Anupama Chopra reviews "Kaalidhar Laapata," Abhishek Bachchan's heartwarming dramedy directed by Madhumita, which premieres on ZEE5. In this review for The Hollywood Reporter, Anupama finds this modest film with modest ambitions to be a sweet small story that treats an awful situation with rose-tinted glasses. She examines how the Hindi remake of the 2019 Tamil film "K.D." follows Kaalidhar, an elderly man suffering from memory loss who discovers his family plans to abandon him at the Kumbh Mela. When he escapes and meets Balu, an 8-year-old orphan played by Daivik Bhagela, their unlikely friendship becomes the film's emotional anchor. Anupama notes how the memory loss device comes and goes as the plot requires, making it less effective, while the life lessons feel somewhat pat and simplistic, but praises the authentic bond between the protagonists.
While acknowledging that the story could have easily drowned in cloying sentimentality, Anupama highlights how the performances keep it on track. She commends Abhishek Bachchan for being unburdened by image and vanity, playing Kaalidhar with vulnerability and fumbling sweetness without any heroism. She particularly praises young Daivik Bhagela for avoiding the typical annoyingly adult child actor trap, instead giving Balu an edge and authenticity born from survival instincts. Anupama also mentions Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub's nuanced portrayal of Kaalidhar's younger brother, making his awful actions feel blundering yet human. Shot beautifully in Madhya Pradesh, the film offers hope and showcases the quiet power of second chances, with Daivik's expressions and the film's optimistic spirit being what ultimately stays with viewers.
