Kaalidhar Laapata, directed by Madhumita and led by Abhishek Bachchan, is the Hindi remake of her Tamil film KD (A) Karuppu Durai. While the core storyline remains intact, the Hindi version carries its own distinct flavour. The film stands out for its heartfelt portrayal of an unlikely bond between a forgotten man and a spirited child. However, it falters at times — some scenes lack emotional depth, and the pacing is uneven. Yet, despite its flaws, Kaalidhar Laapata manages to strike a chord, thanks largely to its honest and affecting performances.
The story begins with Kaalidhar (Abhishek Bachchan), a middle-aged man struggling with memory loss. Burdened by medical bills, his own siblings conspire to abandon him at the Kumbh Mela. Overhearing their plan, Kaalidhar escapes by boarding a random bus, hoping to get as far from his family as possible.
He ends up spending the night at a village temple, where he meets Ballu (Daivik Bhagela), an eight-year-old orphan full of mischief and energy. Their friendship starts on a rough note, with Ballu constantly pestering Kaalidhar, but the two, both scarred by abandonment, eventually find solace in each other.
Ballu nicknames him 'KD' and embarks on a mission to fulfill KD’s quirky bucket list: eating biryani forever, acting, riding a bike, wearing a suit, dancing in a baraat, trying English alcohol, and reuniting with his first love, Meera.
One of the most moving moments in the film comes when a doctor asks Ballu, “What is he to you?” and the boy simply replies, “Sabkuch” (everything). Ballu, who was left on the temple steps, finds a family in KD, and KD finds one in him. It’s a beautiful moment, though the film could’ve benefited from more such emotionally rich scenes to deepen their bond on screen.
Shot in Madhya Pradesh, the film captures rustic charm with authentic sets and locations. While the first act is a little slow, the chemistry between KD and Ballu brings the story alive. Their relationship is both humorous and touching, though the emotional highs are not always consistent.
Abhishek Bachchan delivers a restrained and sincere performance. He doesn’t overplay his role, allowing the character’s quiet dignity to shine. But the real heart of the film is Daivik Bhagela. He is natural, expressive, and completely believable. His performance adds vitality and innocence to the story without going over the top.
However, not everything works. Zeeshan Ayyub’s character feels underutilized. There are moments where the film sets you up for an emotional payoff — like a potential railway station goodbye between KD and Ballu — but doesn’t quite deliver.
Some narrative inconsistencies also stand out. Kaalidhar’s mental illness — memory loss and hallucinations — is a key element in the beginning but fades away without explanation. Suddenly, KD is fine and even supporting Ballu, with no clarity on how his condition improved.
Despite its flaws, Kaalidhar Laapata reminds us that even in our darkest times, unexpected friendships can light the way. It’s a story of healing, hope, and how love can transcend age and circumstance.
