Character Analysis
The first image we see in the entire film is a close-up on Jamal, who looks rather dazed, and probably not the least bit thrilled that some dude keeps blowing cigarette smoke in his face. That intrepid smoke blower is none other than Constable Srinivas, the police officer initially put in charge of making Jamal talk. Before long, he gives Jamal a solid slap, launching us into the story head on.
Constable Srinivas is a man of few words and a lot of aggression. Maybe he's a bit incompetent as well, for despite his large stature, intimidating persona, and apparent fondness for beating up his prisoners, he fails to crack Jamal.
He doesn't do much in terms of the plot, aside from illustrating Jamal's toughness, and providing the occasional moment of comic relief. Indeed, Jamal's "you don't have to be a genius" crack makes for one of the funniest moments of the film. But we'll always remember Srinivas as the one who gives us that initial slap, waking us up and launching us into the crazy world of Slumdog Millionaire.