Rating: 3.5/5 Streaming on: ZEE5 Language: Hindi Director: Madhumita Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Daivik Baghela, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Nimrat Kaur (special appearance)
In Kaalidhar Laapata, director Madhumita adapts her acclaimed Tamil film KD (A) Karuppu Durai into Hindi, crafting a poignant slice-of-life drama that explores memory, betrayal, and the unexpected warmth of human connection. Anchored by a soulful performance from Abhishek Bachchan and a breakout turn by child actor Daivik Baghela, the film is a gentle reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful relationships are the ones we stumble upon.
Plot Summary
Kaalidhar (Abhishek Bachchan), a middle-aged man suffering from early-stage dementia, becomes a burden to his debt-ridden family. In a cruel twist, his brothers abandon him at the Kumbh Mela, hoping to usurp his property. Heartbroken and disoriented, Kaalidhar wanders off and finds shelter near a temple, where he meets Ballu (Daivik Baghela), a sharp-witted orphan.
What begins as a reluctant companionship soon blossoms into a heartwarming bond. Ballu nicknames him “KD” and helps him tick off a whimsical bucket list—from eating biryani to dancing in a baraat. As KD rediscovers joy and purpose, his family scrambles to find him—not out of love, but for a missing signature on legal documents.
Performances
Abhishek Bachchan delivers a restrained, vulnerable performance, portraying KD’s confusion and quiet resilience with grace.
Daivik Baghela is the film’s beating heart—his charm, wit, and emotional depth elevate every scene.
Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub plays a well-meaning government officer, though his arc feels underutilized.
Nimrat Kaur appears briefly as KD’s long-lost love, adding a nostalgic layer to the narrative.
What Works
The chemistry between KD and Ballu is authentic and moving.
Madhumita’s direction balances humor and heartbreak with a light touch.
Amit Trivedi’s music, especially “Haseen Pareshaniyaan,” adds emotional texture.
The film’s visuals—shot across rustic Madhya Pradesh—enhance its earthy charm.
What Doesn’t
The pacing dips in the second half, with some scenes feeling repetitive.
KD’s memory loss is inconsistently portrayed, and certain emotional beats lack payoff.
Supporting characters, especially the antagonistic family, are underdeveloped.
Final Verdict
Kaalidhar Laapata is not a perfect film, but it’s a heartfelt one. It may not match the raw emotional power of its Tamil predecessor, but it stands on its own as a quietly affecting story about finding family in the unlikeliest of places. For those who enjoy character-driven narratives with emotional resonance, this one’s worth the watch.