What Is the Story About?
As the health of the middle-aged Kaalidhar declines, his family attempts to abandon him permanently. After orchestrating a will in their favour, they leave him at a Kumbh Mela. Lost and with nowhere to go, Kaalidhar discovers an unlikely companion in Ballu, an orphaned child from a nearby village, who instils new hope in his life and later reunites with an old flame, Meera.
Performances?
Abhishek Bachchan is finding his groove admirably in his recent outings, more so in the OTT space, with roles that befit his age, physicality and strengths. Kaalidhar Lapata extracts a controlled, mature performance from the actor, who slips into the skin of his role with flair. He has more than solid company in the form of Daivik Baghela as Ballu, who delivers a fabulously spontaneous act.
The formidable supporting cast – comprising Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Vishwanath Chatterjee, Madhulika Jatoliya, Priyank Tiwari and Priya Yadav – and the sweet little cameo by Nimrat Kaur, contribute to its overall appeal.
Analysis
Films like A Real Pain, Oopiri, and Meiyazhagan in recent times have skilfully woven tales of unexpected friendships that transform the lives of disgruntled, lost protagonists for the better. Kaalidhar Lapata, a remake of the critically acclaimed Tamil film KD (A) Karuppudurai, helmed by the original filmmaker Madhumita herself, is a welcome addition to this list, exploring the bonhomie between a middle-aged man and an orphaned child.
Whilst the essence of the film remains the same across the Tamil and Hindi versions, the director makes a concerted effort to localise the story in the hinterlands of North India for a new audience. However, the creative choice to opt for a middle-aged patriarch instead of an ageing man hinders the emotional impact to a certain extent. The original, dealing with two people at different ends of life, did offer a better chance for the viewer to appreciate its philosophies.
Yet, all hope’s not lost. The story truly takes off when the family members try to get rid of an ailing Kaalidhar for good. Eventually, they part ways at a Kumbh Mela, providing a new direction to Kaalidhar’s future. As the intentions of his family finally dawn upon him, he is bitter, but boards a bus, only to land in an unknown, sleepy village. With no resources at his disposal and nothing to offer, he finds his mojo in life through a chirpy child, Ballu.
Though the story is narrated through Kaalidhar’s lens, Ballu is its lifeline. He is street-smart, knowing what it takes to survive, not worrying where his next meal will come from. Kaalidhar, in turn, proves an unflinching aide. Living under a tent, the duo has no expectations from one another but understands each other perfectly. Whilst one is devoid of all optimism, the other’s full of it. This combination leads to several poignant yet delightfully minimal sequences.
The film’s pacing is leisurely (and sometimes tedious), intentionally opting for a laidback setting to let its intent flow seamlessly. The start leaves you slightly restless, but the narrative finally gets going with the child’s arrival. The little moments in the story, say, Kaalidhar’s love for biryani, the subplot around Subodh’s search for him, the use of the stage play to conceal his identity, and the child’s ability to lead a life sans complaints, warm you up well.
That a barely 10-year-old lad could (literally) also teach a middle-aged man about life, loneliness, and unconditional love is what the film strives to say. It is largely reflective and doesn’t dump its ‘message’ forcibly upon the viewer. Kaalidhar’s nature of illness remains slightly confusing, and the bittersweet departure between the duo is handled deftly sans any overt melodrama. Apart from a few convenient creative choices towards the end, the film doesn’t lose track much.
Kaalidhar Lapata is all about a life-altering friendship between two people with bittersweet moments, little pleasures, humour, aimless banter, learning, and unlearning on the road. The foot-tapping music, earthy cinematography, and spirited performances ensure a neat, well-made feel-good saga. Though vague and slow at times, your patience is rewarded well in this 105-minute narrative. While the Tamil version is certainly superior, this remake preserves its essence decently.
Music and Other Departments?
Composer Amit Trivedi is in sublime form with a film that provides him ample potent situations to drive the story through music. The songs and the score are both foot-tapping and are integrated well into the narrative. Editor, cinematographer Gairik Sarkar presents a grounded, accessible portrait of rural India through his lens, composed frames that mirror the pace of the story. The dialogues are sharp and precise, not ornate but good enough to strike a chord.
Highlights?
Performances of the leads
Good music, cinematography
Feel-good premise
Drawbacks?
Slow start
Gets slightly vague, lost in a shell at times
Few creative choices with the remake
Did I Enjoy It?
In most parts, yes
Will You Recommend It?
If you have a taste for slow-paced, feel-good dramas, go for it
Kaalidhar Laapata Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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