Representations of Adults in Slumdog Millionaire

The first chase scene in 'Slumdog Millionaire' demonstrates that adulthood is a broad spectrum, and that with various roles in society, comes different levels of power. The authorities that chase the kids (including young Jamal and Salim) are wearing a distinct uniform, which signifies their status as law enforcers, creating a symbol for citizens of all ages to look to and obey. One major difference between kids and adults is experience, some may say it is the only major difference; within that chase scene we see that the chasing officer is potentially lacking distinct morality, as he is more than willing to chase kids across Bombay but apologizes when he accidently runs into the car of a notorious gangster, indicating that adults are not always good decision makers, in contrast to the image of sensibility that adulthood perpetuates to youth. Furthermore, there is a brief pause where the chaser takes a step back and realizes whose car he bumped into, suggesting the nuance that an adults life may hold; because while he is chasing kids for trespassing, he also doesn't want to get on the bad side of a criminal under lord, otherwise he may risk his own livelihood. Agenda's and motives are present in youth as well, but often on a much smaller scale. A point in the film that reflects this and another example of people being treated differently based on their position in life is the flashback to how Jamal knows about Rama and his bow. In this scene Jamal and Salim are playing in the water while their mother cleans, then a zealous mob charges over the train tracks to attack the inhabitants of the slums for being Muslim, forcing Jamal and Salim to escape and being rendered orphans. Thematically this is a microcosm for the violence religion often incites, as they were attacked due to being Muslim ('They're Muslim, get them!') and it shows that in the minds of the attackers (all adults) it was acceptable to assault maim and burn people for their choice of religion. Adults differ in their beliefs and sometimes those differences can escalate to unstable levels. This attack is briefly foreshadowed by the lead's mother staring at the trains as they pass, hearing a faint noise approaching; literally watching a train wreck, an unavoidable disaster you can't look away from. Despite this buildup the attack seemed spontaneous, as the moment the trains have finished passing they are upon them. Adults can be fickile (The mob), caring (the lead's mother) and even conflicted (the chasing officer). 

Following the train scene in which Jamal transition to an older age, they reach the Taj Mahal, in this scene they run a fake tour guide service in which there are very strong representations of adults. One representation of Adults is that whilst they in the most part retain a cynical mind, they still have a naïve and gullible side in which they are prone to being tricked. During the tour, Jamal and Salim tell made up stories as to the origin on the Taj Mahal and the story behind it, during which the tourists show very little cynicism in which it shows that Adults have a fear for cultures in which they don't understand and in order to quash their sense of fear they will suspend their disbelief making them more prone to scams. During this scene a sense of patriotism leaks in through the use of the American character (Americans are typically stereotyped as patriotic). In an attempt to show that "the west is the best" the American tourists offer financial compensation to Jamal. Representation of Adults also comes from the Indian adults present as well. For example, their are representations of hierarchal structure (most commonly frozen with very little changing of power.) which is shown throughout but most notably in the call centre scene. This hierarchy shows the higher ups having control over their subordinates and it is this which they use in order to delegate orders and instructions when the time suits them in order to pursue their own interests. This is shown through Jamal, the chaiwallah, being used to fill a place whilst his higher up seeks a place on 'Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?'.