Is Lion Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Lion is likely a skip if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 156 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Lion Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2015, Lion emerges as a significant entry in the Action domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of He (Balakrishna Nandamuri) gets injured and goes into coma at a hospital in Mumbai. Unlike standard genre fare, Lion attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Satya Deva, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Action elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Lion features a noteworthy lineup led by Nandamuri Balakrishna. Supported by the likes of Trisha Krishnan and Radhika Apte, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Nandamuri Balakrishna, Trisha Krishnan, Radhika Apte manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2015 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Action space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Lion is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Lion follows a sophisticated deliberate pace. Over its 156 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. While some may find the extended runtime testing, the investment pays off for audiences who appreciate a narrative that isn`t afraid to breathe and explore its more nuanced corners.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Lion resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Action landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 3.8/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Lion is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into nature of power. He (Balakrishna Nandamuri) gets injured and goes into coma at a hospital in Mumbai. When he wakes up he vaguely remembers what happened to him. He remembers himself as Bose. But, he is identified as Godse, CEO of a company in Mumbai. As he is having memory issues, he goes to Hyderabad to search for his past. He finds his parents and his lover. But they deny him. Are they his real parents or is it just a feeling of deja vu? Rest of the story is all about what led to his injury and how he fights his way back!
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Lion (2015) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 3.8/10 and strong performance metrics in the Action categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Nandamuri Balakrishna, Trisha Krishnan, Radhika Apte or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Lion is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2015. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Lion is rated UA. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.8/10, and global collection metrics, Lion stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2015 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lion movie hit or flop?
Lion is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.8/10 and lower collections.
Is Lion worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.8/10, Lion may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Lion online?
Lion may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
He (Balakrishna Nandamuri) gets injured and goes into coma at a hospital in Mumbai. When he wakes up he vaguely remembers what happened to him. He remembers himself as Bose. But, he is identified as Godse, CEO of a company in Mumbai. As he is having memory issues, he goes to Hyderabad to search for his past. He finds his parents and his lover. But they deny him. Are they his real parents or is it just a feeling of deja vu? Rest of the story is all about what led to his injury and how he fights his way back!