A sequel to the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire is in works, with production rights secured by Bridge7, the new banner from Swati Shetty and Grant Kessman. The original 2008 hit, directed by Danny Boyle, earned eight Oscars and featured an iconic score by AR Rahman.
A sequel to the Oscar-winning 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire is going to come alive, with production rights to both sequel and TV adaptation acquired by Bridge7, the newly established banner from producer Swati Shetty and ex-CAA agent Grant Kessman. The rights for both the film sequel and a television adaptation were secured from Celador, the UK-based production company behind the original hit.
The original movie directed by Danny Boyle, was a global sensation, earning eight Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, seven BAFTA Awards, and four Golden Globes. AR Rahman’s iconic score, featuring the chart-topping anthem Jai Ho, also clinched two Oscar Awards.
In a statement, Swati Shetty and Grant Kessman highlighted the universal appeal of the film’s narrative:
“Some stories stay with us long after the credits roll and ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ is undoubtedly one of them. Its narrative is universal, cutting across cultural and geographical lines and it embodies the kind of stories we love — ones that bridge entertainment with profound human experiences. What makes ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ extraordinary is not only its cinematic brilliance — spanning storytelling, music and its remarkable accolades, but also how it brought together talent from across the world to make a global winning team,” Shetty and Kessman said in a statement quoted by Variety.
The original film, which marked Dev Patel’s debut as protagonist Jamal, told the story of a young man from Mumbai’s slums who participates in India’s version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” The narrative struck a chord worldwide, resonating with its themes of resilience and destiny.
About Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of Jamal (Dev Patel) and his brother Salim, two young men from the impoverished slums of Mumbai, who meet a girl named Latika (Freida Pinto). Anil Kapoor’s portrayal of Prem Kumar, the charming game show host, became one of the standout performances in the film. The narrative follows their difficult lives, shaped by personal loss, including the death of their mother in a religious riot, and the trials they face along the way.
The film is loosely based on Vikas Swarup’s 2005 novel Q & A. It centres on 18-year-old Jamal, a boy from the Juhu slums of Mumbai, who unexpectedly becomes a contestant on Kaun Banega Crorepati. To everyone’s surprise, Jamal answers all the questions correctly, winning Rs 1 crore and getting just one question away from the grand prize of Rs 2 crore. Accused of cheating, Jamal is interrogated by the police and recounts his extraordinary life story, explaining how his personal experiences led him to the correct answers for each question.
Bridge7’s upcoming sequel aims to recapture the magic of the original while expanding Jamal’s story, promising another cinematic milestone.
