In an exclusive conversation with Deccan Chronicle, filmmaker Madhumita opened up about her recently released Hindi film Kaalidhar Laapata, a heartfelt adaptation of the Tamil hit KD, and also shared exciting insights into her upcoming Telugu and Tamil projects.

The idea to adapt KD into Hindi took shape after the original film received widespread acclaim and interest from industries including Bollywood and even Korea. Madhumita was clear from the outset that she didn’t want to make a frame-by-frame remake. Instead, she rewrote the characters and reimagined the story to suit the cultural and emotional textures of the Hindi-speaking heartland. For her, this made Kaalidhar Laapata an adaptation rather than a remake, allowing her to stay true to the spirit of the original while crafting something uniquely relevant for a different audience.

With five Tamil films and one Telugu project behind her, Madhumita believes her South Indian cinema background has enriched her perspective as a filmmaker. She attributes much of her artistic growth to those experiences and carries with her a piece of advice from the legendary K. Viswanath—to always focus on universal human emotions. This approach, she feels, helps her create films that connect across languages and cultures, ensuring that her storytelling remains heartfelt and resonant regardless of the industry.

Her collaboration with Abhishek Bachchan on Kaalidhar Laapata came through Nikhil Advani. When she narrated the story to Abhishek, his instant enthusiasm—asking “When do we shoot?”—gave her the confidence that he truly believed in the project. Madhumita described working with him as a dream come true, noting his sincerity, respect, and ability to dive deep into the character’s layers. Their detailed discussions on body language, costumes, and emotional beats helped shape Kaalidhar into a character with soul. She firmly believes no one else could have portrayed him with such simplicity, innocence, and authenticity.

She feels Kaalidhar Laapata will deeply resonate with Hindi audiences because of its emotional warmth and relatability. In her words, the film offers comfort and hope, acting as a reminder that even in the darkest times, one is never truly alone. The story is about connection, reassurance, and the human need to feel seen—universal themes that go beyond language barriers. Watching the film, she hopes, will feel like receiving a warm hug or sipping a comforting cup of chai.

Looking ahead, Madhumita has a packed schedule. She is currently preparing for a psychological thriller in Tamil, set to go on floors in September. Additionally, she’s working on a high-budget Telugu OTT project—a gripping hostage drama with a star-studded cast. Though she’s tight-lipped about the lead actor, she teases that she’s a long-time fan. Beyond that, she’s also developing an international monster film, showcasing her eagerness to explore different genres and expand her creative horizons. Grateful for the opportunities, Madhumita promises to continue pouring her heart into every project she takes on.