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Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
‘Kaalidhar Laapata' REVIEW: Abhishek Bachchan anchors a gentle tale of abandonment, healing, and unlikely friendship
Director Madhumita returns to familiar ground with 'Kaalidhar Laapata', a Hindi-language adaptation of her own acclaimed 2019 Tamil film 'K.D.' (Karuppu Durai). At its heart, the story remains a deeply human one: an elderly man, discarded by his family, finds purpose and joy in an unlikely friendship with a child. But this version, starring Abhishek Bachchan as the titular Kaalidhar, shifts the tone in a way that is both emotionally satisfying and gently bittersweet, if a little too restrained for its own good. In the original 'K.D.', the protagonist was a crusty, spirited old man who stormed out of his village nursing both bruised pride and a hunger for experience. His counterpart in 'Kaalidhar Laapata', played by Bachchan, is a quieter figure. After overhearing his family's disturbing plan to abandon him during a trip to the Kumbh Mela—a decision driven by greed and cloaked in religious propriety—Kaalidhar slips away unnoticed. This early betrayal sets the emotional temperature for the rest of the film. While the Tamil KD responded to betrayal with bite and black comedy, Bachchan's Kaalidhar retreats into a softer, sadder world, choosing detachment over confrontation. Abhishek Bachchan's performance is unexpectedly delicate. His Kaalidhar is not a man loudly raging against injustice but one quietly folding into the loneliness of being unwanted. There is a fragility to the way he walks, talks, and smiles—making this one of his more nuanced performances in recent years. The sharp, sardonic humour of the original is replaced here with a quiet longing, a gentle weariness that turns Kaalidhar into a figure you want to protect rather than laugh with. This reimagining won't appeal to everyone, especially those who loved the earthy, irreverent vibe of 'K.D.', but it adds its own emotional weight. Enter Ballu, played with natural charm and spontaneity by child actor Daivik Baghela. The chemistry between Kaalidhar and Ballu is the film's beating heart. Their bond unfolds gradually—starting with stolen food and squabbles over sleeping spots, and blooming into trust and affection. As they travel together across towns and highways to tick off items on Kaalidhar's bucket list (which includes everything from eating jalebis on a train to riding a horse), the film captures moments of joy with simplicity. Their friendship has no grand declarations, but it's in the quiet acts of kindness—Band-Aids on bruises, shared jokes, silent companionship—that we witness something profound. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub appears in a small but pivotal role, bringing credibility and warmth to his scenes. The rest of the supporting cast is serviceable, though the scheming siblings and manipulative sister-in-law veer into caricature. The film also avoids any direct confrontation or dramatic reckoning with the family's cruelty, choosing instead to keep the focus on personal healing and emotional growth. Visually, the film doesn't aim for grandeur, but it uses India's varied landscapes—dusty roads, crowded temples, mustard fields—with gentle beauty. Kaalidhar's journey feels less cinematic and more lived-in, like flipping through an old, handmade scrapbook. But for all its tenderness, 'Kaalidhar Laapata' does play it a little too safe. It sands down the rough edges of the original. The rebellious spirit, the biting commentary on ageism and family hypocrisy—all of it is more muted here. The film's emotional impact, while sincere, never quite surprises. Still, Abhishek Bachchan brings an unmistakable warmth to the role. His portrayal of Kaalidhar is steeped in quiet dignity, and his transformation—subtle as it is—feels earned. He may not have the fire of 'Karuppu Durai', but he has a deep well of empathy, and that gives the film its emotional centre. 'Kaalidhar Laapata' may not dazzle, but it gently stirs. It is kind, soft-spoken, and sometimes, that's enough.
Scroll.in
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scroll.in
‘Kaalidhar Laapata' review: An effective tale of losing and finding a family
There was a neat symmetry in Madhumita's Tamil film K.D. (2019), about the bond between an 80-year-old man and an eight-year-old boy. For her Hindi adaptation Kaalidhar Laapata, Madhumita shrinks the generation gap while retaining the themes of rejection, abandonment and second chances. The ZEE5 release is led by 49-year-old Abhishek Bachchan as 40-year-old Kaalidhar, who appears to have early onset dementia. Tired of caring for Kaalidhar, his greedy brothers Manohar (Vishwanath Chatterjee) and Sundar (Priyank Tiwari) and Manohar's wife Neetu (Madhulika Jatoliya) dump him at the Kumbh Mela. Only Kaalidhar's sister Gudiya (Priya Yadav) mourns the disappearance of a man who has sacrificed his life and his love Meera (Nimrat Kaur) for his family. All seems lost for Kaalidhar until he runs into the precocious orphan Ballu (Daivik Baghela). Ballu adopts the disoriented Kaalidhar and encourages him to have the experiences he has denied himself. Meanwhile, government official Subodh (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub) sets out to find Kaalidhar, his motives as murky as Kaalidhar's kin. By directing the Hindi version and co-writing the screenplay with Amitosh Nagpal, Madhumita stays in charge of the film's emotional beats. The core relationship between two cast-aside souls who find that they have a lot in common was the chief draw of the original film and is the reason the Hindi retooling works too. The choice of a younger protagonist means that the adaptation needs to justify itself more vigorously. The exact nature of Kaalidhar's ailment isn't clear, not are his symptoms consistent with his behaviour. Subodh feels shoehorned into the story, rather than an important neutral witness to Kaalidhar's journey. While Kaalidhar Laapata is sluggishly paced and doesn't capture the sheer ordinariness of its anguished hero or his milieu, the remake does portray the ways in which love and empathy transcend familial ties. Abhishek Bachchan and Daivik Baghela bring out the warmth and mutual respect that develops between Kaalidhar and Ballu – the older man vulnerable and confused, the boy confident and cheerfully cynical. Bachchan has played this type of sad sack character in recent films, including I Want to Talk (2024) and Be Happy (2025). Under Madhumita's careful direction, Bachchan delivers one of his more affecting performances. Play
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First Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Kaalidhar Laapata movie review: Abhishek Bachchan-Daivik Baghela's beautiful camaraderie makes this drama heart-warming & breezy
Abhishek Bachchan starrer Kaalidhar Laapata is a Hindi adaptation of Madhumita's 2019 Tamil film K.D. (Karuppu Durai) read more Read More A cinephile, who loves, eats and breathes Bollywood and south cinema. Box Office specialist. Obsessed with numbers and trade business of the entertainment industry. see more
Pink Villa
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Kaalidhar Laapata Review: Abhishek Bachchan and Daivik Bhagela shine in a tender, poignant, and uplifting drama based on a prevalent issue
Plot Kaalidhar (Abhishek Bachchan) has Alzheimer's and is seen as a burden to his greedy brothers, and their wives. They try to kill him to claim his property, but fail. After some thought, they decide to abandon him at Kumbh Mela, after taking his thumb impressions on property papers while he sleeps. Lost and alone, Kaalidhar meets Ballu (Daivik Bhagela), an eight-year-old orphan, in a nearby village. They form a close bond, spending time together in the village. Ballu's cheerful spirit helps Kaalidhar feel a sense of joy and companionship. On understanding that his family deliberately abandoned him, he decides to focus on himself and grows self-reliant. Meanwhile, a fire destroys the property papers, and the family has no option but to search for Kaalidhar. Subodh (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub), a well-wisher, searches for Kaalidhar too. Will Subodh be able to find Kaalidhar? Does Kaalidhar become self-reliant? Who is Meera (Nimrat Kaur) and why is she so important to Kaalidhar? What happens to Ballu? Does the family acquire the property they tried so hard to get hold of? Watch Kaalidhar Laapata to find out. What Works for Kaalidhar Laapata The story of Kaalidhar Laapata is simple and heartfelt, and it successfully keeps you engaged. Kaalidhar and Ballu's friendship feels real and warm. Director Madhumita tells the story with sensitivity and care, making every moment matter. The camera work captures the village's beauty, from quiet lanes to lively markets. Amit Trivedi 's music, with songs like Haseen Pareshaaniyaan and Hans Ke Jaane De are like a breath of fresh air. They inject positivity. The writing is clear, mixing calm moments with fun talks. Editing is razer sharp and so the film never drags. The movie shows Alzheimer's with respect, avoiding extra drama. Themes of trust, betrayal, and starting fresh connect perfectly. What Doesn't Work for Kaalidhar Laapata Kaalidhar Laapata is a remake of the Tamil film K.D. (Karuppu Durai), so it's not new. An original story could have made it a film that would make a louder pop than it will now. Some scenes feel familiar, especially for those who know the original. The family's cruel actions lack deeper motives, making them seem a bit one-sided. These small issues don't ruin the film but hold it back slightly. Kaalidhar Laapata Streams On ZEE5 Performances in Kaalidhar Laapata Abhishek Bachchan is excellent as Kaalidhar. He shows pain, confusion, and hope with small gestures and looks. Daivik Bhagela is a star as Ballu, full of life and charm. Their bond is the film's heart. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub is strong as Subodh, showing care and worry as a well-wisher. Nimrat Kaur as Meera adds warmth to key moments in the final portions. Other actors do well with what they get to do. Final Verdict of Kaalidhar Laapata Kaalidhar Laapata is a warm, emotional film about friendship and finding strength. Though a remake, it shines with great acting, lovely music, and thoughtful direction. Abhishek Bachchan and Daivik Bhagela make it unforgettable. Director Madhumita shows the mark of a director with a strong voice. Kaalidhar Laapata plays on ZEE5. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates on Abhishek Bachchan and Kaalidhar Laapata.
Scroll.in
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scroll.in
‘Kaalidhar Laapata' trailer: Abhishek Bachchan stars in a bucket list comedy
Movie trailers Madhumita's Hindi adaptation of her Tamil movie 'K.D' also stars Daivik Bhagela and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub. Out on ZEE5 on July 4.
