I am Kalam

Director : Nila Madhab Panda  2010         Hindi with English subtitles

I Am Kalam is a film directed by Nila Madhab Panda .The plot revolves around Chhotu, a poor Rajasthani boy, who is inspired by the life of former President of India, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and his strong desire to learn to read. The character of Chhotu has been performed by Harsh Mayar, a Delhi slum boy.

Chhotu is an intelligent boy who belongs to a poor family in Rajasthan. Born into poverty, he is forced to find work at a roadside food stall under the somewhat kind owner, Bhati.  Chhotu is quick to learn and impresses Bhati with his abilities. Near the food stall is a heritage hotel in the palace of a royal family. Chhotu strikes up a friendship with the lonely Prince of the royal family, but the Prince is forbidden, by his father, from mixing with commoners .

One day Chhotu watches President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam on television and it inspires him. Chhotu changes his name to Kalam and decides he wants to meet the president. He studies in his spare time and writes a speech for the Prince for a contest. The speech wins first prize at the contest, but soon after palace guards search Kalam’s room and find the Prince’s clothes. Kalam is labelled a thief and the rest of the story deals with how his actions lead to his destiny.

This is a story of determination and courage which challenges the social expectations of being born into a low caste.