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If you live anywhere in India and happen to surf news channels even sporadically, chances are rife that you have heard about the buzz that ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ has been generating what with all the critical acclaim and the 10 Oscar nominations, not to mention the 4 Golden Globe awards. It then seems extremely ironical that most movie buffs (myself included) I speak to opine that although ‘Slumdog’ is a good movie, it is’nt what you would call a classic. What is even more surprising is the attention the music of the movie is drawing. Before you jump out of your seat in sheer outrage, let me make a disclaimer. I believe, A R Rahman is a genius. He is right up there with Al Pacino, Sachin Tendulkar and Zinedine Zidane. In a desert of mediocrity and banality he stands out as an oasis of excellence and originality. But even Rahman would admit that the “Jai Ho” track and the background score of ‘Slumdog’ are far from his best. In fact, I dare say, by anyone’s standards the music of ‘Slumdog’ can at best be described as above average. It’s the kind of music that Rahman could have made in his sleep. And anyone who is an ardent fan of A R Rahman would find it hard to refute this claim. The popular theory doing the rounds is that, although not scintillating, the music is good and since the movie is going places the music is sort of tagging along. But, I must admit, the success of the movie itself, in the first place, has intrigued me for neither the rags to riches storyline nor the victory of the underdog in the end is new to the world of cinema. In fact, these are the two pillars that most Indian movies brace themselves upon. The suggestion that nothing captures the attention and imagination of the west like a rather graphic and candid depiction of the deplorable living conditions of people in developing countries seems both weak and unsubstantiated. Although, history has evidence pointing to the contrary. What with almost every movie in the past made either in or about India that has received approbation abroad has had an underlying poverty & persecution theme. Mother India, Salaam Bombay and Lagaan to name a few. Yet, somehow, that suggestion does not convince me. The performances of almost the entire cast of Slumdog was fantastic. No denying that. But, is that enough to warrant 10 Oscar nominations? Are’nt there numerous movies with mindblowing performances that have’nt got nominated. I don’t know, your guess is as good as mine. To cut a long story short, the journey of ‘Slumdog’ thus far has been a little bit like its very own storyline. I’m almost certain that the makers of Slumdog were neither expecting nor prepared for its overwhelming success just like the protagonist of the movie kept surprising himself with every passing question. I know that what I’m about to say next will be unacceptable to a lot of you and I will be accused of trivializing and simplifying the reason for the movie’s phenomenal success. But, if I was in the ‘Hot Seat’ of “Who wants to be a Millionaire” having exhausted all my lifelines and the screen in front of me read

What is the reason for Slumdog Millionaire’s stupendous success?

1. Its got a great plot and features some memorable performances
2. Its extremely unique
3. It highlights the dismal plight of a major section of the population of contemporary India
4. It is written

No prizes for guessing what my answer would be.. ;)