All Eyes On The Slumdog Millionaire

I guess all eyes will be on the Slumdog Millionaire when it releases next Friday, Jan 23rd. Who would have thought that the modestly budgeted $15 million movie won awards for the best drama, best director (Danny Boyle), best screen play (Simon Beaufoy) and best original score (A.R. Rahman) in the Golden Globe Awards.

Filmed in Mumbai, Slumdog Millionaire is based on the award winning Q & A book by Indian writer Vikas Swarup. An Indian diplomat, Vikas went to great details in his book to tell the truth about India with great warm and humanity.

The film revolves around an young orphan boy, Jamal Malik, from the slump of Mumbai. In the break before the final question on winning the staggering 20 million rupees at the country's version of the television game show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?", Jamal Malik is arrested on suspicion of cheating. The interesting story of his life on the streets, and his love interest, Latika are recollected in episodes corresponding to the questions asked in the game show which also reveals how he knows all the answers of the game show. What's the purpose of he joining the game show? It is definitely not because of money or fame.

Could you answer this question? If no, then you will be able to do so at the end of the film.

Jamal Malik is one question away from winning 20 million rupees. How did he do it?
A. He cheated.
B. He's lucky.
C. He's a genius.
D. It is written.

The film shows the the poors in Mumbai with great realism. It also captures the gritty and expansive nature of Mumbai, India and is a movie about brotherhood, love and hope. Danny Boyle indeed able to portray the tremendous strength and spirit of the poor in India to survive decently and with integrity in the slumps of India.

Click to listen Dreams on Fire and Latika Theme.