Not Just A Movie On Homecoming, ‘Lion’ Opened Our Eyes To Evils We Are Still Facing Today

A complexly woven film, ‘Lion’ when watched first may seem like a far-fetched reality. But, once you learn that it is based on a true story and miraculous life of ‘Saroo’ you quiver from inside. It isn’t one of those films you watch, like and forget the next day. No, ‘Lion’ brings to you a whole different dimension of filmmaking- truth, love and purity.

Directed by debutant Australian filmmaker, Garth Davis it is a story which will ingrain itself deep within your soul. It will be hard to forget the marvel of this story. It is one of those rare films where one refuses to talk about the acting, direction, cinematography and just look at it as a whole.

Though on the surface it may seem like the perfect homecoming story, it is so much more.  The central theme of the film is reality. There is a reality in young Saroo’s (played by Sunny Panwar) eyes, in his tears. There is a reality in the feeling that suddenly dawns on you when you look at a little child, helpless and lost in a vast world.

Through the life of young Saroo, we forced to look abject poverty straight in the eye. Living in the same country, the reality people may be facing continues to shock us. We are forced to witness the penury which is the life of so many here. But we are also taught that happiness is not about how much any of us have. It is just an emotion which radiates from ourselves and not things around us.

It shows us the harsh truth that if a little child is lost on the street, he will either be kidnapped, forced into a begging racket or exploited for sexual favours. It will take the real world a second and a ‘Fanta’ bottle to snatch the innocence from a child’s eyes.

Orphanages, instead of being sanctuaries for these children turn into the devil’s den. With child sexual abuse, molestation and physical abuse rampant who will keep the purity of their soul intact?

Nobody talks about child abuse and the impact it may have on the psyche of an adult. Trauma stays with you a long time and manifests in ways we don’t understand. ‘Lion’ had the courage to stand up and talk about these things.

Though set in the 1980s many of the themes through the core of the film ‘Lion’, still hold true. India still suffers from abject poverty, children are still lost to sexual violence and abuse is a real thing.

‘Lion’ is a must watch if you want a dose of truth, empathy and family values. Nominated for the Oscars, the film’s simplistic sensibilities would surely make you Feel The Other Side.

For a comfortable experience at home watch it for the first time on Indian Television on &Privé HD on the 22nd of October at 1 PM & 9 PM.