Logo for HistoryGap

Characters Characters

Saroo Brierley

Historic
Main character

Saroo's story is based on his actual autobiography, "A Long Way Home." His resilience and determination to find his birth family are accurately portrayed, reflecting the real Saroo's journey.

Sue Brierley

Historic
Saroo's adoptive mother

Sue Brierley's role as Saroo's adoptive mother is portrayed accurately, reflecting her real-life compassion and nurturing nature.

John Brierley

Historic
Saroo's adoptive father

John Brierley's supportive role as Saroo's adoptive father is depicted accurately. His understanding and support of Saroo's search are consistent with his real-life character.

Guddu Khan

Historic
Saroo's older brother in India

Guddu's role as Saroo's older brother in India is portrayed accurately, reflecting the real Guddu's protective and loving nature. Though Saroo was very young when they were separated, his memories of Guddu were a driving force in his search.

Kamla Munshi

Historic
Saroo's biological mother

Kamla's portrayal as Saroo's biological mother is accurate, reflecting her love and distress over losing her son. Her emotional journey is a central part of Saroo's story.

Mantosh Brierley

Historic
Saroo's adoptive brother

Mantosh's portrayal reflects the challenges he faced as an adopted child with a difficult past, and his complex relationship with his adoptive family. This matches accounts of Mantosh's life.

More characters

Lucy

Historic
Saroo's girlfriend

Lucy's character, representing Saroo's girlfriend, is based on his real-life partner. Her support during Saroo's search is portrayed accurately.

Story Story

Saroo's early childhood in India

Probably true

The film is based on Saroo Brierley's autobiography, so the depiction of his early life in India is likely largely accurate, though some details may be dramatized or subject to the limitations of childhood memory. Given it's a personal account, complete verification is difficult.

Saroo getting lost on the train

True

The central event of Saroo getting separated from his brother and ending up on the train is the core of his story and is considered accurate.

The Brierley's adoption process

Probably true

The film portrays the Brierleys' adoption of Saroo, and while some details may be simplified or dramatized, the overall process and the challenges involved are likely based on real-world adoption procedures.

Saroo's struggles adapting to his new life

True

Saroo's difficulties adapting to a new culture, language, and family are a common experience for adopted children and are portrayed realistically in the film.

Saroo's memories of his past

True

The film accurately portrays Saroo's struggle to reconcile his adopted life with his fragmented memories of his past and his longing to find his biological family.

Saroo's use of Google Earth

True

Saroo's use of Google Earth to locate his hometown is a crucial part of his story and is a factual element of his search.

The reunion with his biological mother

True

The film's depiction of Saroo's emotional reunion with his biological mother is the culmination of his journey and is based on real events.

The role of the train system in India

True

The film accurately portrays the vast and complex train system in India, which plays a significant role in Saroo's story.

The bond between Saroo and his adoptive parents

True

The film shows the strong bond that develops between Saroo and his adoptive parents, which is a testament to their love and commitment.

Setting Setting

Life in the Indian orphanage

Probably true

While specific details may be fictionalized, the depiction of the challenges and difficulties faced by children in Indian orphanages is generally considered to be realistic and based on common experiences.

The portrayal of poverty in India

Good depiction

The film depicts the poverty and hardship faced by many in India, which is a realistic reflection of the social and economic conditions in some areas.

The depiction of Kolkata (Calcutta)

Average depiction

The film shows aspects of Kolkata, but it's difficult to assess the complete accuracy of its depiction. Some locations might be accurate, while others may be representative or fictionalized.

The emotional impact of adoption

Good depiction

The film effectively portrays the emotional complexities of adoption, both for the adopted child and the adoptive parents.

The cultural differences between India and Australia

True

The film highlights the cultural differences between India and Australia, which adds another layer to Saroo's experience of adapting to a new life.

The challenges of cross-cultural adoption

Good depiction

The film realistically portrays some of the challenges involved in cross-cultural adoption, including language barriers, cultural adjustments, and the child's search for their roots.

The long-term effects of trauma on children

Average depiction

While the film touches on the potential long-term effects of trauma on children, it doesn't fully explore the psychological complexities that can arise from such experiences. Saroo's resilience is highlighted, but the potential for lasting impact is not ignored.