Kaalidhar Laapata (2025) Movie: The Touching Story Bollywood Didn’t Want to Tell

Kaalidhar Laapata is a 2025 Hindi drama film directed by Madhumita Sundararaman, starring Abhishek Bachchan in the lead role alongside Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and child actor Daivik Baghela. The film is a Hindi adaptation of the director’s own 2019 Tamil film K.D. and explores themes of abandonment, memory loss, and unlikely friendship.

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. What sets this film apart is its gentle approach to addressing the pressing issue of elderly care in Indian society, wrapped in a narrative that combines emotional depth with moments of genuine warmth.

Plot and Storyline

Choosing to leave on his own, Kaalidhar embarks on a journey during which he meets Ballu, an eight-year-old orphan. The core narrative revolves around this unlikely companionship between a man grappling with memory loss and a spirited young boy who becomes his unexpected companion.

The film takes a slice-of-life approach, focusing on the small moments that define human connection. The story doesn’t rely on dramatic plot twists but instead builds its emotional weight through the gradual development of the relationship between the two main characters.

The plot addresses the harsh reality of how elderly family members are often sidelined in modern Indian families, while also celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. The journey becomes both literal and metaphorical, as both characters discover new aspects of themselves through their shared experiences.

Cast Performance

Abhishek A. Bachchan heads the cast in his portrayal of Kaalidhar, a man struggling with memory loss even as he takes an unwitting journey of a lifetime. His performance walks the fine line between vulnerability and inner strength and holds the heart of the movie together.

Daivik Baghela, who plays the young orphan Ballu, brings natural charm and authenticity to his role. The child actor manages to hold his own against Bachchan’s experienced performance, creating a believable dynamic between the two central characters.

Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, known for his versatile supporting roles, adds another layer to the narrative with his performance. The supporting cast, including Nimrat Kaur, contributes to creating a believable world around the central characters.

Direction and Visual Treatment

Director Madhumita Sundararaman, who previously helmed the original Tamil version, brings her understanding of the material to the Hindi adaptation. Her direction emphasizes the emotional beats of the story while maintaining a realistic approach to the subject matter.

The visual treatment of the film is understated yet effective. The cinematography captures both the intimate moments between the characters and the broader landscape of their journey. The film was shot in challenging conditions, with Abhishek Bachchan shooting for sequences in chilling winter wearing only a kurta-pyjama in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh.

What I Liked About the Film

The film’s greatest strength lies in its sincere approach to a sensitive subject. I found the story to be simple but emotional, told with honesty that creates a lasting impression. The relationship between Kaalidhar and Ballu develops organically, avoiding forced sentimentality while still delivering genuine emotional moments.

Abhishek Bachchan’s performance stands out as particularly commendable. He brings depth and authenticity to a character that could have easily become a caricature. I appreciated how the film addresses the real issue of elderly care in Indian society without being preachy or melodramatic.

The film’s restraint in storytelling is also noteworthy. It doesn’t rely on dramatic excess but instead builds its emotional impact through subtlety and genuine character development.

Areas That Could Be Better

Despite its strengths, the film has certain limitations that prevent it from reaching its full potential. The pacing, while deliberate, occasionally feels sluggish, and certain sequences could have benefited from tighter editing.

Some narrative elements feel underdeveloped, and the film sometimes struggles to maintain consistent emotional engagement throughout its runtime. The adaptation from Tamil to Hindi, while generally successful, occasionally feels forced in certain cultural contexts.

I noticed that some dialogues and situations could have been better localized to feel more natural in the Hindi film landscape.

Critical Reception

The film has received mixed to positive reviews from critics and audiences. IMDb users have rated the film 8.3/10, indicating a generally positive reception from viewers. Bollywood Hungama gave the film a critics rating of 2.5/5, while user reviews on the platform have been more favorable.

One IMDb user gave the film a rating of 8/10, calling it a quietly powerful film that finds its strength not in grand spectacle or high-stakes drama, but in the emotional honesty of its characters. The film has been praised for its performances and social relevance, though some critics have pointed out issues with pacing and narrative structure.

Rotten Tomatoes reviewers noted that the film is a touching, slice-of-life drama that ends on an uplifting note and makes for a decent watch.

Public Response

The film has resonated with audiences who have experienced similar family dynamics or have dealt with elderly care issues. Many viewers have praised the film for its honest portrayal of aging and the challenges faced by elderly individuals in modern society.

Social media discussions around the film have focused on its relevant themes and Abhishek Bachchan’s performance. The film’s release on ZEE5 has made it accessible to a wider audience, allowing for broader discussions about its themes.

Final Verdict

Kaalidhar Laapata is a well-intentioned film that tackles an important social issue with sincerity and heart. While it may not be a perfect cinematic experience, it succeeds in creating an emotional connection with its audience through honest storytelling and strong performances.

The movie serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in our relationships with elderly family members. Despite its narrative flaws, the film’s core message and Abhishek Bachchan’s committed performance make it a meaningful addition to Hindi cinema’s exploration of social issues.

Rating: 3.5/5