Pandalam (Kerala): Ragesh Krishnan, a 35-year-old from Pandalam in Pathanamthitta has defied the odds posed by cerebral palsy to achieve his dream of becoming a film director. Despite being born with cerebral palsy, Ragesh’s passion for cinema never wavered. With relentless determination, he made his dream a reality and is now set to release his debut feature film, Kalam @ 24, on November 29. Minister Saji Cherian has extended his support to Ragesh, offering assistance from the cultural department to promote his work.

Ragesh Krishnan, son of Radhakrishna Kurup and former Pandalam grama panchayat member Rama R Kurup, has faced the challenges of cerebral palsy since birth. His parents, however, never let his condition define him. They ensured that Ragesh was not treated as ‘sick’ and encouraged him to pursue his dreams without limitations.

From a young age, Ragesh was drawn to cinema. Despite the physical challenges he faced, including hearing impairment, difficulty in speaking and mobility issues, he remained determined to pursue his passion for filmmaking. His childhood love for cinema only grew stronger, and he aimed to become a director and screenwriter, just like others in the industry.

Academic journey and early filmmaking

Ragesh's educational journey was unaffected by his condition. He earned a degree in history and a diploma in computers. During his studies, he gained recognition by making albums and short films. Over the years, he released five albums and directed three short films. His first short film was made in response to the harsh remarks that doubted his intellectual abilities. Throughout his journey, Ragesh was supported by his family, including his sister Ragi Krishnan, and many well-wishers.

Through his work, Ragesh has become an inspiration, especially to those who face physical limitations. His message is clear: life should be a source of encouragement, and no one should give up on their dreams because of challenges.

Kalam @ 24

Ragesh’s debut feature film, Kalam @ 24, is a suspense thriller in the fantasy-drama genre. With a runtime of one hour and 23 minutes, the film focuses on the dark world of organ trafficking and human sacrifice. Ragesh is not only the director, but also the writer of the movie’s story, screenplay and dialogues.

The film that has cast fresh faces is being released by Cine House Media and CMK Productions.