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Abhishek Bachchan unpacks the emotional lightness of his character in Kaalidhar Laapata — and here's why it works
Abhishek Bachchan gears up for a deeply moving new venture with Kaalidhar Laapata — a soul-stirring slice of life road drama directed by Madhumita, premiering on ZEE5 on July 4, 2025.
Set against the mystical backdrop of the Maha Kumbh Mela, the film follows Kaalidhar, a middle-aged man grappling with memory loss and abandonment, who disappears willingly after overhearing his family's plan to leave him behind. On this unexpected detour, he meets Ballu — a spirited, street-smart eight-year-old orphan whose curiosity and charm rekindle Kaalidhar's long-lost zest for life. What follows is a heartwarming journey to fulfil Kaalidhar's forgotten wishlist, one moment at a time.
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When asked about his first reaction to the story, Abhishek shared 'I think it tackles some very important issues, but in a light-hearted way — just the kind of storytelling I enjoy. The moment we try to present a story with too much seriousness or try to 'sell' a message, it risks becoming preachy or boring. People tend to tune out. I've noticed that when a story is told in a casual, fun manner, the impact is stronger. Take something like Charlie Chaplin — it was comedy but look at how much it taught us about humanity. That's the kind of storytelling I've always been drawn to. Of course, the emotional depth and gravity of the story shouldn't be compromised — and that balance is what Madhumita has handled beautifully with this film'.
In an age of fast ambition and fleeting attention, Kaalidhar Laapata gently asks us to slow down, reflect, and consider: What truly makes life worth living?
'Kaalidhar Laapata' premiers on July 4, only on ZEE5
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