The London Indian Film Festival (LIFF) is set to return for its 17th edition with a strong line-up of film screenings, celebrity conversations and special events celebrating South Asian cinema. Among the biggest highlights for Bollywood fans this year is a special tribute to Lagaan as the acclaimed film marks 25 years since its release.

Aamir Khan to celebrate 25 years of Lagaan at London Indian Film Festival 2026; actor set for rare in-conversation session

As part of the celebrations, actor and producer Aamir Khan will participate in a rare ‘In Conversation’ session at BFI Southbank on July 16. The event coincides with a special screening of Lagaan at BFI IMAX on July 12, giving audiences an opportunity to revisit the Oscar-nominated epic that remains one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated films.

Reflecting on the milestone, Aamir Khan said, “As Lagaan completes 25 years, it’s hard to put into words what this journey has meant. 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. To see Lagaan still connect with audiences across generations and across geographies is very special.”

The actor is expected to discuss the making of the landmark film, its global impact and his journey from child actor to one of Indian cinema’s most influential stars. Another major attraction at the festival is the European premiere of 52 Blue, directed by award-winning filmmaker Abi El Arabi. The coming-of-age drama stars Adil Hussain and Neha Dhupia and will open the festival at BFI Southbank on July 9 before travelling to Birmingham, Sheffield and Greater London.

Speaking about the film’s selection, director Abi El Arabi said, “It goes beyond words to express how deeply grateful and happy I am, not only because the film is screening at Europe’s largest South Asian film festival, reaching an audience that has always felt close to my heart and profoundly moved me, but also because of the privilege of working with extraordinary actors such as Adil Hussain and Neha Dhupia, alongside the remarkable team that brought this story to life, the same spirit that once made the World Cup feel possible.”

The festival will also feature a special screening of the restored cult classic In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, written by Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy. The film’s 4K restoration will receive its UK premiere during the festival.

Spanning multiple cities across the United Kingdom, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield and Bradford, the 2026 edition of the London Indian Film Festival continues its focus on showcasing Indian cinema, celebrating iconic films and bringing global audiences closer to some of the industry’s most influential voices.

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