Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan is set to make his return to the digital screen with his next film, the reflective and intriguing drama titled ‘Kaalidhar Laapata‘. The film is slated for an exclusive premiere on ZEE5 starting July 4, 2025, marking a significant addition to the actor’s growing presence on Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms.
Bachchan himself unveiled the film’s poster and release date on Wednesday via his official X handle, generating immediate buzz among fans. The striking poster features the actor in a starkly different avatar: seated atop a tree branch in a serene rural setting, dressed in a simple checked shirt and pyjamas, and sporting a rugged beard. This look hints at a character potentially in self-imposed exile, on a quest for deeper meaning. “Sometimes, getting lost isn’t a detour, it’s where the real story begins. Full of dreams, twists, and the people who make it worth it,” Bachchan captioned the post, setting a contemplative tone for the narrative.
‘Kaalidhar Laapata’ is helmed by the acclaimed director Madhumita, known for her critically praised Tamil film K.D. (Karuppudurai), of which this Hindi movie is reportedly an official remake. The film also features Daivik Bhagela and Zeeshan Ayyub in pivotal roles alongside Abhishek. This collaboration signals a strong focus on performance-heavy storytelling, deeply rooted in rural landscapes and emotional introspection. The film is produced by Zee Studios and Emmay Entertainment.
In the lead-up to the official announcement, Bachchan had posted a cryptic yet poetic message that resonated with themes of self-discovery and retreat. The post read: “Main ek baar laapata hona chahta hoon, bheed mein khud ko phir se paana chahta hoon. Jo kuch bhi tha sab de diya apno ke liye, ab zara sa waqt bas apne liye chahta hoon.” (I want to disappear for once, to find myself again in the crowd. I gave everything for my loved ones, now I just want a little time for myself.)
These lines reflect a yearning to disconnect in order to reconnect, subtly hinting at the emotional journey his character undertakes in the film. The title, ‘Kaalidhar Laapata’, loosely translates to ‘The Lost of Kaalidhar’, further setting the stage for a narrative steeped in emotional layers, solitude, and rediscovery.
According to an ANI report, ‘Kaalidhar Laapata’ further solidifies Abhishek Bachchan’s robust presence on OTT platforms, following his critically acclaimed performances in films like ‘Dasvi’ and ‘Ludo’, and the popular series ‘Breathe: Into the Shadows’. His recent choices of complex, layered roles have earned him significant critical appreciation, showcasing his versatility as an actor. The film reportedly revolves around an aging man, Kaalidhar, who flees after learning his family plans to abandon him, only to meet a spirited eight-year-old orphan named Ballu, whose zest for life rekindles Kaalidhar’s own will to live. Together, they embark on an impromptu road trip, fulfilling a bucket list.
Bachchan was most recently seen in the theatrical release ‘Housefull 5’, sharing the screen with Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh. He also has another major project in his pipeline: the historical epic ‘Raja Shivaji’, directed by Riteish Deshmukh. Slated for a theatrical release on May 1, 2026, across six languages, ‘Raja Shivaji’ boasts a star-studded ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Genelia Deshmukh, Mahesh Manjrekar, Fardeen Khan, and Bhagyashree, with music by Ajay-Atul and cinematography by Santosh Sivan.
Before delving into the grandeur of historical cinema, Abhishek Bachchan is poised to immerse audiences in the quietude and emotional depth of ‘Kaalidhar Laapata’. Fans are eagerly looking forward to this compelling digital release.
Key Highlights:
- Abhishek Bachchan has announced his new OTT film ‘Kaalidhar Laapata’, a reflective drama set to premiere exclusively on ZEE5 on July 4, 2025.
- The film, directed by Madhumita, features Bachchan in a rugged, contemplative avatar, hinting at a story of self-discovery and an unexpected friendship between an older man and an orphan.
- ‘Kaalidhar Laapata’ marks another significant OTT project for Abhishek Bachchan, who has been gaining critical acclaim for his nuanced roles on digital platforms.
- The actor’s upcoming slate also includes the theatrical historical epic ‘Raja Shivaji’, slated for a May 2026 release, showcasing his diverse range.