Character relationships

Jamal and Salim

Salim is protective of Jamal and thinks he is responsible for him

The relationship between Jamal and Salim is significant in the film Slumdog Millionaire (2008) directed by Danny Boyle. Salim is Jamal’s older brother, which he often brings up when he wants Jamal to agree with him. For example, when Jamal wants Latika to join them, Salim insists that, as the eldest, the decision should be his, and he does not want Latika there.

Salim and Jamal are inseparable during their childhood in the slums. This is also illustrated in the nicknames with which they address each other – Athos and Porthos, which are characters from Alexandre Dumas’ historical novel The Three Musketeers. The musketeers are famous for their friendship, and at the beginning of the film, the nicknames seem to suit Salim and Jamal very well.

When Salim and Jamal’s mother is killed in the riots, Salim seems to take it upon himself to protect Jamal. It is clear that, as the eldest surviving member of the family, ...