Nobody Would Have Pulled off Kaalidhar Laapata Like Abhishek Bachchan

In an exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle, Madhumita, the director of the just released Kaalidhar Laapata—the Hindi adaptation of the Tamil hit, KD, discusses the behind-the-scenes of the film and shares her excitement for her upcoming big ticket Telugu project.

Why did the idea of remaking K.D. as Kaalidhar Laapata for a Hindi audience occur?

The idea of remaking KD as Kaalidhar Laapata for a Hindi audience emerged after the Tamil version received a lot of love and requests from various industries, including Hindi and Korean audiences, to adapt or remake it. I wanted to ensure that the Hindi version was a different experience, so I decided to write new characters and give them a different shade, making it an adaptation rather than a remake. The cultural context and rituals in Hindi and Tamil cultures are different, and I aimed to be authentic to the heartland where the story is set. This is why I prefer to call it an adaptation rather than a remake, as there are many differences between the original and the Hindi version.

How do you think your South Indian filmmaking background will influence your Bollywood debut?

I have been shaped by my experiences, and as a filmmaker, I have learned and grown with each film. I have made five films in Tamil and one in Telugu, and I believe my unique voice and perspective will bring something new to Bollywood. Legendary filmmaker K. Viswanath’s advice to focus on universal human emotions has stuck with me, and I aim to create films that transcend language barriers. My experiences, exposure, and age have all contributed to my growth as a filmmaker, and I am confident that my voice will remain unique, regardless of the language or industry I work in.

Why did you pick Abhishek for this and how was the experience like working with him?

I was introduced to Abhishek by Nikhil Advani, and our meeting was a great starting point. Abhishek’s sincerity, respect, and deep thinking were evident when I shared my story with him. His immediate response, “When are we going to shoot this?” was a boost. Abhishek has been in the industry for 25 years, stood his own ground and done some amazing work—playing so many different characters. So, to get his validation was enough motivation for me that he believes in my work. Working with him was amazing; he was respectful, and we had multiple discussions about the character, nuances, body language, costume, and makeup. The shooting experience was fabulous, and he transformed into Kaalidhar with innocence, simplicity, and realness. Casting him was a dream come true, and I am extremely grateful for the way he brought Kaalidhar to life. Nobody else could have pulled off the character the way he did.

What aspects of the movie do you think will appeal to the Hindi audience?

I believe Kaalidhar will appeal to the Hindi audience on an emotional level, providing comfort and hope when the world seems dark. The film’s intention is to offer a sense of connection and understanding, transcending geographical boundaries. It’s about feeling seen and not alone, which is a universal human emotion. Whether you are watching it in a theater or at home, the film aims to be a warm, comforting presence that reminds you that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Kaalidhar Laapata is like a warm cup of chai or a hug when you need one. I think this message will resonate with audiences everywhere, regardless of language or culture.

What next after Kaalidhar Laapata?

I am a workaholic, and I am excited about my upcoming projects. Next, I am working on a psychological thriller in Tamil that we will shoot in September. I am also prepping for a hostage drama action film in Telugu with a bigger budget and a larger cast for an OTT platform. I am not authorised to reveal the lead actor yet, but let’s just say I am a huge fan of the actor. Additionally, I have an international monster film in the offing. I enjoy exploring different genres and working on diverse projects. I am grateful for the opportunities and promise to put my heart and love into each one.