Cast: Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, David Wenham, Sunny Pawar, Abhishek Bharate, Priyanka Bose, Divian Ladwa, Rooney Mara

Directed By; Garth Davis

At the 87th Academy awards this year, this film was nominated for six Awards, including Best Picture, but sadly it lost. Get your tissues for ‘Lion’ this is a real tearjerker, for not only do the pint sized actors play out well, but even the main characters give off stellar performances. It tells a deeply human story about the importance of family. The film is adapted from the non - fiction book written by Saroo Brierley entitled A Long Way Home, a book by Saroo based on his own experiences.

We have little Saroo (Sunny Pawar) living with his elder brother Guddu (Abhishek Bharate), sister and mother Kamla (Priyanka Bose). While at work, Saroo is left alone on an empty railway platform, awaiting Guddu’s return. With no sign of his brother, Saroo boards an empty train that takes him to Calcutta a thousand miles away. When the police are unable to locate his home, Saroo is sent to a children’s home.

An NGO takes up his case and as luck would have it, he gets another chance at having a family when an Australian couple Sue Brierley (Nicole Kidman) and John Brierley (David Wenham) adopt him and welcome him into their home in Hobart, Australia. The couple also adopts another boy Mantosh (Divian Ladwa). Saroo grows up, gets a good job and a girlfriend Lucy (Rooney Mara). One day his mind flashes back to his past. He discovers a tool called Google Earth and begins to search for his old home again after 25 years away. The idea of his mother and brother searching for him day after day after day all these years tortures Saroo. He desperately wants to find them.

26 minutes of bonus material takes the audience backstage with Behind the Scenes Featurettes: A Conversation with Saroo Brierley, the director, the main cast and Making of the Music. We also get to see the really touching real life meeting with Saroo and his real life mother.

The ‘LION’ soundtrack is by by Dustin O'Halloran & Hauschka, but it begins with a pop tune by Sia Never Give Up  which is beautiful. You will surely love the music from the film. The rest of the tracks are haunting and beautiful. Wonderful collaboration resulting in mesmerizing and unforgettable music attuned to a stupendous movie.

Rating: *****

Reviewed By Verus Ferreira