Anggriawan Sugianto

Slumdog Millionaire—what a movie! This one took home the 2009 Golden Globe for Best Picture in the Drama category, and it’s easy to see why. I usually steer clear of Bollywood films (too predictable, let’s be real 😏), but this one isn’t your typical Bollywood flick. It’s actually a British production by Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan, set entirely in India. No wonder it feels so fresh!

The story revolves around Jamal Malik, a young man from the slums of Mumbai competing on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. Jamal nails every question, outsmarting even the smartest contestants. But instead of celebrating his success, people accuse him of cheating. The police interrogate him brutally, demanding to know how he knew the answers. Jamal explains: every question ties back to a piece of his difficult, extraordinary life.

The movie uses a clever flashback style to show how Jamal’s past shaped him:

• Growing up in extreme poverty.
• Losing his mother in a religious riot.
• Escaping a gang that exploited street kids as beggars.
• Drifting apart from his brother Salim and childhood love, Latika.

And here’s the kicker: Jamal isn’t on the show for fame or money. He’s using it to find Latika. That’s where the heart of the story lies.

What makes Slumdog Millionaire special is how it shines a light on the lives of India’s underprivileged—stories we don’t often see in movies. It’s raw, emotional, and relatable, especially for audiences in developing countries. And with its back-and-forth storytelling, you’re constantly on edge, connecting the dots between Jamal’s memories and the quiz questions.

Of course, it’s got its Bollywood vibes: family drama, action, tragedy, and yes, dancing. (Thankfully, no trees or pillars involved. 😂) Adapted from Vikas Swarup’s Q and A, this movie deserved every award it won. My one question: has English really infiltrated India’s poorest communities that much? 🤔

My verdict? 9/10. A must-watch for the story, emotions, and social commentary. Moral of the story? Life doesn’t always make sense in the moment. But someday, you’ll understand how everything fits together. God has made everything fit beautifully in its appropriate time.