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I Am Kalam official poster

I Am Kalam(2011)

7.4/10
Hindi•96 mins•theatrical•

I Am Kalam is a 2011 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Nila Madhab Panda and produced by the Smile Foundation. The film stars Harsh Mayar as Chotu, a child laborer who dreams of becoming like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, alongside Hussan Saad, Gulshan Grover, and Pitobash Tripathy. Set in rural Rajasthan, the story follows Chotu as he works at a highway dhaba and befriends a royal boy named Ranvijay. Inspired by the former President, Chotu changes his name to Kalam and runs away to Delhi to meet him. The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of poverty and the importance of education. It won the National Film Award for Best Child Artist and was screened at the 63rd Cannes Film Festival. I Am Kalam released in Indian theaters on 5 August 2011.

Filmed In:Bikaner, Rajasthan
Mood:
emotionalupliftinginspiring
IMDbTMDBRotten TomatoesWikidata
Where to watch:
PPrimeNNetflix

Quick Facts

Streaming on
Prime Video, Netflix, Internet Archive
Theatrical Release
5 August 2011
Director
Nila Madhab Panda
Language
Hindi
Runtime
1h 36m
Rating
7.4/10

Storyline

Chotu is a poor boy who works at a highway dhaba in Rajasthan. He dreams of going to school but cannot afford it. After seeing Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on TV, he changes his name to Kalam and decides to meet the President. With the help of his rich friend Ranvijay, he fights against poverty and family pressure to chase his dream of education.

“Dream big, no matter how small you are.”

Film Details

7.4Rating
96Minutes
HindiLanguage
UCertificate
Release Date5 August 2011
Release Typetheatrical
Filmed InBikaner, Rajasthan

Parental Guide

Violence
Low
Language
Low
Sex / Nudity
Mild
Drugs
Mild
Intensity
Low

Where to Watch

P
PrimeSubscription
30 Days FreeThen ₹299 / month
Watch Now
N
NetflixSubscription
₹149 / month
Watch Now
IN
Internet ArchiveFree
No subscription needed
Stream Free

Vibe & Tags

Mood
emotionalupliftinginspiring
Themes
survivaleducationfriendshipidentity
Toneserious
Pacingslow-burn
Complexitylight
Audiencefamily
Best Withfamily
Violence1
Emotion4
Humor2
Rewatchability3

Cast & Crew

#1
H
Harsh MayarActor
→#2
Gulshan Grover, Actor in I Am Kalam
Gulshan GroverActor
→
#3
P
PitobashLaptan
→
#4
B
Beatrice OrdeixLucy
→
#5
H
Hussan SaadKunver Ranvijay Singh
→
#6
N
Nila Madhab PandaDirector
→

Trivia

  • The film's young lead, Harsh Mayar, won the National Film Award for Best Child Artist for his role as Chhotu.
  • Director Nila Madhab Panda was inspired to make the film after meeting a shoeshine boy who dreamed of becoming like Dr. Kalam.
  • The movie was shot on location in Rajasthan, using real local villagers as background actors in many scenes.
  • It was partly funded by the Children's Film Society of India, which supports movies made for young audiences.
  • The film's title refers to the real-life President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who was known for his humble origins and love for children.
  • Despite its serious themes, the movie includes lighthearted moments, like Chhotu using clever tricks to sell more tea.
  • The prince's palace shown in the film is a real heritage property, the Bissau Palace in Nawalgarh, Rajasthan.

Frequently Asked Questions