Aamir Khan's Lagaan: Friends called it a mess

Filmmaker Aamir Khan shared that friends Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra had expressed serious doubts about his film Lagaan before its production. They predicted the ambitious single-schedule shooting approach would result in a chaotic mess. However, Khan remained resolute, trusting his vision for the project.

Lagaan, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and produced by Khan himself, ultimately proved a monumental success. The film, set in pre-independence India, challenged mainstream Bollywood conventions with its historical setting and nearly four-hour runtime. It earned an Oscar nomination in 2002 and secured eight National Film Awards.

Khan's decision to produce Lagaan marked a turning point, allowing him to implement modern techniques like sync-sound recording and the first assistant director system. The film's narrative centered on villagers challenging British oppression through a cricket match, resonating deeply with audiences.