The Hindu : Front Page : I Am Kalam heads to the Buckingham Palace

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Tuesday, Apr 19, 2011
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I Am Kalam heads to the Buckingham Palace

New Delhi: After winning the Audience Choice Award at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA), I Am Kalam, a film directed by Nila Madhab Panda and produced by Smile Foundation on a child's struggle to get an education against all odds, is reportedly headed to the Buckingham Palace.

Prince Charles has expressed an interest in watching the movie and has requested a special screening, a statement said.

Gulshan Grover, who acts in the film, met Prince Charles in London and discussed the film with him.

Feature debut

It is the feature debut of Mr. Panda, who has produced and directed over 60 documentaries, short films, television dramas and films for international and national broadcasters.

“I wanted to send out a message that effort is more powerful than fate and that the privileged masses must join the effort to educate the children and help them to dream and turn their dreams into breathing reality,” Mr. Panda said.

‘Contemporary fable'

“To make it more interesting, I have given the treatment of a contemporary fable, which would surely attract children. However, I would also see it as a world cinema,” he added.

The film, which has won 11 international awards, is set in Bikaner, Rajasthan, and revolves around the trials and tribulations of Chhotu.

In sync with RTE

The central plot of the film is in sync with the recently enforced Right To Education Act and stands for thousands of such aspiring children of the country. There is a fairytale treatment to the film and a positive note despite the serious issues it touches.

It also marks the debut of Delhi-based 12-year-old Harsh Mayar, the lead actor.

This is also the first time that a development organisation in India has produced a feature film. — PTI

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