fool," "shut up," and "vulture." "God" is used as an exclamation.

Positive Messages

a lot

Teamwork, truth, courage, and determination are all needed to overthrow oppression and exploitation. No matter how slim the chance, taking risks are a significant part of achieving a huge goal. Racism and casteism are dangerous ideologies.

Positive Role Models

some

Bhuvan stands up for himself courageously and gathers his team for a cricket match against the colonial British with grit and determination. Gauri, his love interest, supports his endeavors throughout and trusts him completely. Elizabeth helps the Indian team in training for the match despite her racist brother's attempts to stop her.

Diverse Representations

some

The film has Indian and White British characters. A character has a paralyzed hand and another one is mute but they are not reduced to their disability. The film actively critiques and problematizes practices of casteism and racism. The few female characters are not given much agency, reduced largely love interests or mothers, sisters, and daughters.

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