Indian-American filmmaker Vikas Khanna’s upcoming documentary Barefoot Empress narrates the inspirational story of Kerala’s Karthiyana Amma, who cleared her first-grade exams at the age of 96.

After growing up in rural India without the option of any formal education, Karthiyana shattered social norms by attending school with children as young as her own grandchildren and great grandchildren. She topped her class and was honoured with the Women Power Award by former Indian president Ram Nath Kovind in 2020.

The documentary has received critical acclaim at several international film festivals and will soon hit the theatres.

“This is a story of courage and perseverance. It shows how age is just a number and anyone determined to achieve their dreams will do it,” said Vikas while releasing the movie poster at an event in Mumbai today.

“Karthiyana Amma is an inspiration not only to girls but also to anyone and everyone who dreams and wants to fulfil their dreams,” the filmmaker added.

Directed and written by Vikas Khanna, Barefoot Empress is produced by the Oscar-nominated filmmaker Doug Roland.