Baby John Movie Review: Varun Dhawan’s much-awaited action-drama Baby John has finally hit the big screens. Directed by Kalees and produced by Atlee, the film pairs massy action with an emotional father-daughter bond at its core. Featuring Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Jackie Shroff in key roles, Baby John is the Hindi remake of Thalapathy Vijay’s blockbuster Theri. While it attempts to blend heartwarming moments with high-octane sequences, does it succeed in standing out, or does it feel like a dated retread of a story told before? Let’s dive into the details of the Baby John Movie Review to find out.
Baby John Movie Review: Synopsis
Baby John tells the story of John D’Silva (Varun Dhawan), a humble restaurateur in Kerala, who cherishes his young daughter Khushi (Zara Zyanna). While his bond with Khushi’s teacher Tara (Wamiqa Gabbi) grows, a dark incident reveals John’s hidden identity as Satya Verma, a former DCP with a tragic past. The plot thickens when Satya’s past confrontations with the ruthless Nanaji (Jackie Shroff) resurface, forcing him to take up arms once again. What follows is a blend of action, family drama, and emotional moments that form the crux of the film.
Baby John Movie Review: Script Analysis
The story of Baby John is rooted in mass appeal, carrying over the emotional depth and larger-than-life heroism of its original, Theri. While Atlee’s story and Kalees’s screenplay attempt to deliver moments of adrenaline and emotion, they falter in execution.
The emotional connection between John and Khushi is beautifully portrayed and tugs at the heartstrings. The action sequences, particularly the pre-interval block, pack some punches that elicit cheers. However, the screenplay suffers from outdated storytelling, logical gaps, and a lack of strong antagonist dynamics. The pacing also feels uneven, with certain scenes stretched unnecessarily while others are rushed.
Baby John Movie Review: Star Performances
Varun Dhawan takes center stage with an emotionally charged performance, showcasing his versatility as a doting father and a ferocious action hero. His chemistry with Zara Zyanna is heartwarming and a definite highlight of the film.
Keerthy Suresh’s Bollywood debut is visually appealing, though her character doesn’t get enough scope to shine. Wamiqa Gabbi impresses as Tara, delivering a performance that balances emotional depth with her action sequences.
Jackie Shroff is convincing as the antagonist Nanaji, but the lack of depth in his character reduces his impact. Rajpal Yadav’s comic timing is impeccable, providing much-needed levity. The surprise cameo by Salman Khan is a crowd-pleaser and injects fresh energy into the narrative.
Baby John Movie Review: Direction and Technical Aspects
Kalees’s direction successfully captures the emotional core of the story but struggles to make the action sequences feel fresh or logical. The father-daughter bond is portrayed effectively, but the pacing and consistency of the screenplay remain weak points.
The music is a mixed bag. While Nain Matakka adds a peppy flavor to the film, the rest of the songs feel misplaced and fail to leave a lasting impression. The standout is the Beast Mode background score, which elevates the energy of key sequences.
Cinematography by Kiran Koushik beautifully captures the picturesque locales of Kerala. The action choreography, while stylish at times, occasionally veers into illogical territory, reducing its impact. Editing could have been tighter, particularly in the first half, where the film tends to drag.
Baby John Movie Review: Final Verdict
Baby John is a film that offers glimpses of emotional brilliance and mass entertainment but stumbles due to an outdated narrative and inconsistent execution. For those unfamiliar with Theri, this film might be a decent one-time watch. However, for fans of the original, it fails to bring anything significantly new to the table.
Also read: Mufasa Movie Review
If you’re in the mood for an emotional father-daughter story peppered with action, Baby John might just be your weekend pick.
The Review
Baby John
Baby John offers a mix of emotional depth and adrenaline-filled action, anchored by Varun Dhawan’s impressive performance. Despite its engaging father-daughter bond and powerful moments, the film is held back by an outdated narrative and inconsistent execution.
PROS
- Varun Dhawan’s heartfelt performance and chemistry with Zara Zyanna
- Emotional moments that land effectively
- Salman Khan’s electrifying cameo
CONS
- Outdated screenplay with predictable storytelling
- Lack of a compelling villain
- Logical inconsistencies in action sequences
