Lion' child actor Sunny Pawar denied visa to US, will not attend film's premiere

Mumbai: Indian child actor Sunny Pawar will not be attending the screening of his debut film ‘Lion’ in New York and Los Angeles this week. The actor, who had not attended the Toronto film Festival either, was denied visa to the US, film studio Weinstein Company reportedly informed ‘The Guardian’.

Weinstein Company the step was an offshoot of ‘immigration paranoia’ hovering over the United States. "We believe it must be the effect of immigration paranoia...We want him to be a part of the celebration of this film and his performance… We fully intend to go through the proper resources and appeal with the state department for assistance," Weinstein Company President David Glasser was reported as saying.

The 8-year-old plays the role of young Dev Patel in the movie, who is separated from his family at the ripe age of 5. The film is based on the true story of Australian businessman Saroo Brierley.

‘Lion’ will be released on January 19 in Australia and a day after in the United Kingdom. In the States, the film is slated for a November 25 release.