'Slumdog Millionaire' sizzles on global betting sites

MUMBAI: This Slumdog's already a billionaire. If sources in betting circles are to be believed, as much as $2bn is riding on the story of Dev and Latika. Less than 2 days to the 81st Academy Awards and international betting websites are predicting that Danny Boyle's film will sweep the Oscars.

The film has been nominated in 11 categories. Boyle is the favourite for best director, beating David Flincher (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button). According to a UK-based website, Boyle's odds are 1/8, while Flincher trails at 13 to 1. In 48 hours from now, punters will feel quite like Jamal in the hot seat. If Boyle wins the Oscar for best director, a punter stands to gain one pound on ever six pounds he bet on the filmmaker.

In the sound mixing category (where FTII grad Resul Pookutty has been nominated along with Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke), the movie is well ahead of competition with odds of 1/3. The film also leads in the best adapted screenplay category with odds of 1/3. Again, in the best film category, Slumdog Millionaire is the favourite with odds of 1/9.

While India hopes and prays for A R Rahman to create musical history at the Oscars, international websites are not so optimistic. The master composer has slipped in both categories he has been nominated in (best original score and best song). James Howard's Defiance is the favourite with odds at 1/5, while Rahman stands at 1/35.

Interestingly, despite the excitement the movie has generated in India, there have been no reports of any betting on Slumdog's chances at the Oscars here on desi shores.