- By Srishti Pandey
- Wed, 25 Dec 2024 09:26 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Baby John Movie Review: Varun Dhawan solidifies his reputation as one of Bollywood’s finest performers. Produced by Atlee and presented by Jio Studios, A For Apple and Cine1 Studios; the film masterfully blends emotions, action, music and entertainment, all while delivering a profound message seamlessly woven into its narrative. Directed by Kalees, Baby John stands out as a compelling family entertainer that leaves a lasting impression.
Varun Dhawan aptly described the film as an adaptation, not a remake, of Atlee’s 2016 Tamil hit Theri. While Theri, featuring Thalapathy Vijay, set a high benchmark, Baby John emerges as a fitting adaptation, tailored to resonate with its audience. Though Dhawan takes centre stage, Kalees ensures that every character has the opportunity to shine, enriching the film's overall impact.
Baby John revolves around DCP Satya Verma IPS (Varun Dhawan), a courageous cop who takes on Babbar Sher (Jackie Shroff), a menacing politician. After avenging a heinous crime committed by Babbar Sher's son, Satya’s family becomes the target of Babbar’s wrath, leaving his daughter Khushi (Zara Zyanna) as the sole survivor. Faking his death, Satya adopts a new identity as Baby John and settles in Kerala to lead a peaceful life with Khushi. However, when Babbar Sher discovers Satya’s survival, a battle of wits and strength ensues as Satya fights to protect his daughter and seek justice.
Varun Dhawan delivers the best career performance as a devoted father and an action hero. His portrayal of Satya is layered with vulnerability, strength and unyielding love for his daughter. His chemistry with Zara Zyanna, who plays Khushi, is the emotional core of the film. Zara’s innocence and charm make her an absolute delight to watch and she holds her own in scenes with seasoned actors.
Keerthy Suresh, in her Hindi debut, impresses with her emotional depth as Meera Verma, Satya’s wife. While her role could have been more substantial, she makes the most of her screen time. Wamiqa Gabbi shines as Khushi’s teacher, bringing warmth and strength to her character. Gabbi, known for her impressive performances in films like Khufiya, adds depth to the movie's narrative, standing out as more than just a love interest, as many may think after recalling Amy Jackson's role from Atlee's Theri.
Rajpal Yadav surprises with his action sequences, delivering a memorable performance that balances humour and intensity. His line, “Comedy is serious business,” before an action scene, is both poignant and entertaining. Jackie Shroff as Babbar Sher is terrifyingly effective, embodying the ruthlessness of his character with ease.
Kalees’s direction is commendable, seamlessly blending grand visuals with heartfelt emotions. The screenplay, adapted from the Tamil hit Theri, has been reimagined to resonate with today’s audience. While staying true to the essence of the original, Baby John empowers its supporting characters, giving them space to shine. This approach makes the narrative more inclusive and engaging.
Thaman’s background score elevates the film’s action and emotional beats. The track Baby John Beast Mode, sung by Raja Kumari, adds an adrenaline rush to the high-octane sequences. While the romantic and dance numbers lack memorability, the overall soundtrack complements the film’s tone. The action sequences, though defying physics, are visually thrilling and executed with flair. Varun Dhawan’s stunts are a treat for action lovers and the climactic face-off with Jackie Shroff is particularly gripping. The much-talked-about cameo by Bollywood's Bhai Jaan aka Salman Khan is like a cherry on the top for Baby John adding to the massy feel of the movie.
Baby John | Final Verdict
Rating - 3.5/5
If you loved Theri, admire Varun Dhawan, or simply want to enjoy quality time with loved ones at the cinema, Baby John is worth a watch. Now playing in theatres, the film promises to be a wholesome family entertainer and a satisfying one-time watch. However, die-hard Varun Dhawan fans might find themselves returning for another round to witness his stellar performance and action-packed sequences at their finest.