The high-tech wheelchair used by Amitabh Bachchan and Parvathy has a Kerala connection

Many will remember the sleek, high-tech wheelchair used by RJ Sarah (played by Parvathy) in the blockbuster Malayalam movie 'Bangalore Days', or the one Amitabh Bachchan navigated in the Bollywood drama 'Wazir'. These weren't imported luxury medical devices. They were designed and manufactured right here in India by Ostrich Mobility, a pioneering venture started by five friends from Sasthamcotta in Kollam, Kerala.

The minds behind this homegrown revolution are Binu, Sreejith, Harsha, Hari, and Venu, all alumni of DB College in Sasthamcotta. After graduating, they embarked on diverse career paths. Venu, Sreejith, and Harsha landed roles at tech giant IBM; Binu joined Kuwait Airways; and Hari pursued his passion for product design at Reva, Bangalore's pioneering electric car company. Yet, the itch to create something deeply meaningful and socially impactful together never left them.

A prototype born from a wiper motor
Their journey into assistive technology began with relentless experimentation, led primarily by Hari's design expertise. Lacking high-end resources in the initial stages, the team engineered their very first motorised wheelchair prototype using a wiper motor salvaged from a Maruti Baleno car. In August 2007, they officially registered their company, driven by a realisation that every individual with mobility challenges has unique physical needs that off-the-shelf, imported models could not satisfy.

Patented technology and national impact
Ostrich quickly distinguished itself through engineering innovations. The company made history by introducing its patented 'split-frame chassis' technology, which ensures that all four wheels remain firmly on the ground even on highly uneven terrain, offering unprecedented safety. Another breakthrough was their automatic wheelbase adjuster. Controlled easily via a joystick, this system allows users to shorten or lengthen the wheelchair frame, making it effortless to navigate cramped rooms, corridors, and tight bathroom doors.

Today, more than 18,000 people across India rely on Ostrich electric wheelchairs for their daily independence. The company's high-quality mobility aids are also distributed through the Indian Defence Services' Canteen Stores Department (CSD), ensuring they reach veterans in need. What started as an experimental design by five college mates has grown into an industry leader, with annual revenue exceeding ₹180 crore.