Cinema has always existed as a medium for entertainment. However, there are some stories that stay with you long after the lights are turned on, and everytime you think of the story, it evokes a memory that either brings a smile to your face or makes you weep a whole lot. ZEE5’s latest drop, Kaalidhar Laapata is one such story. Starring Abhishek Bachhan in the titular role of Kaalidhar, the film essentially talks about a man, who goes on a journey to fulfil his long-forgotten dreams with a friend, Ballu.
Story of Kaalidhar
Set in rural Uttar Pradesh, Kaalidhar is a heartwarming story about a man’s will to live when you have been left for dead. Forty-five-year-old Kaalidhar has been suffering from Lewy Body Dementia for several years, an ailment that weakens his body and mind even though his heart is still ready for a full life. Kaalidhar’s family is tired of taking care of their bachelor brother, whose medical bills keep piling up. They concoct a plan to trick him into signing over his property papers and abandon him at the Maha Kumbh Mela, but he overhears them and decides to run away on his own.
His journey leads him to the steps of a temple, where he meets another abandoned person, an eight-year-old orphan Ballu. Together Ballu and Kaalidhar, now K.D. set out to complete K.D.’s bucket list, one that consists of his unfulfilled desires. On one hand, we view K.D. and Ballu’s journey through his unique, hallucination-ridden eyes and on the other hand we realise K.D.’s family is forced to search for him because the property papers have been destroyed. What will they do if K.D. doesn’t want to be found? Thus, begins an eventful road trip of this unlikely duo; an ill man running from his family and a young boy who never had one.
While Kaalidhar’s journey is a revelation, here are a few things that we loved about our KD’s journey!
Kaalidhar turns KD for Ballu
KD and Ballu’s bond that is what pulls you into the film, because they are an odd pair – one who is old yet is someone who hasn’t lived even a day of his life for himself and one who has never known anyone to be a part of his life. He has always been a vagabond and loner. Kaalidhar, who understands the feeling of being abandoned can recognize Ballu’s pain despite his happy-go-lucky demeanour. Kaalidhar is a family man, but Ballu turns him into KD, a man who puts himself first. KD is just Ballu’s best friend!
The two of them become each other’s support system and push each other to become a better version of themselves. Isn’t that what best friends are for?
Kaalidhar’s Personal Win
Kaalidhar has always been a person who gives up even the little pleasures of life for his family. His anger and disappointment in realising that his family wants to abandon him to avoid hefty medical bills push him to run away from them. He remains lost on what to do next until Ballu makes him realise that he needs to do something for himself. Even with a little amount of money, he ensures that Ballu or he never go to sleep without food.
His journey from being a family man to a man who is on the run from his family is quite revolutionary as he realises that he wants nothing to do with people who do not respect his sacrifices for them. While he confronts his family about their plans, will Kaalidhar abandon his family when it comes to helping them out? That’s for you to watch.
The Art of Cinema
Madhumita turns her own film, KD, a Tamil comedy drama into Kaalidhar Laapata for reaching out to a larger audience in the country. The cinematography or music in the film will not blow your mind, but it will make you feel like you are dancing away your days in a bylane across your house with KD and Ballu!
The music is soothing and fun, just like KD’s journey. It won’t allow you to be sad for him, it will rather tell you that there is something better that awaits for the two friends.
Abhishek Bachhan is perfect cast as the ageing Kaalidhar. He is happy to learn his life lessons from his best friend, who is a quarter of his age, and is well played by Daivik Baghela. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub does what he does best as the man in search of Kaalidhar, he adds balance. Doesn’t steal the limelight from the main cast but doesn’t let the audience forget he exists.
If you’re planning to watch Kalidhar Laapata, I’d recommend doing it on a quiet evening. Keep your phone away. Let the stillness seep in. Let the story breathe. Whether you’re 25 or 75, there’s something here for you—a moment, a memory, maybe even a mirror.
Because in the end, Kalidhar Laapata isn’t really about being lost. It’s about finding your way back—one friendship, one mango, one kite at a time.
