MUMBAI: In the history of Indian cinema, few films deserve to be well-reckoned as cult classics. Such films transcend boundaries and stand as a testament to the brilliance of cinema at its finest. One such film is "Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India," or simply "Lagaan." This Ashutosh Gowariker directorial is indeed a film that exemplifies how cinema should be and how a story can be narrated to the audience. Lagaan is a film that is well-etched in the memories of every Indian, especially those from the '90s. Today marks the 23rd anniversary of this evergreen cult classic, and even after more than two decades, there has been no film quite like it.

Lagaan presents a story set in 1893, during the late Victorian period of British colonial rule in India. The film follows the inhabitants of a village in Central India, who, burdened by high taxes and several years of drought, are challenged by an arrogant British Indian Army officer to a game of cricket as a wager to avoid paying the taxes they owe. The villagers face the arduous task of learning a game that is alien to them and playing for victory. That is the main plot, but the beauty of Lagaan lies in its execution, the way it has been picturized, the performances by the actors, and the music.

There is a lot in Lagaan that made the audience travel along. Set against the backdrop of a village, all the villagers possess certain personalities that every individual can relate to. The film encompasses every emotion. People experienced feelings of love, jealousy, hatred, enjoyment, suffering, empathy, victory, patriotism, and foremost of all, FREEDOM. This is indeed the biggest reason for all the success the film has achieved over time.

The timeless classic, Lagaan, was able to glorify its basic theme and remain true to its plot thanks to the excellent direction of Ashutosh Gowariker. However, the most important part was the flawless acting of its cast. Aamir Khan as Bhuvan led the entire film brilliantly. The simplicity and beauty of the supporting cast also contributed significantly, as they gave exactly what their characters demanded. It is indeed one of the best films of Aamir Khan's career.

One of the most significant reasons for Lagaan's success was its music, which showcased the simple yet extraordinary brilliance of A. R. Rahman. Songs like "Radha Kaise Na Jale," "Chale Chalo," "Ghanan Ghanan," "Mitwa," and others are special and still resonate deeply with audiences.

Lagaan has left a significant mark in the history of the Indian entertainment industry, winning the most awards at the 49th National Film Awards in eight categories, including Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, Best Male Playback Singer, Best Audiography, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Music Direction, Best Lyrics, and Best Choreography.

Conclusively, Lagaan is a film that has achieved success beyond imagination and continues to grow with time. It is one of those films that every generation must watch.