Kaalidhar Laapata (2025) [Movie Review]: Abhishek Bachchan’s Poignant Journey of Resilience

In Kaalidhar Laapata, Kaalidhar (Abhishek Bachchan) begins suffering from disturbing memory lapses and vivid hallucinations. As his condition worsens and costly treatments offer little hope, his indebted siblings decide to abandon him amid the chaotic crowds of the Kumbh Mela. Stranded and unable to recall his own identity, Kaalidhar eventually discovers his brothers’ betrayal and boards the next bus out—only to forge an unlikely bond with Ballu (Daivik Baghela), an eight‑year‑old orphan who teaches him to embrace life anew.

Direction & Adaptation: Honoring the Original, With a Fresh Twist

Helmed by Madhumita Sundararaman, who co‑wrote the screenplay with Amitosh Nagpal, Kaalidhar Laapata reimagines the Tamil hit K.D. (2019) for Hindi audiences. While the original centred on an elderly man’s bucket list, this version shifts the focus to a middle‑aged protagonist grappling with cognitive decline. Sundararaman’s dual role as writer‑director ensures a faithful yet inventive adaptation, even as certain narrative beats—such as the memory‑loss arc—occasionally lose momentum.

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Performances: Bauer of Emotions

• Abhishek Bachchan delivers a career‑high, imbuing Kaalidhar with quiet dignity and raw vulnerability. His nuanced portrayal captures the despair of betrayal and the wonder of rediscovered joy.

• Daivik Baghela shines as Ballu, effortlessly balancing street‑smart confidence with childlike sincerity. Their on‑screen chemistry forms the emotional backbone of the film.

• Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, as Subodh the “lost and found” officer, lends sincere gravitas to his quest to reunite Kaalidhar with his family.

• Nimrat Kaur and Priya Yadav appear in key supporting roles, adding depth to Kaalidhar’s backstory and emotional stakes.

Strengths & Shortcomings: A Bittersweet Journey

Strengths

• The central friendship between Kaalidhar and Ballu is both uplifting and genuine, offering some of the film’s most touching moments.

• Sundararaman’s direction highlights India’s spiritual milieu—particularly the vibrant Kumbh Mela—providing a visually rich backdrop.

• Alexandre Desplat‑like musical cues (though uncredited) underscore the film’s emotional highs without feeling manipulative.

Shortcomings

• The “wishlist” subplot, while endearing, lacks the resonance it held in the original’s geriatric context.

• Kaalidhar’s memory‑loss trajectory occasionally slips in consistency, making key plot developments feel underexplained.

• A brief romantic interlude featuring Meera (Nimrat Kaur) feels underdeveloped, reducing its emotional impact.

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Final Verdict: A Touching Slice‑of‑Life Drama

Overall, Kaalidhar Laapata is a moving slice‑of‑life drama buoyed by Abhishek Bachchan’s stirring performance. Despite a few narrative wobbles, the film’s core friendship and themes of resilience shine through. At 3.5 out of 5, this adaptation makes for a compelling, tear‑jerking watch—one that reminds us of the human capacity to find hope, even when lost.

Rating: ★★★⯪☆ (3.5 / 5)