Lagaan, the Indian entry for the Oscars in the Best Foreign Film category, seems to have stirred up a controversy here through its powerful indictment of the British rule, and is said to be a strong contender for the coveted award.

The film, which portrays the British in India as ruthless sadists and mafia-style crooks, has reportedly found favour with the US film establishment and is seen as a strong contender, alongside French film Amelie, the Sunday Telegraph said.