I am Kalam (Hindi)

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7.0/10
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7.5/10
Release Date:
August 05, 2011

In spite of being born into abject poverty, Chhotu an inventive child with a cheerful disposition does not let his grim circumstances defeat him. In order to support his family, he works in a small road side food stall during the day; however spends his evenings voraciously reading books he has somehow managed to gather. He someday dreams of getting an education, and commanding his own destiny.

On a hot sultry day, Chhotu encounters the local prince. The pauper is captivated at the sight of the crisp tie that the prince sports. He is immediately drawn towards it. The prince eyes the camel the pauper has tamed, and is instantly mesmerized. Thus an unlikely friendship is struck between the two, which dares to defy the stringent class barriers of the village.

One day, upon hearing a speech from Dr. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, Chhotu vows to change his future. Just like him, the former President too suffered great hardships as a child, but through sheer determination, perseverance and hard work mapped his own course.

From that day forward, the enterprising lad drops the name Chhotu - a tag used to identity countless labouring boys across India, and adopts the alias 'Kalam'. Like the former President, Chhotu pledges to become a hero someday. He is aided in his mammoth quest by his loyal friend Prince Ranvijay.

Smile Foundation's I am Kalam is an inspiring tale of a quick- witted boy's journey to make his impossible vision a reality.

In spite of being born into abject poverty, Chhotu an inventive child with a cheerful disposition does not let his grim... Show More

Amodini (http://film.fridaynirvana.com)

Editor   May 10, 2012 17:20  1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

This is a simple but appealing tale; my kids enjoyed it very much. All the actors have done well, and I must commend the two young boys who play Chhotu and the Prince. Pitobash Tripathi (of “Shor in the City” fame) is excellent and Gulshan Grover is effective in an unusual (for him) role as a kind-hearted do-gooder. The director keeps the film interesting and at an understandable level for children, without resorting to gimmicky crowd-pullers. Without delving too deeply into the harsh realities of poverty he manages to show us Chhotu’s indefatigable spirit and sunny humor even in hard times. Very nicely done.

rony

Editor   Aug 04, 2011 14:47  

I am Kalam is an easy watch but comes across as catering to the west film rather than focusing on telling a good story.

Rating: **

Ticket meter: Worth a 100/- buck ticket.

Wogma

Editor   Aug 05, 2011 09:22  

I am Kalam charmingly visualizes the life of a little boy who has to work to sustain himself and his family. Its simplicity is works as both an advantage and a disadvantage. The easy-going narrative is a pleasant watch but too-good-to-be-true plot is distracting.

Saurabh Sengupta

Aug 05, 2011 11:08  

The USP of this movie lies in its simplicity of presenting a difficult subject. The way both child actors Harsh and Husaan have carried their roles is truly commending and it does touches one's heart. Gulshan's modesty in rendering his act speaks a lot about the actor. Good job done by Nila Madhab. Thanks to Smile Foundation for coming out with such a wonderful movie.

Cheers!

Nabin Sundar Nayak