Lagaan at 25: Ashutosh Gowariker says classics must never be remade
Synopsis
At 'Lagaan's 25th anniversary, director Ashutosh Gowariker drew a clear line: classics should be celebrated, not copied or remade. In a Bollywood era defined by sequels and reboots, his call for original storytelling — from the man behind India's most celebrated Oscar-nominated film — carries uncommon weight.
Key Takeaways
Ashutosh Gowariker attended a special 25th anniversary event for 'Lagaan' in Mumbai on 16 June .
He firmly stated that classic films should be appreciated, not remade, urging filmmakers to develop their own original voice. 'Lagaan' (2001) starred Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh , and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 74th Academy Awards .
The film was the first Hindi film to use sync sound and is studied as a case study in team building by educational institutions.
It released alongside 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha' , one of Bollywood's most storied box-office clashes.
Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has firmly ruled out any remake of his landmark film 'Lagaan', even as the movie marks its 25th anniversary. Speaking at a special celebratory event held in Mumbai on Monday, 16 June, Gowariker made clear that timeless films deserve reverence, not reinvention.
What Gowariker Said
Addressing the media on the sidelines of the anniversary event, Gowariker said, 'I don't think you should try and remake a film. I think you should appreciate a film that is a classic, I mean, not 'Lagaan', I am saying any film that you see and you find it to be a classic, you appreciate it.'
He elaborated further: 'You don't have to emulate it. Try and create your own new idea for a film, because you are trying to create his own voice, his own story.' The remarks reflect a broader philosophy — that creative originality should take precedence over nostalgia-driven revisits.
The Legacy of 'Lagaan'
'Lagaan', released in 2001, starred Aamir Khan — who came on board after being actively pursued by Gowariker — alongside Gracy Singh. The film opened in direct competition with Sunny Deol's 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha', one of Bollywood's most celebrated box-office rivalries. Despite the clash, 'Lagaan' went on to earn a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 74th Academy Awards.
The film is widely regarded as a masterclass in Indian filmmaking, credited with challenging and breaking several entrenched box-office conventions of its era. It was also the first Hindi film to use sync sound, a technical milestone that reshaped production standards across the industry.
Its Place in Film Education
Beyond box-office achievement, 'Lagaan' has earned a rare distinction in academia. Several educational institutions have incorporated it as a case study in team building and leadership, drawing on the film's narrative of diverse individuals uniting under a common goal. It also introduced a more streamlined, department-specific professional approach to film production in Bollywood — a model that many subsequent productions have adopted.
Why This Matters Now
Gowariker's remarks come at a time when the Hindi film industry has seen a surge in remakes and sequels, with studios frequently revisiting successful intellectual properties. His stance is a counterpoint to that trend, advocating instead for original storytelling. Notably, 'Lagaan' itself was an original — a period drama set in colonial India that defied genre expectations and commercial logic, yet endured.
As the film completes 25 years, its influence on Indian cinema — technically, narratively, and institutionally — remains as relevant as ever. Whether a new generation of filmmakers heeds Gowariker's call for originality will be one of Bollywood's defining questions in the years ahead.
Point of View
With studios mining the 1990s and 2000s catalogue for familiar titles. His argument — that filmmakers should build a new voice rather than borrow an old one — is a direct rebuke of that instinct. What's worth noting is that 'Lagaan' itself succeeded precisely because it defied the formula of its time. The irony is that the film's DNA is now part of the formula others are trying to replicate. Whether this anniversary moment sparks genuine reflection in the industry, or simply becomes another quotable soundbite, will say a great deal about where Hindi cinema's creative ambition actually stands.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Will 'Lagaan' be remade?
Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has categorically ruled out a remake of 'Lagaan', stating at the film's 25th anniversary event that classics should be appreciated rather than recreated. He urged filmmakers to develop their own original ideas instead.
What is the significance of 'Lagaan's 25th anniversary?
'Lagaan', released in 2001, is celebrating 25 years as one of Hindi cinema's most acclaimed films. A special event was held in Mumbai on 16 June to mark the occasion, attended by filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker and several industry figures.
Was 'Lagaan' nominated for an Oscar?
Yes, 'Lagaan' received a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 74th Academy Awards, one of only a handful of Indian films to achieve this distinction.
What were 'Lagaan's technical contributions to Bollywood?
'Lagaan' was the first Hindi film to use sync sound, a milestone that influenced production standards across the industry. It also introduced a more professional, department-specific approach to film mounting in Bollywood.
Who starred in 'Lagaan' and what was its box-office context?
'Lagaan' starred Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh. It released in direct competition with Sunny Deol's 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha', one of the most talked-about box-office clashes in Bollywood history.
