It was a triumph almost pre-ordained: after picking up awards everywhere it competed — the Golden Globes, the Screen Actors Guild and BAFTA — Slumdog Millionaire continued its victorious march and swept the most prestigious awards of them all, the Oscars. An improbable story of love and hope in the midst of fetid slums, the film has been on a roll ever since it was released, an irony considering that it almost did not make it to the theatres in the first place.

For us in India, boasting of the world's largest film industry but with a very poor run at the Oscars so far — just two, including one honorary one — it was a magic moment when three statuettes were picked up in one go. We knew all along that AR Rahman was world class; now the world knows it too. As for young Resul Pokutty, his award indicates recognition for Indian technicians, those behind the scenes worker bees whose contribution to a film usually goes unheralded.

There has been much debate on whether Slumdog is an "Indian" film at all. True, the original book on which the film is based was written by an Indian, the actors are all Indians, it had an Indian crew and most important, it is a film about India. Yet, critics have pointed out that the producer, director and script-writer are British, which makes it a British film. Truth is, this shouldn't matter. In a globalised world, films, like other manufactured goods are assembled with parts made in different countries. 

Indeed, Slumdog's success will accelerate this trend in India. International film studios are already here, but they have just dipped their toes in Bollywood waters. This film will bring in more producers and directors and will also inspire filmmakers to outsource post-production work to Indians, where they will be assured of quality at less cost. The global integration of the Indian film industry will now get a boost.

Mumbai, where Bollywood is based, has reason to feel doubly happy. Barely three months ago this city was in the global headlines for the terrible terror attacks. Now once again Mumbai has become the focus of world attention. That the film shows the seamier side of the city should not unduly worry us; what also comes through is the sheer energy and resilience of the metropolis, which we know as the indomitable Mumbai spirit. To which one can only say, Jai Ho.

DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication