(Photo Courtesy of blameitonthevoices.com)
From childhood, Jamal and Latika have had an unbreakable bond that through the course of times and trials, remains intact. In the midst of a heavy rain, and the streets of Mumbai being in shambles after the violent anti-Muslim outbreak, Jamal meets Latika for the first time by providing a roof over her head. However, Salim is never a fan of his brother’s new friend in their childhood days. Yet, Jamal and Latika’s connection goes beyond the older brother’s attempts to sever it.
When the three children are working for the Mumbai gangster, Maman, there is a tender, childlike moment in which the audience sees the innocence of Jamal and Latika. Jamal is sitting on the steps, beside his new friend, and they talk of the future and how they will be rich if Maman is pleased with Jamal’s singing voice. This sweet picture shows that they still believe the best of people, and have a grand vision of the future. However, what Jamal is unaware of is the fact that this evil gangster physically blinds the young boys who have the best voices, so that they may make even more money for him as street beggars. Salim is tipped off to this reality when he is forced to witness this cruel act being done, and when he is asked by Maman to send for Jamal, he knows they must escape. The Malik boys cause a scene and begin to run, calling for Latika on the way. Provided with a means of escape on a freight train, the boys jump on, yet Salim releases his grip of Jamal’s sweetheart, who then is left in the hands of Maman.
Despite all of the obstacles that crowd the way of these two lovers being together, they ultimately find a way. Even though Latika is in the midst of prostitution in her adolescent days, and raped by Salim, Jamal still loves her and desires her to be with him. Years go by, and Jamal neither sees Latika or Salim. Until one day, this main character reunites with his brother, and punches him in the face for the horrific act he did to Latika. However, Jamal soon discovers that Salim knows the whereabouts of his long-lost lover. He finds her at the home of one of the richest gangsters in India, whom Salim works for, and disguises himself as the new “dishwasher.” He is looking around the kitchen, and notices that the TV program “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?” is on the screen, when Latika enters. She urges him to leave, pleading that it is too dangerous for him to remain in the household, because he could be killed if he was found out. Jamal parts with Latika, yet tells her to meet him at the train station at 5 o’clock. When she seems unsure, he goes on to add that he will wait every day until she comes.
(Photo Courtesy of allansgraphics.com)
The first time she tries to escape, she is discovered. Chased down at the train station, Latika is forced by a mob of men who work for the powerful gangster, including Salim, to get into a car and leave. In the process, one of the men mercilessly slashes her across the face, causing her to cry out. Jamal witnesses this scene, yet is determined to not give up hope. By a stroke of luck, Jamal Malik ends up on the program “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?” His sole reason for appearing on the popular TV show is in hopes that Latika will be watching. And after Salim redeems himself partially, by allowing Latika to escape, this woman is the one who answers the cell phone when Jamal uses his lifeline to “phone a friend.”
(Photo Courtesy of cinemablend.com)
After the program, Jamal Malik rushes to the train station, hoping the love of his life will be there. Draped in a beautiful yellow head scarf and standing on the platform of the train station, Latika is the picture of beauty. Jamal runs to her, and it is almost as if all of the emotions that have built up throughout their separation simply overflow. Tenderly kissing her scarred cheek, you see the sadness the two experience over the years they have lost. When Jamal moves to kissing her on the mouth, one senses his protectiveness, and it’s almost as if he is silently uttering the words, “I will take care of you.”
(Photo Courtesy of moviecritic.com)
The beauty of this reuniting is incredibly moving. One cannot help but rejoice as this love which once seemed utterly lost, has now been found again.
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