Differences

On first watching Slumdog, I was struck as to the difference in the portrayals of Jamal & Salim in the movie and the relationship of Ram & Salim in Q&A. Swarup's novel focuses intently on Ram and his life experiences, wide-ranging and varied with Salim to an extent as a lesser character, while Boyle's film transforms that relationship for narrative effect.

Casting Salim as both the older brother and the moral foil to Jamal's underdog is hamfisted in the same way wtih which Swarup ties up Q&A (ie: the revelations of Prem Kumar as Nita's tormentor and Gudiya as Ram's lawyer). Boyle sets Salim up to be redeemed, and the effect it has is to lessen Jamal's impact as a proactive character in terms of the danger endemic to the life of a slumdog. This is in stark contrast to the novel where we find Ram often aware of the precariousness of any prosperity he may enjoy. Eventually after rescuing Nita and winning his millions he becomes Salim's secret benefactor furthering Ram's role as the caretaker.

Swarup's Ram Mohammad Thomas is the stronger character--and this is indicative of the medium in which each narrative unfolds. When Ram states in the end that "luck comes from within," he argues that his lot in life and its result are at least in part self-motivated. Boyle's Jamal is successful but largely his luck and choices are thrust upon him.