Overview

• Directed by Madhumita Sundararaman, the film reimagines her Tamil original KD with a middle-aged protagonist confronting early-onset dementia and familial betrayal
• Abhishek Bachchan embodies the title role with subdued vulnerability and Daivik Baghela delivers a scene-stealing performance as the spirited orphan Ballu
• The bucket-list framework underscores themes of dignity and resistance to erasure as Kaalidhar and Ballu tick off simple pleasures like riding a bike and dancing in a baraat
• Reviewers criticize the film’s inconsistent pacing and underdeveloped supporting characters for undermining its emotional resonance
• Now streaming exclusively on ZEE5 after its July 4 premiere, the remake has drawn a split reception between its heartfelt moments and structural flaws