Cast
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Dev Patel
as Older Jamal
Freida Pinto
as Older Latika
Madhur Mittal
as Older Salim
Anil Kapoor
as Prem
Mahesh Manjrekar
as Javed
Saurabh Shukla
as Sergeant Srinivas
Irrfan Khan
as Police Inspector
Ankur Vikal
as Maman
Tanay Chheda
as Middle Jamal
Ayush Mahesh Khedekar
as Youngest Jamal
Ashutosh Lobo Gajiwala
as Middle Salim
Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail
as Youngest Salim
Tanvi Ganesh Lonkar
as Middle Latika
Rubina Ali
as Youngest Latika
Raj Zutshi
as Director
Crew
Director
- Danny Boyle
Producer
- Christian Colson
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Dev Patel is great here as "Jamal", a young man from the Mumbai slums who shot to fame by winning the first ever jackpot on the Indian version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" only to be accused of cheating. It's not an unreasonable allegation - this lad comes from a background that suggests little, if any, education and yet he is answering some tough questions that, theoretically, he should not know the answers too. It's during this (actually quite brutal) interrogation, which is interspersed with flashback and with each round of the television quiz, that we discover a little of the childhood and upbringing of this young man and about how he has amassed the knowledge to, legitimately, get the answers correct. It's a story about humanity and decency, this - and the ensemble cast, especially the street urchins, help to deliver an authentic glimpse at not just the poverty in which they lived, but of their sense of community and loyalty to each other as they grew up together. Now there's no point in pretending that the writing is great - it isn't. It's doesn't really allow for any in-depth character development. Somehow, though, Patel's sheer screen presence and optimism, coupled with the overall style of the film cover up for that more than adequately leaving us with a solidly entertaining, occasionally thought-provoking, rags-to-riches story that I suspect many people can readily identify with. It's a bit too long, and maybe the romantic elements could have been ditched, but all told it's still well worth watching.
Apr 2, 2023
RalphRahal
Slumdog Millionaire is one of those movies that really sticks with you. It follows Jamal, a kid from the slums of Mumbai. Watching him go through so much and still come out with hope makes it pretty powerful.
The movie does a great job showing the reality of life for kids in poverty but doesn’t feel like it’s trying to preach. Director Danny Boyle keeps things moving with a fast pace, and the mix of tension, humor, and drama keeps you hooked. The visuals are great too, showing all sides of Mumbai, from the city to the harshness of life in the slums.
Overall, Slumdog Millionaire is a must-watch. It’s raw, emotional, and, at the end of the day, it’s a story about resilience and hope. Perfect for when you want a movie that hits hard but leaves you feeling uplifted.
Dec 14, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Slumdog Millionaire examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Danny Boyle brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2008, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Slumdog Millionaire took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $15.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 120 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2008, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Slumdog Millionaire shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Little Witch, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Slumdog Millionaire offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Metropolis and Apocalypse Now explore similar territory, Slumdog Millionaire stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 12, 2008
- Runtime: 2h
- Budget: $15,000,000
- Revenue: $378,400,000
