Slumdog Millionaire Sequel in the Works: Bridge7 Acquires Production Rights for Follow-up Film and TV Series

A highly anticipated sequel to the Oscar-winning 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire is officially in development. Bridge7, a newly launched production banner by producer Swati Shetty and former CAA agent Grant Kessman, has secured the rights for both a film sequel and a television adaptation. These rights were acquired from Celador, the UK-based production company behind the original blockbuster.

Directed by Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire became a global sensation, earning eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, as well as numerous accolades, including seven BAFTA Awards and four Golden Globes. The film’s iconic soundtrack, featuring AR Rahman’s hit anthem “Jai Ho,” also garnered two Oscar Awards.

Swati Shetty and Grant Kessman, speaking about the significance of Slumdog Millionaire, noted its universal appeal:
“Some stories stay with us long after the credits roll, and Slumdog Millionaire is undoubtedly one of them. Its narrative transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, embodying the kind of stories we love — ones that bridge entertainment with profound human experiences. The film’s brilliance — from storytelling to music to its remarkable accolades — is only enhanced by how it brought together talent from across the world to create a global team,” Shetty and Kessman shared in a statement to Variety.

The original film, which marked Dev Patel’s breakout role as protagonist Jamal Malik, follows the life of a young man from Mumbai’s slums who participates in India’s version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” The story captivated audiences worldwide with its themes of resilience, destiny, and the power of experience.

Paul Smith, chairman of Celador International, expressed excitement about the new chapter for the franchise:
“I am delighted that Swati and Grant have chosen the Slumdog Millionaire sequel to launch their new company. Celador looks forward to collaborating with Bridge7 as Jamal’s journey of discovery unfolds on the screen,” said Smith.

The upcoming sequel promises to recapture the magic of the original while expanding Jamal’s story, offering fans an exciting continuation of this cinematic phenomenon.

Slumdog Millionaire remains a cultural milestone, a loose adaptation of Vikas Swarup’s novel Q & A (2005). It follows 18-year-old Jamal Malik, who answers questions on the quiz show “Kaun Banega Crorepati” in a way that sparks suspicion of cheating. As Jamal recounts his life story in police custody, his past experiences and hardships reveal how they uniquely prepared him for the show’s questions.

The film, co-directed by Loveleen Tandan and written by Simon Beaufoy, was shot in Mumbai, capturing the vibrant spirit of the city. AR Rahman’s memorable soundtrack further cemented the film’s place in cinematic history.

Released in 2009, Slumdog Millionaire received critical acclaim at the Toronto and London film festivals and became a sleeper hit worldwide. It won praise for its screenplay, direction, cinematography, editing, and standout performances, particularly by Dev Patel. With a sequel now on the horizon, fans can look forward to a new chapter in this global phenomenon.