Common Sense Media Review
By Ishmeet Nagpal
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Uplifting Bollywood remake of Forrest Gump has adult themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Laal Singh Chaddha
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
LAAL SINGH CHADDHA is the official remake of Forrest Gump. Laal (Aamir Khan) is a person living with intellectual disabilities navigating through a hate-filled world, discovering the meaning of life through war, love, and loss. Though the overall plot is close to the original, this film rewrites the motivations of its characters in the context of the socio-political climate of India from the early 1980s to late 2010s.
Is It Any Good?
Though the portrayal of disabilities is definitely not up to scratch, this Bollywood remake of 1994's Forrest Gump is all heart and manages to pack in some nuance. Laal Singh Chaddha is worth watching alone for the central character's monologue during the last few minutes of the 159-minute runtime. It's here that Laal questions the meaning of life itself -- does free will exist, or are we just specks floating around in a universe where everything is already destined? Big questions, but then this is a big film.
Every single detail that is revealed about Laal throughout the movie adds to his character. Whenever his mother, Gurpreet (Mona Singh), tells him to stay in his room during riots, college student Laal sits and knits sweaters. When Rupa (Kareena Kapoor) comes back, traumatized, and depressed, he takes care of her and serves her roti hot from the fire. It's quite the gender role reversal from what usually plays out in most Indian households every day. To watch this man be soft and vulnerable -- far removed from the ideas of toxic masculinity -- is a thing of beauty. Atul Kulkarni spent years writing and perfecting the script, and it shows! Lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya has written songs that drive the narrative forward and reflect the emotions of the characters exquisitely. Laal Singh Chaddha deserves an audience on its own merit, regardless of whether one has watched Forrest Gump or not.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how disability was presented in Laal Singh Chaddha. Why is it important to see diverse characters in the media? How did this movie contribute from a representation standpoint? Was there anything stereotypical about Laal's portrayal? Did you learn anything?
Talk about the historical violence in the film. What did you know about this period? Why do people kill in the name of religion? How to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war.
Which characters showed compassion, courage, empathy, humility, and perseverance? Why are these such important character strengths? Can you think of a time when you've displayed these traits?
How were women portrayed in the movie? Were they positive portrayals? How did it deal with themes around domestic abuse and the reversal of gender roles?
The film is a Bollywood remake of Forrest Gump. Have you seen that movie? How did this compare? What were the differences/similarities?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 11, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : October 6, 2022
- Cast : Aamir Khan , Ahmad Ibn Umar , Kareena Kapoor
- Director : Advait Chandan
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Humility , Perseverance
- Run time : 159 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some violent content, thematic elements and suggestive material
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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