Kaalidhar Laapata review: Abhishek Bachchan shines but film falls short

India Today

a day ago

'Kaalidhar Laapata', directed by Madhumita and led by Abhishek Bachchan, is the Hindi remake of her own Tamil film, 'KD A Karuppu Durai'. While the core storyline remains intact, the Hindi version has its own flavour. The film shines in its heartfelt portrayal of an unlikely bond between a forgotten man and a spirited child. However, it falters in places. Some scenes lack emotional depth and the pacing isn't always steady. But even with these flaws, 'Kaalidhar Laapata' manages to strike a chord, thanks largely to its honest and affecting performances.advertisementThe story begins with Kaalidhar (played by Abhishek Bachchan), a middle-aged man struggling with memory loss. Feeling burdened with his medical bills, his siblings plan to get rid of him. He overhears his siblings talking about abandoning him at the Kumbh Mela. Feeling hurt and unwanted, Kaalidhar decides to escape. He hops onto the first bus he can find to go as far away as possible from his family.Kalidhar spends the night at a village temple, where he meets Ballu (played by Daivik Bhagela), an eight-year-old orphan with an infectious zest for life. Despite their age gap, the two strike up an unexpected friendship that initially gets off to a rocky start, with Ballu trying to trouble Kaalidhar at every point. However, the two, both dealing with abandonment issues, eventually find comfort in each other.
Ballu gives Kaalidhar the nickname 'KD', and he sets out on a mission to tick off KD's bucket list, which includes - a lifelong supply of biryani, acting, riding a bike, wearing a suit, dancing in a baraat, trying alcohol, no not the desi kind but the angrezi wali (English one) and meeting his first love Meera.You truly feel how important Kaalidhar becomes to the little boy when, in one touching moment, the doctor treating KD asks a distraught Ballu, 'What is he to you?' and Ballu simply replies - sabkuch (everything). Ballu, once left on the temple steps, finds a home in KD, and KD, in him. And still, you can't help but wish the film gave us a few more of these moments, something that fully captured the bond that grows between them. Shot in Madhya Pradesh, the sets and locations are as real as they could be as they provide authenticity and rustic charm to its story. Initially, the pace of the film feels a bit slow, but once KD and Ballu come together, the film begins to shine. Their bond is the soul of the story. It is humorous and touching, but only in parts.Abhishek Bachchan, in a role that's more restrained than dramatic, does a fine job portraying a man who's quietly broken yet still holding on to hope. He's not trying to steal the spotlight but fits the role with ease. His chemistry with Daivik Bhagela is the USP of the film. Daivik is a delight to watch. He is natural, expressive and full of life. There's no exaggeration in his performance, which makes his character even more believable.However, the film has its flaws as well. Zeeshan Ayyub's talent seems to be wasted, and there are moments when you are ready with your tissues, but the moment passes without tugging at your heartstrings. A key example is the missed opportunity for a heartfelt scene between KD and Ballu at the railway station. This could have added more emotional weight to the film. It's a moment you keep expecting, but it never comes.The film also leaves some inconsistencies unexplained. For example, while Kaalidhar is introduced as someone suffering from serious mental illness with memory loss and hallucinations, this aspect is forgotten quite conveniently as the film progresses. He suddenly is all fine and even starts to earn a living for himself and Ballu, without much explanation about his recovery.Still, '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.- Ends3 out 5 to Kaalidhar Laapata.