By Amy Kazmin
With its gritty depiction of Mumbai’s underbelly – and an unlikely rags-to-riches tale of resilience and hope, the film Slumdog Millionaire has gained critical acclaim and box office success round the world, plus 10 Oscar nominations.
Despite the film’s pedigree as a British production, its international success has enthused many urban Indians, now embracing it as a triumph of India’s cinema industry, which generates about 900 films a year.
In Indian media interviews, Danny Boyle, the British director, has insisted his work is a mainstream Indian “feel-good” film, given its romantic love story and underdog hero who overcomes tremendous adversity to secure triumph and, of course, the girl.
Yet, among directors and producers in Mumbai – the heart of India’s film industry – the success of Slumdog Millionaire has generated both excitement and angst over Bollywood’s relationship with global audiences.
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