Heads or Tails

In both the film and the movie, there is an undercurrent of destiny and mysticism tracking the lives of Jamal (or Ram) and Salim. During the Hindu raid on the slums, Jamal and Salim run for their lives, twisting and turning through the maze of the community. At one turn, they both encounter a vision of the child-god, Ram. In the book, the orphan children visit a carnival and Salim seeks out the foresight of a psychic. In both instances, the reader is made aware of a pre-destined plan; the path has been set. In the novel, Salim is the child destined for greatness. The psychic sees his path to fame clearly, whereas, Ram’s path is broken and uncertain. In order to provide some balance and guidance, Ram receives a coin

Although pre-destination continues in both portrayals, the film leaves behind the mystical encounters and underlying superstitions while the book ingrains them in the personalities of the characters. Ram is more pragmatic in the book. He constantly advises Salim to mind his affairs but after visiting the psychic, he believes in mystical qualities of the coin. Ram repeatedly returns to the coin for guidance in the book. In the film, Jamal’s path is guided by his faithful love for Latika. In the book, Ram uses the coin to decide the final answer. In the film, Latika answers the phone.