I Am Kalam

Chotu Harsh Mayar is a buoyant boy from a poor family who works at a highway dhaba to support his kin, and he clings to a simple dream: to wear a tie and go to school, inspired by the legacy of Dr. Kalam.

He forms a quiet, transformative friendship with Ranvijay Hussan Saad, the royal heir of a nearby resort, who is the same age and quick to show that money and privilege cannot buy real happiness. This bond unfolds into a vivid portrait of a modern outlook that rejects the caste system and champions education for the underprivileged. Through their companionship, Chotu learns the value of having a true friend who pushes him toward a brighter future, while Ranvijay discovers that privilege comes with responsibility and empathy rather than arrogance.

As Chotu’s dream of education intensifies, he is drawn to the image of a future in a crisp uniform, and his curiosity is sparked by the Republic Day Parade and Kalam’s salute march, which leads him to adopt the name Kalam for himself. The story then introduces Lucy Beatrice Ordeix, a foreign woman who believes in his potential and urges his mother to allow schooling. Yet the family’s harsh circumstances keep formal education out of reach, casting a barrier that seems almost insurmountable.

Undeterred, Chotu makes a bold decision and runs away to Delhi to meet the President, penning a heartfelt letter in which he expresses his desire to become like the President and thanks Dr. Kalam for lighting his path. His family, driven by worry and love, pursues him through the city, and the pursuit culminates in a moment of reconciliation: Ranvijay’s presence brings relief even as Chotu feels a touch of jealousy, underscoring the complex dynamics of friendship and aspiration.

The film moves toward a hopeful resolution when Ranvijay’s father offers Chotu’s mother work at the family’s resort and commits to funding Chotu’s education, promising to enroll him in the same school as Ranvijay. Yet Chotu remains determined to earn his education on his own terms, choosing self-reliance over handouts. The story closes with Chotu—who has begun answering to Kalam—and Ranvijay boarding a school bus in their uniforms, symbolizing a shared commitment to learning and a future built on opportunity rather than circumstance.

Overall, the narrative celebrates resilience, authentic friendship, and the transformative power of education, anchored by a sense of national pride and a belief that every child deserves the chance to grow.

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 17:01