'Truly special' movie Lion about powerful connections, say stars Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel

One of this season's buzzworthymovies is a tale that setting aside its high-profile stars and Hollywood polishis all the more incredible because it's true.

Lion tells the story of an Australianman who embarks on a daunting and incredible journey to rediscover his roots in India based on scant but powerful childhood memories, after having been separated from his family at the age of five. It's based onA Long Way Home, the surprising 2014 memoir ofSarooBrierley.

Starring Dev Patel in the lead role and Nicole Kidman(as his adopted mother, Sue), the drama marksthe movie directorial debut of GarthDavis, whose past credits include the acclaimed TV crime series Top of the Lake.

The project provided a valuable lesson in introspection for Patel, best known for starring in Oscar-winner Slumdog Millionaire and the surprise hitsThe Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and The SecondBest Exotic Marigold Hotel.

"I'm a very quirky creature that is very fidgety and awkward," the 26-year-old British actor admittedin an interview with CBC News.

"Rarely do you get those moments when you're completely alone and you have nothing else to do but sit there and think."

Alone with one's thoughts: Dev Patel on preparing for Lion

8 years ago

Duration 0:58

The British actor recounts how preparing for Lion, based on a true story, meant learning to quiet his natural fidgeting and spend time just thinking.

"Every young actor would dream to play a role like this. And especially for me, a young Indian dude from London, this stuff doesn't come around everyday," Patel told the Canadian Press.

"It's truly special and I knew that when I read it, I just was allowed to explore a space and embody a character that is far, far away from the usual cliche that we get thrown. In every way it broke the mould for me."

Making its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, Lion quicklybecame an audience favourite and eventually was named runner-up for TIFF's People's Choice Award for favourite festival film of 2016.

Lion opens in Toronto Friday and expands to a wider release on Dec. 21