I am Kalam Movie Review

I am Kalam (Hindi)

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

It's a charming little film that'll leave you wiser and happier

The film moves a bit slowly, the acting initially feels mannered and the setting designed. But the unashamed good-heartedness and positivity of the film eventually take over

'I Am Kalam' is a big smile of a movie. You watch, and smile right back.

Indian Express

I Am Kalam is a dignified, heartwarming, little film

Mumbai Mirror

A thank you letter to former President Kalam for inspiring children

The Hindu

I Am Kalam is a gripping watch that leaves you feeling uplifted and positive

A fairy tale about a child’s right to education, weighed down by ‘India’ clichés and poor film-making

..tackling grave matters like the class divide with an insouciant optimism that's impossible not to be charmed by

The Sunday Guardian

I Am Kalam shows how beautiful small can be, especially when the heart is in the right place and the mind is clued in

It has enough emotions and drama to touch the heart of any and everyone

Times of India