India, July 13 -- In her Hindi remake of KD, director Madhumita crafts a portrait of a fading mind and a blossoming friendship, writes Abhi Singhal

Film Kaalidhar Laapata, streaming now on Zee5, is a heartfelt Hindi remake of director Madhumita's acclaimed Tamil feature KD (Karuppu Durai). Abhishek Bachchan delivers one of his most nuanced performances in recent years, stepping far outside his usual screen persona to portray Kaalidhar, a middle aged man struggling with dementia. Under Madhumita's experienced direction, he embodies vulnerability and quiet strength, grounding the character in a touching realism.

The film opens slowly - its first twenty minutes may feel sedate - but it soon finds rhythm in the growing companionship between...