In my view, the central theme of the movie is this: Trapped.

In my view, the central theme of the movie is this: Trapped. There is the caste system in India and as Balram says in voice-over narration: "In the old days, when India was the richest nation on Earth, there were 1,000 castes and destinies. These days, there are just two castes. Men with big bellies and men with small bellies. And there are only two destinies, eat or get eaten up."

The relationship he willingly enters into with Ashok is one of master-servant. This lifts him out of one trap (poverty) into another trap: servitude.

This theme (trapped) is explored through a series of observations by Balram throughout the script specifically related to a "rooster coop" (to be explored in the Dialogue post). The theme (trapped) is also underscored visually by the experience Balram has visiting the zoo when he sees the white tiger pacing back and forth in its caged. Even the great, almost mystical beast is imprisoned... and none too happy about it!

At some point, Balram determines to break free, an inevitable path for his journey. Trapped at the beginning. Free at the end. Or is he? Now that he is the master, as the script says in the final paragraph of scene description:

He exits frame, leaving a wall of drivers, servants, perhaps new White Tigers, ready to strike.