A once-quiet drama starring Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel is getting another shot at the spotlight, nearly a decade after its theatrical run. The renewed attention comes as viewers revisit a deeply personal story about family, identity and the long road home. Streaming has given this emotional drama another chance to connect with audiences who may have missed it the first time around.
Dev Patel fans are discovering 2016’s Lion on streaming
FlixPatrol currently lists the 2016 drama among Disney+’s popular titles in its streaming charts, reflecting the film’s renewed visibility years after release. The Lion has secured a 2nd spot, beating titles like Devil Wears Prada 2, No Way Home, Avengers: Infinity War, The Avengers, Avengers: Endgame, Far From Home, and others.
The story centers on Saroo, an Indian boy who becomes separated from his family after accidentally boarding a train. Years later, following adoption by an Australian couple, his scattered childhood memories push him to search for his birth family. Dev Patel plays the adult Saroo, while Nicole Kidman portrays his adoptive mother, Sue Brierley. Rooney Mara, Sunny Pawar, and David Wenham round out the principal cast. Garth Davis directed the film.
What started as a fairly low-key release ended up becoming a serious box-office win. Lion was made for an estimated $12 million, yet eventually pulled more than $140 million worldwide. Its North American debut was tiny, earning only $123,360, but positive buzz spread quickly and helped the film reach a much wider audience.
The love didn’t stop at the ticket counter. Lion currently holds an 84% critics’ score and 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside an 8.0/10 IMDb rating. Reviews praised the cast and the movie’s emotional punch, while fans loved Saroo’s personal search for the life he left behind. The film’s awards run was just as impressive, earning six Oscar nominations.
Lion’s fusion of Indian locations, family drama and Dev Patel’s grounded performance gives newcomers plenty to discover, while longtime fans get another reason to revisit Saroo’s remarkable and personal journey.
Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on ComingSoon.
