“Longing for Those Films”: Abhishek Bachchan Talks ‘Kaalidhar Laapata’ and His Next Major Step

In a world increasingly defined by the relentless pursuit of chasing more — faster and louder — the subtle art of finding joie de vivre in the everyday has in itself become an act of rebellion. This theme is deeply explored in the upcoming film Kaalidhar Laapata, and both its lead actor, Abhishek Bachchan, and producer Monisha Advani are keen to explore this narrative as they prepare for its release on July 4 on Zee5 OTT.

Beyond the glitz and grandiosity often associated with Hindi cinema, this film, along with the conversations surrounding it, signals a shift in storytelling, echoing a universal yearning for connection and meaning in the seemingly mundane moments of life.

Our conversation, held over Zoom, took a light-hearted turn when Abhishek playfully remarked, “You didn’t call us there! We would’ve come,” before professing his love for the viral Dubai chocolate. But the discussion quickly shifted focus, diving into the changing landscape of Indian cinema, the increasing appetite for layered characters, and how digital platforms are redefining storytelling and its storytellers.

Kaalidhar Laapata isn’t your typical Bollywood spectacle; its allure lies in its profound simplicity and its resonance with the silent struggles of modern life. Abhishek shares his thoughts: “I really liked the story and I loved the way [director Madhumita Sundararaman] conveyed it. Her approach was fresh, and that’s what drew me in.”

The film strikes a chord with issues like burnout, stress, and rising mental health challenges that stem from a hyper-connected yet often isolating existence. Abhishek remarks that his decision to participate was almost instinctual: “When a film intrigues you, makes you want to see how it unfolds, then it’s a project worth doing.” He describes the film as “very sweet,” possessing a strong moral compass that left him with a “really nice” feeling after reading the script.

Contrary to early assumptions, Abhishek isn’t playing an older character. While the original Tamil film KD (Karuppu Durai) revolves around an elderly man awakening from a three-month coma and overhearing his family plotting to kill him through an ancient ritual, the Hindi adaptation diverges significantly. Abhishek clarifies that his character is in his late 40s to early 50s, akin to his own age, resulting in a more relatable emotional core where the protagonist has a future to look forward to, yet hasn’t truly been living.

In recent years, Abhishek has gravitated toward roles that embrace vulnerability and complexity — a marked departure from the traditional hero archetype. When asked if this represents a conscious “2.0 version” of himself, he humbly articulates, “I haven’t thought about it that deeply. The stories I choose simply resonate with me. I always ask, ‘Does this inspire you to go to work?’ If yes, then I pursue it.”

His on-screen chemistry with Daivik Baghela, who plays Ballu, exemplifies this conscious effort that forms the film’s emotional backbone. “I’m glad you noticed that,” Abhishek comments. “We worked hard on establishing that connection. Daivik is a remarkable young actor with incredible promise, making every day on set a joy.”

Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities presented by an audience that doesn’t follow the typical action-packed formula, producer Monisha Advani shares her insights. “It’s a fantastic time to be in this field,” she states. “With so many platforms available, stories like Kaalidhar Laapata can be found by audiences all over the globe — from Dubai to Australia, making them just as relevant to viewers in New Delhi or Indore.”

Monisha emphasizes that storytelling should take precedence over traditional distinctions between mediums. “We should appreciate the freedom of telling our stories across formats and not pigeonhole them based on their delivery system,” she adds. In her view, the rise of digital platforms represents a pivotal evolution in storytelling, allowing filmmakers opportunities that would otherwise require navigating a limited distribution network.

Both Monisha and Abhishek agree that an intrinsic connection to a story is the foundation for their project choices, regardless of its intended platform. Abhishek concludes, “The first question must be about your desire to be a part of it. The logistical details come after.”

The narrative of Kaalidhar Laapata touches upon the idea of a bucket list—doing what one has always wanted to do. Abhishek finds this concept relatable: “Everybody has dreams, hopes, and unfulfilled desires. It’s what makes the film so universally appealing.” When prodded about his personal bucket list, he laughs, “I’d rather not say, but there’s plenty I still want to achieve.”

Looking ahead, Abhishek hints at a possible shift in his cinematic direction. After a string of intense roles, he’s eager to return to more lighthearted films. “I’m itching to get back to the classic masala song-and-dance routine. I miss those films,” he confesses. As audiences await his playful and carefree return to cinema, it’s evident that his journey of exploration — both personally and professionally — is far from over.