‘I am Kalam’ is a heart-warming, thought provoking subject. It is a sincere effort by the makers to uplift the plight of the less privileged children in our high-class society. Off late, two films ‘Stanley Ka Dabba’ and ‘Chillar Party’ was released and both the movies talks about children plight at the backdrop and was highly appreciated by critics and loved by the audience as well. 'I am Kalam' also speaks about poverty, destitute and less-privileged children. It strikes the painful chord of the society.
‘Chotu’ is the universal name given to a boy serving tea in a stall or selling stuffs on roads. But in this movie, ‘Chotu is kalam who cherish the dream to become like our former president of India, APJ Abdul Kalam crossing all the barriers of poverty and making big one day. A child deprived of education in his childhood is the biggest setback in our society.
God’s destitute child Chotu (Harsh Mayar), is bound to work in a small roadside food stall to run his family. Chotu is jovial and he has not regret for such hardship at the time when he has all the right to study and have fun. Chotu is a boy of strong determination. He is adamant to change his future one day. During daylight, he used to work in a stall and in the evening, he study by managing books from somewhere. He aims to get educated and change his destiny.
Chotu works in a stall run by Bhatti (Gulshan Grover). Also works in the stall a hardcore Amitabh Bachchan's fan, Laptan who always act as a barrier in Chotu’s path. One day after listening to Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam’s speech, Chotu was motivated and he changed his name to Kalam. He starts working towards his dream of becoming a big man one day.
He befriends with a local prince Ranvijay Singh (Hussan Saad) who hails from a royal family. Chotu and Ranvijay become the best of buddies. They share books and help each other. Chotu helps Ranvijay in Hindi lessons while Ranvijay helps Chotu in English. Then there starts a journey of hardship, friendship, sacrifice and pursuing dreams.
‘I am Kalam’ is an inspirational film, very clean and a motivating subject. Sanjay Chauhan’s script is very absorbing. Mohana Krishna's cinematography captures Rajasthan beautifully. Prashant Nair's editing is spotless. Nila Madhab Panda's directorial debut is very inspiring.
Speaking about performances, the main protagonist Harsh Mayar sparks as Chotu. Gulshan Grover, Husaan Saad and Beatrice Ordeix chip delivered a commendable performance.
In the nutshell, ‘I am Kalam’ is a great film which audiences will love and cherish for life long.