I AM Kalam

Director: Nila Madhab Panda
Cast: Harsh Mayar, Gulshan Grover, Pitobash Tripathy, Hussan Saad
Release Date: 2011-08-05 12:00:00
Quick Take: Endearing and enriching

Director Nila Madhab Panda’s debut film I Am Kalam is charming. It’s a beautiful collage of heart-warming moments, sparkling performances and inspiring stories. The film proves that small can be beautiful.

Set in the picturesque Rajasthan, I Am Kalam is an inspiring tale of a poor kid Chottu (Harsh Mayar) who emerges triumphant despite being burdened with adversities. His dreams are encouraged by the aspirational stories of former President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam. Even though the film delivers a social message, it doesn’t get preachy at any stage. Every point is delivered with optimism and follows a realistic approach. Also, APJ Abdul Kalam is just used as a metaphor. While the basic tendency of this genre of film would be to show the realization of the kid’s dream by the president, I Am Kalam refrains from any over-the-top portrayal. The screenplay of the movie boasts of continuity, depth and zero loopholes. Every scene has meaning to it and is a metaphorical representation to the basic subject. 

The film works big time as an ensemble. Harsh Mayar is effortlessly endearing as Chottu. No wonder he won the National Film Award (Best Child Artist, 2011). Gulshan Grover gets to play a strong character after a long time and he puts in a compelling act. Pitobash Tripathy, who stole the show in Shor In The City, is first rate as Chottu’s frenimy. Another child artist, Hussan Saad, who plays the royal prince and Chottu’s best friend lights up the screen with his cuteness. Though there are no songs, the background music works as an effective tool in storytelling. A gem of a scence is when Chottu vents out his frustration though music in the middle of the night in the dry desert.

I Am Kalam is heartwarming and definitely worth a watch. Go for it.