Kaalidhar Laapata (Hindi)
Kaalidhar Laapata is an Indian Hindi-language drama film written and directed by Madhumita. The film stars Abhishek Bachchan in the lead role as Kaalidhar, alongside Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and child actor Daivik Bhagela in supporting roles.Produced by Zee Studios and Emmay Entertainment, it is the Hindi adaptation of Madhumita’s 2019 Tamil film K.D.
Plot
The story follows Kaalidhar, a middle-aged man experiencing memory loss and a sense of abandonment after overhearing his family’s plan to leave him behind during a religious gathering. Choosing to leave on his own, Kaalidhar embarks on a journey during which he meets Ballu, an eight-year-old orphan. The unlikely duo forms a bond and sets out on a road trip across India to fulfill items on Kaalidhar’s bucket list, leading him to rediscover joy and purpose.
Cast
- Abhishek Bachchan as Kaalidhar (KD)
- Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub as Subodh
- Daivik Baghela as Ballu
- Nimrat Kaur (special appearance) as Meera
- Manohar as Vishwanath Chatterjee
- Madhulika Jatoliya as Neetu
- Priyank Tiwari as Sundar
- Priya Yadav as Gudiya
Production
Kaalidhar Laapata is Madhumita‘s first Hindi-language feature film. It is a remake of her Tamil movie K.D. (Karuppu Durai) (2019).[7] The film was produced by Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani, Nikkhil Advani, Umesh Kr Bansal, and Pragati Deshmukh under the banners of Zee Studios and Emmay Entertainment.[8] Principal photography took place in Madhya Pradesh, India.
Release
The film is scheduled for an exclusive direct-to-digital release on ZEE5 on 4 July 2025.
Reception
Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express gave 2 stars out of 5 and writes that “Child actor Daivik, a wide smile lighting up his face, is a natural. He settles into a rhythm which makes their journey somewhat palatable: it is Abhishek Bachchan who struggles to match up.”Shweta Keshri of India Today rated 3/5 stars and said “‘Kaalidhar Laapata’ reminds us that life can surprise us with joy, even in tough times. And shows how friendship can cross age barriers, healing our pained hearts.”[12] Snehal Dhingra of Times Now gave 4 stars out of 5 and said that “Abhishek Bachchan once again proves his emotional depth in this film, delivering a performance that brings life and connection to the screen.”
Devesh Sharma of Filmfare rated 3.5/5 stars and said that “This is a film that doesn’t shout. It meanders, like memory. But stay with it, and you’ll be rewarded with a story that not only brings a smile to your face but also stays long after the credits roll.” Deepa Gahlot of Rediff.com gave 2.5 stars out of 5 and commented that “Watch Kaalidhar Laapata because clean family-viewing films are getting scarcer by the week.” Rahul Desai of The Hollywood Reporter India observed that “Abhishek Bachchan stars as a dementia-afflicted character in this ‘Baghban’-coded remake of a Tamil film.”
Shilajit Mitra of The Hindu observed that “A man goes on a transformative journey in a safely placid film.” Sreeparna Sengupta of The Times of India gave 3.5 stars out of 5 and said that “‘Kaalidhar Laapata’ is a touching, slice-of-life drama that ends on an uplifting note and makes for a decent watch.” Nandini Ramnath of Scroll.in said that “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.”