Kalari worked as a photo reporter, and was the director of photography for the film Jadehay sard (1985). He also worked on the films Shir Sangi (1987), Ai Iran (1990), Goruban (1991), Sara (1993), Nun va Goldoon (1996), Bad ma ra khahad bord (1999), Khanei ruye ab (2002). He made his directing debut with Cloud and the Rising Sun (Abr-O Aftaab, 1997), and soon after his other film Danza con los sueńos (2001).