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I am a Kalam
I am a Kalam is an inspirational story of a Chotu (Harsh
Mayar) child labourer who works in a roadside dhaba next to an exclusive resort in Rajasthan, nurtures a million
dreams. He dreams of wearing a tie someday, going to school and becoming
an officer, setting aside his sad destiny of washing dishes, making tea
and peeling vegetables. But Chotu isn't a dreamer alone. A chance encounter with
APJ Abdul Kalam, Ex-President of India as he delivers a
speech on TV, inspires him to fulfil his dreams. There's no age to learn, Kalam says in his speech, and
recounts the hardships he underwent to get himself educated. "Impossible
is nothing," learns Chhotu, and rechristens himself Kalam. He re-christens himself Kalam and finds a priceless friend in young Rannvijay
(Hussan Saad), of the princely family that owns the resort.
The little children movie is inspirational, intelligent, topical and entertaining
too. It brims over with heart and soul, leaving no one untouched with its simple message
of providing an equal opportunity --specially the right to education -- to every child in the world. Yes, I
Am Kalam finally articulates a near-perfect children's film, with an equal appeal for
adults too.
The film acquires special appeal because of the tone it follows. Despite
talking about serious issues -- the rights of children -- there is an
overwhelming lightness of being that suffuses the entire drama. Young
Kalam is such a happy kid -- like all kids are -- he makes you smile
each time he appears on screen. Watch him sell tea on camel back to the
foreign inmates of the resort, carry on long tete-a-tetes with
Lakshmi, the camel, squabble with Laptan (Pitobash), his co-worker at the dhaba
or savour his handful of books in the dead of night and you are bound to
brighten up. Not once does he lose hope, lose dignity, lose courage or
even complain. Of course, he has the support of his friend Rannvijay and
the avuncular care of Bhatti (Gulshan Grover), the dhaba owner, to see
him through. Occasionally, he wins the attention of the visiting French
tourist (Beatrice Ordeix) too who promises to take him to Delhi where he longs to meet Prez Kalam. But eventually, it is the never-say-die spirit of the young
protagonist that towers above all else and creates a stirring picture of hope and valour.
The film also scores heavily due to its life-like performances. The two
young boys are excellent -- completely boyish and child-like, ensuring
that Harsh Mayar did not get the National Award in vain. Equally impressive is Gulshan
Grover in his most understated performance till date. A film that may not storm the
box office, I Am Kalam will definitely stir your sensibilities.
`The little film has enough emotions and drama to touch the heart of any and everyone.
Cast: Harsh Mayar, Hussan Saad, Gulshan Grover, Pitobash
Direction: Nila Madhab Panda
Genre: Drama
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Official Website <http://www.iamkalam.com/>
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