Kaalidhar Laapata review: Abhishek Bachchan stars in this touching journey of memory, abandonment and unexpected friendship with a child.
In Kaalidhar Laapata, Abhishek Bachchan takes on a tender, emotionally nuanced role in Tamil filmmaker Madhumitha’s Hindi directorial debut, now streaming on ZEE5. This poignant lost-and-found saga follows middle-aged Kaalidhar, a man with child-like innocence and signs of memory loss, who embarks on an unexpected journey after being abandoned by his family during a Kumbh Mela trip.
The film is a faithful remake of the Tamil original K D, modified with subtle cultural shifts. Abhishek’s portrayal of Kaalidhar, later renamed KD by an eight-year-old orphan named Ballu, played by natural talent Daivik Baghela, is sincere and heartfelt. Though Abhishek brings earnest charm, it’s Daivik’s infectious energy and effortless performance that steals the show.
Ballu, a street-smart survivor with an education gleaned under a tree from a kind village teacher, becomes the unlikely protector of the vulnerable Kaalidhar. Their evolving bond forms the emotional backbone of the narrative. Despite a few overdone sequences, the chemistry between the duo offers heartwarming moments that keep viewers engaged.
Abhishek’s KD resonates more in moments of silence and nostalgia—particularly in scenes with Nimrat Kaur, who appears briefly as Meera, a figure from his past. His performance is grounded, sincere, and often touching, even if it occasionally struggles to match the effortless ease of his young co-star.
The cinematography captures rural India with warmth, while the script navigates abandonment, resilience, and belonging. Though the story unfolds predictably at times, the emotional honesty and subtle humour keep it afloat.
Senior actor Amitabh Bachchan has also expressed pride in his son’s performance, sharing his appreciation across social media and his blog. With films like Be Happy and I Want to Talk, Abhishek continues to prove his range and maturity as an actor.
Kaalidhar Laapata review verdict: This is a quietly stirring film anchored by a strong central idea, a heartfelt performance from Abhishek, and a breakout turn from Daivik Baghela. The film reminds us that sometimes, it’s the smallest companions who help us rediscover who we are.
