Symbols and motifs

Symbols

The game show

The game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? is one of the most important symbols in the film Slumdog Millionaire (2008) directed by Danny Boyle. The show offers people an opportunity to win a lot of money through a combination of general knowledge and luck. At first glance, anyone can take part in the show and anyone has an equal chance at winning. However, Kumar’s attitude towards Jamal and his accusations that Jamal is cheating shows that the same barriers that stand in the way of people of poor economic backgrounds from getting a better life also stop them from truly excelling at this game. Therefore, while the game show offers the illusion of equality, it turns out to represent an example of the corruption and economic inequality present in the rest of Indian society.

The show is also a symbol of escape. This is first expressed by Latika. When Jamal wonders out loud why everyone watches Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Latika answers that it is a chance to “walk into another life” (01:16:32). Therefore, many people watch the show because it allows them to fantasize if only for one hour in the evening that they can lead better lives and achieve success.

Jamal taking part in the show and being so close to winning is a clear symbol of the breaking of economic barriers. While the people from wealthy environments such as Kumar or the live audience...