According to the story, two cops played by Irrfan Khan and Saurabh Shukla question a young Jamal for cheating in the Indian version of quiz show 'Who wants to be a Millionaire'. They think that a slum dweller cannot answer the quiz. But, Danny takes due note of Jamal's travel from a slum to that of the Rs two million quiz winner! Significantly, Jamal wins even in the wake of the losing his mother and childhood sweetheart Latika during this long journey. He has been optimistic though unlike his brother Salim.
The movie is set in the backdrop of India's most popular metropolis Mumbai. These three protagonists -- Jamal Malik played by Dev Patel, Salim Malik played by Madhur Mittal and Latika played by Frieda Pinto - move their ways. While Jamal, who plunges into no-man's land, grows straight, Salim as Gunmaster trusts only his Colt 45, and joins Mahesh Manjrekar's gang. Latika, an orphan, is no exception; she faces the brothels and lastly a gang. This is another matter that she continues her love for Jamal. Incidentally, Jamal travels a long way from a slum to the glamorous hot seat of the Quiz Show. He faces a problem there too inasmuch as an arrogant quizmaster played by Anil Kapoor wonders how a boy selling tea can know all the answers on `My Show'. Anil doesn't reconcile to the tea seller winning Rs 20 million as prize money. He doesn't trust the `darshan do ghanshyam ' hymn that Jamal believes in.
The movie keeps you hooked from the beginning to the end. There is not a single instance where the story lulls, leaving you room to recline on your seats. And you go with the flow. You pine for the characters and their fates. You smile with them. Dance with them and even weep with them!
Carved beautifully by Danny Boyle and screenplay writer Simon Beaufoy from Vikas Swarup's novel Q & A, the movie is beautiful poem etched in squalor and poverty. It stinks of both joy and stench. Love and sorrow. Hope and deceit.
A R Rahman's hip-hop score meanders blissfully throughout the movie like little Jamal and his brother across the streets. The music blends so seamlessly into the storyline that 'Jai Ho' rings in your mind even hours after watching the movie.
Star Cast: Farhan Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Madhur Mittal, Imran Hasnee, Mahesh Manjrekar
Director: Danny Boyle
Rating: ****
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