What are your thoughts on figuring out why the name of the film is Lion?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The film Lion is named after the real-life protagonist Saroo Brierley’s mispronunciation of his own name, which, in Hindi, was “Sheru,” meaning “lion” in English.
300-Word Explanation:
The title Lion may initially seem unrelated to the plot of the film, which follows the journey of Saroo, a young Indian boy who gets lost thousands of kilometers from home and is eventually adopted by an Australian family. However, the deeper significance of the title is revealed in the emotional climax of the movie and in Saroo Brierley’s real-life story.
As a child, Saroo could not clearly pronounce his own name, which was actually “Sheru”—a Hindi word meaning lion. After being adopted by an Australian family and raised in Tasmania, Saroo later used Google Earth and vague childhood memories to track down his birth village. Upon reconnecting with his biological mother, he learned his actual name and its meaning. This moment not only symbolizes Saroo rediscovering his roots but also signifies his personal strength and courage, much like a lion.
The name Lion encapsulates themes of identity, resilience, and reunion. It subtly honors the protagonist’s inner strength to survive adversity, embrace his past, and find where he truly belongs. The title serves both as a literal translation of his name and a metaphor for the emotional and psychological bravery shown by Saroo throughout his journey.
Moreover, Lion highlights the broader message of the film: the enduring power of memory, identity, and family bonds. It turns a personal story into a universal narrative about hope and the human spirit. Naming the film Lion gives it poetic closure, tying the beginning and end of Saroo’s life journey into a single, powerful word that reflects both his origin and transformation.