Kaalidhar Laapata movie review: Abhishek Bachchan gives a fine performance in uneven film on loneliness, sacrifice, joy
Kaalidhar Laapata reminded me of Nana Patekar's 2024 film Vanvaas. Both revolve around an ageing man, prone to memory loss, left at a distant, crowded place by his own family, who are unable to look after him anymore. They take over his property, only to encounter a problem for which they need him back. Along the way, the man meets a younger companion who changes his outlook towards life. What makes things murkier is that Kaalidhar's director, Madhumita, had also directed the original Tamil film K.D. in 2019, and this Hindi version is an adaptation. Kaalidhar Laapata movie review: Abhishek Bachchan is the star of this uneven film.
Kaalidhar Laapata stars Abhishek Bachchan as the protagonist, a man who has sacrificed his own life for his younger brothers and sister. They couldn't care less about him and hatch an unsuccessful plan to kill him. Overhearing their contempt and sinister plans, he vanishes. Along the way, he meets Ballu (Daivik Baghela), a spirited young boy who lives happily all by himself. The boy teaches him how to be happy too, while his family begins their search for him with heavy hearts as their plans run into a roadblock. What happens next forms the rest of the story.
The story is simple, clean, and straight to the point, and given the rarity of such family-friendly content on OTT, it will likely appeal to viewers at home. Abhishek is the anchor of this ship, and he does a good job conveying the initial confusion and helplessness of KD, a man who loses the only home he has ever known. Themes of finding joy, being content with what one has, and sacrificing all find space in the story, which definitely has its moments.
While the pace is decent, the film stumbles in the equation between KD and Ballu. It's endearing, no doubt, but at times it's a bit hard to digest that a boy who's roughly 10 has such profound advice to offer. Hindi films have often portrayed child characters as overly street-smart and wise beyond their years, and that doesn't always translate well on screen. Kaalidhar Laapata suffers from the same. The viewer buys into the idea that an older man and a young boy become each other's compass in life, but the boy's wisdom doesn't quite click and feels stretched beyond a point. Daivik, as Ballu otherwise, plays his role very well.
Nimrat Kaur does well in a special appearance as KD's love interest. Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub plays Subodh, a man deputed by the local missing-found department to find KD. His role isn't as impactful in the writing, though he does his best to make it work.
The music by Amit Trivedi is peppy and complements the story.
To sum it up, though uneven in parts, Kaalidhar Laapata ultimately celebrates life's simple pleasures and the power of unexpected friendships. It's a bittersweet but hopeful journey, watchable for the performances.
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United News of India
8 minutes ago
- United News of India
ZEE5 Movies Brings You the Haunting Tale of ‘Kaalidhar Laapata'
Are you willing to watch an emotional and gripping movie? We have landed up here with one of the best Hindi thriller movies on ZEE5, i.e. Kaalidhar Laapata for you. This wonderful story is a perfect remake of Karuppu Durai. This Madhumita-directed movie not only engages the audience till the end but also lets them guess. What is the Plot? Kaalidhar Laapata is one of the finest movies on ZEE5 that tells the story of an ageing man who escapes his family after listening to the plan for his family to abandon him. The story takes on an interesting turn when he meets a free-spirited boy named Ballu. Daivik Baghela performed the powerful role of Ballu in the movie, and he not only rescues Kaalidhar from being alone and lost but also becomes his guide and friend as well. Their friendship changes the aspects of living for Kaalidhar. Roller Coaster Ride of Emotions Kaalidhar Laapata is a roller coaster ride of emotions where the friendship of Kaalidhar and Ballu keeps on motivating Kaalidhar and changes his way of living. Ballu helped Kaalidhar in creating a bucket list of the goals that he wanted to do before his memory was lost. The things included are quite simple, like riding a motorcycle, enjoying biryani, and dancing in a wedding procession, but the joy included is quite immense. These small, happy and joyful moments bring happiness into the life of Kaalidhar. Fulfilling each goal reawakens something new in Kaalidhar. The same brings up a fleeting memory and brings up smiles and shines on his face. The cast of the Movie Kaalidhar Laapata comes up with a powerful cast that not only adds life to their character but also engages the audience till the end. Abhishek Bachchan as Kaalidhar has tried to bring a raw characterisation so that it sould appear real. He is portraying the character of a man who has lost himself and finds a reason to live after meeting Ballu. Daivik Baghela as Ballu adds a spark to the movie. Who made Kaalidhar Laapata? Kaalidhar Laapata is a wonderful movie by ZEE Studios and is co-produced with Emmay Entertainment, which brings up an emotional story with absolute mystery for the audience. It is the directorial debut of Madhumita, who is the director of its Tamil version KD as well. Madhumita has perfectly showcased her talent, her powerful direction and her way of portraying characters through this wonderful movie. Why 'Shadows' and 'Silence'? From Shadows The word Shadows in the title refers to the hidden past of Kaalidhar, and that includes his memories, his forgotten relationships and his inner pain. He, along with Ballu, goes on a day-out adventure where shadows from his past keep surfacing. It is not a crime thriller movie, but it includes an emotional sense that engages the audience till the end. To Silence The word silence in the Kaalidhar Laapata movie is all about how shadows bring up the moment of silence. Sometimes the words become too heavy and too painful that it becomes quite necessary to be silent for some time. Tone and Feel of the Film Kaalidhar Laapata is a wonderful movie that features soft lighting and close camera shots, making you feel closer to the characterisation. All of the above not only impact the storyline but also tell the feeling of confusion, sadness and small moments of joy. Whether it is about empty rooms or it's about untouched cups, every silence in the movie speaks loudly. The music of the movie also supports its story without booming and letting emotions breathe. Whether it is about the scene of eating biryani or it is about playing together, every single scene brings up a sense of nostalgia and tells about the hidden stories. Stories like Kaalidhar Laapata take their time in the world of fast-paced action and flashy stories. It lets you feel, listen and ask quietly about the different queries. The movie is quite appreciated by the audience for its slow, emotional stories and depth. The story of the movie initiates real conversations and real feelings without any hassle. Family and Abandonment The story of the Kaalidhar Laapata becomes quite interesting and engaging when the family of Kaalidhar leaves him after his memory loss. Friendship and Healing Ballu is not serving as a friend for Kaalidhar, but has emerged as a spark in the dark life of Kaalidhar. Their connection is quite strong, and simple moments like sharing food and sharing silence connect the audience more to it. Memory and Identity The Kaalidhar Laapata is a wonderful movie that is not about searching for a missing person, but it is about building a path that initiates a memory of Kaalidhar. Kaalidhar Laapata is a wonderful story of an ageing man who was being abundant by his family after his memory loss. The story is not about the things that we say out loud, but is about the relationships that hurt a lot and the relationships that care about us. It is a story of friendship and how it lightens up the life of every person. If you object to the content of this press release, please notify us at We will respond and rectify the situation within 24 hours.
The Hindu
33 minutes ago
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Enjoyable unpredictability
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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Amitabh Bachchan beams with pride as he shares Tinnu Anand's review of Abhishek Bachchan's Kaalidhar Laapata: ‘Mountains of pride fill my heart and mind'
Abhishek Bachchan 's latest OTT release Kaalidhar Laapata is earning widespread appreciation from audiences and industry veterans alike. Streaming now on ZEE5, the heartwarming drama also features child actor Daivik Baghela in a central role. Amid the growing buzz, Amitabh Bachchan took to social media to share a glowing review from veteran filmmaker and his longtime friend, Tinnu Anand . Tinnu Anand calls Abhishek 'absolutely brilliant' Taking to Twitter, Amitabh shared a heartfelt message sent to him by Shahenshah director Tinnu Anand, who was all praise for Abhishek's performance. "T 5433 - When someone of the eminence of dear friend and my Director, Tinnu Anand sends this, it says more than just words... my gratitude," Big B wrote. He also shared the text of Anand's message: 'Sirjee, as I don't have Abhishek's number, could you please congratulate him from my side? He is absolutely brilliant in Kaalidhar Laapata. Warmth.' Big B beams with pride In another tweet, Amitabh expressed his overwhelming joy over the positive reception Abhishek's performance has been receiving. 'With the mountains of praise coming for Abhishek and the film Kaalidhar Laapata… mountains of pride fill my heart and mind for my SON,' he wrote. Directed by Madhumita, Kaalidhar Laapata tells the story of a lost and disillusioned man (played by Abhishek) who finds a renewed sense of purpose through an unexpected friendship with a spirited young boy named Ballu, portrayed by Daivik Baghela. As the two journey through emotional and physical trials, their bond deepens, challenging their desire to return to their former lives.
