Undoubtedly, ‘I Am Kalam’ is at heart a disarmingly motivating movie that equates to be absorbing and humorous in equal proportions.

This immensely charming film, directed by debutant director Nila Madab Panda, revolves around a poor boy who gets inspired after watching the former President APJ Abdul Kalam on TV delivering a speech on children and the importance of education.

Rechristening himself as Kalam, the boy decides to change his destiny after he comes to know that the erstwhile President came from a humble ground and had worked as a newspaper boy to finance his own studies.

The director has used the simplest transactions to deliver a story that doesn’t turn out to be preachy but dilutes into a social message on education.

Riddled with flaws for the disrupt pacing, ‘I Am Kalam’ does make you feel the tedium, however this lucid flick brings out a brighter sense of optimism for the intriguing theme that does hold your attention for its intelligent and moving script.

‘I Am Kalam’ is perfect for those who enjoy watching intellectual film. Sanjay Chauhan’s well orchestrated script shows an underprivileged kid Chottu and his relationship with the other characters that are particularly well-defined and genuine.

Despite having many obstacles in the film, ‘I Am Kalam’ is interesting to watch for the feisty performance by Harsh Mayar, who is the strongest element in the film.

Having won the National Award for this film, Harsh has truly given a memorable show with his character. The director has tapered Harsh’s performance in the film in the right level.

For the envious character Laptan, Pitobash does enough justice, while Gulshan Grover pulls his role of Bhatti with élan.

Story line
The story spins around Chottu (Harsh Mayar), a quick learner who comes from a humble ground in Rajasthan. He works at a dhaba and dreams to make it big someday. He learns to make chai from his boss Bhatti (Gulshan Grover).

There is also another character Laptan (Pitobash) who idolizes Amitabh and dreams about becoming a star. He also works in the dhaba and is poles opposite to Chottu.
Chotu becomes the centre of attraction at the dhaba as everyone visiting the small eatery start admiring the boy’s intelligence and he also wins his boss’s affection.

Chottu finds APJ Abdul Kalam inspiring and calls himself Kalam. Meanwhile, Chottu’s talent makes him a target for the jealous Laptan who starts feeling green after the boy gets all the attention.

Chottu manages to make friends with a rich young prince Ranvijay (Hussan Saad); they enjoy each other’s company and the lonesome prince shares his books with Chottu. Ranvijay’s father, a Maharaja (Sanjay Chauhan) is dead against his son mingling with Chottu since he doesn’t match up to their class.

Chottu also befriends a French woman, Lucy (Beatrice Ordeix), who promises the poor boy that she would take him to the capital to meet the president and also offers to admit him in school.

On the other hand, situations get tangled up in Chotu’s life one after the other; however he doesn’t get bogged down with the circumstances. He decides to get off to Delhi to meet the president.

Bottom line
‘I Am Kalam’ is a welcome change from the usually commercial drama films. The cinematography by Mohana Krishna has contributed extraordinary camera angles that are distinctly pleasing.

This heartwarming movie never squanders the good acting performances of the cast and the director has proved his mettle. The film has charm that will only appeal to a specific target audience.

‘I am Kalam’ may not be an entertaining piece of popcorn cinema, but the flick is definitely worth watching.