After 16 years of silence, the cinematic phenomenon Slumdog Millionaire is set to return, this time with a new chapter in Jamal Malik’s journey. The film, which took the world by storm in 2008, won eight Academy Awards, including the prestigious Best Picture, and grossed over $378 million at the box office. Now, the rights for “Slumdog Millionaire” sequel and a potential TV series have been acquired by Bridge7, a new production company launched by industry veterans Swati Shetty and Grant Kessman.
The Story That Captured the World
Directed by Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan, with a screenplay by Simon Beaufoy based on Vikas Swarup’s novel Q&A, Slumdog Millionaire follows Jamal Malik, an 18-year-old from Mumbai’s slums. Played by Dev Patel in his breakout role, Jamal’s incredible life experiences give him the answers he needs to triumph on the Hindi version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. His journey of hardship, resilience, and destiny captivated audiences worldwide, earning the film accolades including seven BAFTAs, four Golden Globes, and two Oscars for composer A.R. Rahman’s unforgettable score and the hit anthem “Jai Ho.”
Bridge7’s Bold Vision
Bridge7’s acquisition of the sequel and TV adaptation rights marks the company’s first major announcement since its inception in June 2023. Founded by former Netflix executive Swati Shetty and ex-CAA agent Grant Kessman, the company aims to tell stories that blend entertainment with profound human experiences.
In a statement, Shetty and Kessman emphasized the timeless appeal of Slumdog Millionaire:
“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.”
A Rare Sequel for a Best Picture Winner
Historically, sequels to Best Picture winners are rare, with notable exceptions like The Godfather series and Rocky. The unexpected news of a Slumdog Millionaire sequel, 16 years after its release, is an exciting development. The sequel promises to explore “the next chapter of Jamal’s journey,” though details about its plot or format—film or TV—remain under wraps.
While the return of Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, or other original cast members has not been confirmed, Bridge7’s collaboration with Celador International, which financed the original film alongside Film4, suggests that the project is moving forward with serious intent. Celador’s Chairman, Paul Smith, expressed confidence in Bridge7’s vision, saying, “I am delighted that Swati and Grant have chosen the Slumdog sequel to launch their newly formed company.”
The Minds Behind the Magic
Swati Shetty brings 25 years of experience to Bridge7, with a career spanning Netflix, Imagine Entertainment, and Disney India. She produced the 2022 Netflix romantic comedy Wedding Season and India’s first Sundance-winning film, Umrika. Grant Kessman, meanwhile, spent two decades at CAA, representing European writers and producers and facilitating high-profile projects like Monsieur Spade and Paris Has Fallen.
The deal was brokered by Paytre Topp in Los Angeles and Nick Miller of Simon Muirhead Burton in the UK on behalf of Bridge7, with Jessica Hudson and James Kay from Sheridans representing Celador International.
Also Read: Remakes and Reboots: Breathing New Life into Classics or Diminishing Their Legacy?
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