In November 2008, Slumdog Millionaire hit the big screens in the United States. Following its release, the title was well-received by global audiences, and its impact remains prevalent within the modern-day entertainment industry. Created by Danny Boyle, an eight-time BAFTA Award-winning director, the rags-to-riches tale focuses on an Indian version of the popular television show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? So, let’s take a look at whether the film is worth watching.
Changing Film Creation in India and Beyond
As touched on above, Slumdog Millionaire adopts a game-orientated style. However, in telling the story of Jamal Malik, an 18-year-old from Mumbai, Boyle embraces a dramatic foundation that highlights humanity’s critical nature. In terms of the title’s long-lasting impact, there can be no doubt that the loose adaptation of Vikas Swarup’s novel, Q & A, dramatically changed India’s entertainment industry. Despite being shot in the Juhu slums, local audiences praised Slumdog Millionaire for moving away from, as The Guardian puts it, “Bollywood’s masala potboilers”. In turn, this has encouraged up-and-coming directors to experiment with untested themes in the hope of captivating a new local audience.
Outside of India’s film industry, the 2008 release has also influenced the gaming sector. Now, there are more live quiz games than ever before, and television shows are striving to break into the video game industry. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, for example, which Slumdog Millionaire is based on, released their own video games onto the Nintendo Wii and DS in 2010 and 2012, as well as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Special Editions on PlayStation 3.
Furthermore, the much-loved quiz show has since expanded into the online casino sector. For those seeking to replicate Malik’s success, Genesis Casino online in India hosts several quiz-show crossovers. Within the platform’s extensive library of games, users can immerse themselves in Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Megaways. The six-reel Big Time Gaming slot features the TV show’s iconic backdrop, and the free spins round builds to a maximum of 50 free spins in the HOT SEAT gamble feature.
An Award-Winning Title
Regarding the plot of Boyle’s creation, IMDb describes the title as a reflection of Malik’s life after being accused of cheating on the television quiz show. In many ways, this is why Slumdog Millionaire has long piqued the interests of film fans. Having grown up in the Dharavi slums, the 18-year-old is on the cusp of life-changing success after an upbringing full of adversity and heartache. Fundamentally, Slumdog Millionaire epitomizes the rags-to-riches theme that focuses on turning past traumas into a present-day advantage, as per an article by Inc.
The 12-year-old release possesses an edge-of-the-seat storyline that forms a connection between the audience and Malik. Unlike other Indian titles, Slumdog Millionaire intertwines elements of glamour with traditional undertones. As Robert Ebert writes, the award-winning film “bridges these two Indias” by showcasing the struggles of slum living and the allure of a millionaire lifestyle.
If You Haven’t Already, Watch Slumdog Millionaire!
With a two-hour run time, the dramatic title is well worth watching. For those who enjoy the classic themes of Indian cinema but long for a modern twist, Slumdog Millionaire is the film for you. Ultimately, it speaks volumes about the film’s immersive nature that it hasn’t just impacted various entertainment streams, but it’s also altered the face of Indian cinema.