Theme: Fate and Destiny
In the beginning of the film, a question is posed to the audience in the format of a ‘Who
wants to be a millionaire?’ question. It asks:
Jamal Malik is one question away from winning 20 Million Rupees. How did he do it?
a) He cheated
b) He’s lucky
c) He is a genius
d) It is written
The expression ‘It is written’ is known in the Muslim religion as Maktub. Maktub is the belief that
whatever happens is already known to the One. It signifies destiny exists and points a finger to the
fact that everything is already known to God”. Maktub indicates that He has written all and people
should not fear because everything happens for a reason and we are all in His hands. God
understands what is to come in our lives because He did write our destinies. Maktub is also
a central component in the Koran from which Muslims follow strict guidelines on how to live a
perfect life in the eyes of God.
Jamal and Salim are both Muslims. Although Salim is the only brother we see actually
practising his faith or saying the words, ‘God is great’.
1.
Which character appears to be following the Muslim faith more closely,
Jamal or Salim? Give reasons for your response.
In the film, Salim says the phrase, ‘God is good/great’ twice in the film. The first time is
when Salim meets up with his brother, Jamal after many years apart. The last time they saw
each other was when Salim threatened Jamal with a gun and took Latika for himself. Salim
greets Jamal with ‘God is good’. Jamal reacts by punching him.
2.
What does Jamal think of Salim’s statement that ‘God is good’?
3.
What do you think most audiences think of Salim saying, ‘God is good’?
Just after this scene, Jamal is staying in Salim’s apartment (under Salim’s strict instructions)
and observes Salim before he is leaving to do some criminal work for Javed, possibly murder,
dressed in prayer robes, begging forgiveness from Allah for what he is about to do.
4.
What does this scene tell you about how Salim views his faith and his
God?
5.
How do you think most audiences react to this scene?
Salim sacrifices himself to allow his brother to win the game and be with his only love.
Salim’s final words are, ‘God is great’. He is smiling.
6.
The meaning of Salim saying, ‘God is great’ has changed from when Salim
spoke these words earlier. What does it mean now? (Hint: consider ‘it is written’)
The expression (or variations of this expression), ‘It is written’ is also repeated. In the scene
where both Jamal and Prem are in the bathroom, Prem appears to be assisting Jamal and
bolstering his spirits saying, ‘Maybe it is written my friend. You’re going to win this. Trust
me…’
7.
What does Prem do after this?
8.
What is being tested in this scene?
The final words of the film (just the like the first words of the film’ are Jamal’s. He embraces
Latika and says, ‘This is our destiny.’
9.
Now review your responses and consider the discussions you’ve had with
your peers. In this film, which character is blessed by Allah (God) and has practiced
the Muslim path more faithfully?
10.
Which other God also blesses this character?
11.
What do you think this film is trying to say about religion and practising
your faith?
When Jamal remembers the death of his mother he says, ‘If it wasn’t for Rama and Allah,
we’d still have a mother.’
12.
What do you think this film is trying to say about religious differences?