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Speaking on the occasion Mr. Shantanu Mishra Executive Trustee, Smile Foundation said “We are
proud to be a part of this historic feature film. With this film, we have tried to reach out to people around the
world drawing their attention to support the movement of educating every child in India to secure a better
future.Chootu’s story is the story of millions of children in India and is very close to our cause. The film is an
attempt by our development organization to disseminate a social message through this mass medium and to
sensitize and appeal to the society to come forward for the cause of education to all children, irrespective of
their social standing.”
Double Dhamaal and Singham are the films that are in line before I am Kalam’s release by Reliance
Entertainment. 3 Idiots, Kytes, Raavan, Break Ke Baad, and Paa are among the recent movies distributed by
Reliance Entertainment.
In addition to this recent development, Centuryply, the market leader of plyboard industry in India, has
also associated with I am Kalam as the presenting partner. The company is celebrating the Silver Jubilee
Year and as a responsible corporate, would like to further the cause of ‘Education for All’, a mission that is
close to the heart and a movement they have been associated with since inception. Century Plyboards (I)
Ltd., makers of the well-known ‘Centuryply’ brand of Plywood and decorative veneers, was set up in 1986
in Kolkata, and is a joint effort of Mr. Sajjan Bhajanka and Mr. Sanjay Agarwal. The largest seller of plywood
and decorative veneers in the Indian organized plywood market, Centuryply today is the leading brand and
in its short duration of existence has created a special niche for itself in the industry.
Commenting on this association, Mr. Abhra Banerjee, VP marketing, CenturyPly, said, “Education for All is
a cause so very dear to our heart that when this proposal came in we were all smiles and exuberant to be a part
of this. This year is our Silver Jubilee year and what better way can it be, to celebrate promoting a cause that is
a mission for Centuryply. ‘I am Kalam’ is such a movie that being associated with this is an honour in itself.”
Also among important developments of the film is the association of Surya World as the associate
partner of I am Kalam. Surya World, Institutions of Academic Excellence, has been established under
the aegis of Surya World Educational Research & Charitable Initiative (SWERCI) - an initiative by Surya
Pharmaceutical Limited - in 2009. These institutes of higher education are approved by AICTE, COA, and
Government of Punjab and affiliated to Punjab Technical University (PTU) and Punjabi University Patiala for
MBA etc. Surya World offers an integrated curriculum that is designed towards delivering quality tertiary
education in Engineering & Technology, Pharmacy, Architecture, Hotel Management & Catering Technology,
Business Management and Computer Applications. Throwing light on the association, Mr Rajiv Goyal,
Chairman & MD, Surya Group of Companies said “Our association with the movie I am Kalam was a natural
choice. ‘Empowering Life’ is the corporate credo of Surya Group. While getting involved with the film I am
Kalam, I was very sure that we are part of a movement which would have a far reaching ripple effect. With the
RTE Act made available, this is no secret that the film will sensitize a huge number of people and thus help in
bringing millions of children to school.”
I am Kalam is the feature debut of director Nila Madhab Panda and has been produced by Smile Foundation,
a national level development organization in India. It is the first feature film ever to be produced by a
development organization and has so far won 12 national and international awards including the 58th
National Award for the hero of the film, twelve years old Harsh Mayar. The cast of the movie includes Harsh
Mayar, Gulshan Grover, Pitobash Tripathy, Husaan Saad, and Beatrice Ordeix among others.
The film follows a fable like narrative, somewhat like The Prince and the Pauper friendship which adds
to its universal appeal. It's also inspired from a true story. Other than the National Award for Best Actor
in Child Artiste Category, the film has won 11 other international awards, including the best feature film
in the Lucas International Film Festival (Germany), the Don Quixote Prize of the International Cine Club
Federations (Germany), Young Jury Award at the International Film Festival of India in Goa; Best Feature
Film at the CMS Int’l Children’s Film Festival in Lucknow; the “Audience Favorite” Award at the Barbican
London Children’s Film Festival Award; a Special Diploma for the Best Actor Work at Minsk International
Film Festival Listapadzik; and the Best Debutant Director Award at the Chalachitra Film Society, Kerela.
The film has also received a Special Mention at the Cinekid International Film Festival in Amsterdam and the
Ale Kino International Film Festival in Poland, for its attempt to disseminate an important social message.
With so much going for the film, it will definitely take the country by a storm for its honest subject and
sincere performances.
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About Smile Foundation:- Smile Foundation is a national level development organization that directly benefits 200,000
underprivileged children and youth in 22 states of India through 150 development initiatives on subjects such as
education, healthcare, livelihood and girl child & women empowerment.
About Reliance Entertainment:- Reliance Entertainment is the flagship motion picture arm of India's Reliance Group
with a significant presence in filmed entertainment (film production, distribution, and exhibition). Reliance Group also
has key interests in broadcasting and new media ventures. In Hollywood, Reliance Entertainment has partnered with
many topnotch players in the business. Reliance Entertainment operates BIG Cinemas, India's largest cinema chain
with over 525 screens spread across India, US, Malaysia, Nepal and Netherlands. |
