Watch I Am Kalam

I Am Kalam is a heartwarming Indian drama film that tells the story of a young boy named Chhotu, who aspires to become educated and be successful in life. The movie, directed by Nila Madhab Panda, was first released in 2010 and features an ensemble cast led by Harsh Mayar as the titular character. The film predominantly takes place in a remote village in the state of Rajasthan, India. Chhotu, an 11-year-old boy, works in a roadside dhaba (eatery) owned by his father. Despite being surrounded by poverty, Chhotu is highly ambitious and dreams of becoming literate, speaking in English and Hindi, and finding success in his life.

One day, Chhotu meets a 60-year-old man named Laptan, who is storytelling with his friends nearby. The old man tells Chhotu about A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, a highly accomplished scientist, and someone who, like Chhotu, also came from humble beginnings. Inspired by Kalam’s story, Chhotu decides to call himself Kalam and sets off on a journey to realize his dream of learning English, so that he can become successful like the man who inspired him.

As the movie progresses, we witness Kalam’s struggles through school as he confronts a caste system that ensures his path to success is restrained. Nevertheless, Kalam remains determined and perseveres, and with the help of a sympathetic teacher, he begins to learn and grows increasingly confident.

Throughout his journey, Kalam meets various individuals who shape his thinking and shape his worldview. One of them is a boy named Prince, who is the son of the local state minister. Despite coming from a wealthy family, Prince feels unloved by his parents and seeks solace in his friendship with Kalam. The unlikely duo becomes good friends, and Prince motivates Kalam to never give up his dream.

Another individual who makes an impact on Kalam is a character named Gupta, a man for whom Kalam works in a tea shop. Gupta recognizes Kalam’s innate ability and takes it upon himself to help Kalam achieve his dream. He offers Kalam lodging and the opportunity to attend an English-medium private school for free, making it possible for Kalam to advance his studies.

The film's performances are top-notch, with Harsh Mayar delivering an outstanding performance as Kalam. The budding actor's portrayal of the optimistic and determined young boy is nothing short of remarkable. Gulshan Grover, as the gentle and sympathetic teacher, also delivers a fine performance.

The film's cinematography by Mohana Krishna is stunning, with picturesque landscapes and brilliant use of light to capture the essence of Rajasthan's rural charm. The score by Tapas Relia is apt and complements the film's upbeat and optimistic tone.

Overall, I Am Kalam is an inspiring tale of human grit and determination. It is a movie that is sure to provoke thought and leave a lasting impression on the audience. The film tackles issues such as poverty, inequality, and the importance of education with great sensitivity, and Panda's direction makes it an uplifting and heart-touching experience.

In conclusion, I Am Kalam is a must-watch for anyone who values inspiring stories, great performances, and well-executed filmmaking. It is a celebration of the indomitable spirit that resides in all of us, a reminder that we can achieve anything we put our minds to, regardless of where we come from.

I Am Kalam is a 2011 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.