#######
# calling.pl 

eval { system ("called.pl"); };
$exit_val = $? >> 8;

#######
# called.pl

$SIG{INT} = \&exit_gracefully;

main block ...
$exit_value = 0;

exit $exit_value;

sub exit_gracefully
{
    $SIG{INT} = \&exit_gracefully;
    print "Program interrupted .. \n";
    exit (-2);
}