"Baby John," released on December 25, 2024, is a Hindi-language action thriller directed by Kalees. The film is a remake of Atlee's 2016 Tamil hit "Theri" and features Varun Dhawan in the lead role, alongside Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Jackie Shroff. Despite its star-studded cast and high production values, "Baby John" has garnered mixed-to-negative reviews and faced challenges at the box office.
Plot Overview
The narrative centers on DCP Satya Verma (Varun Dhawan), a dedicated police officer whose life takes a tragic turn after he eliminates a criminal, leading to a vengeful attack that devastates his family. To protect his surviving daughter, Khushi, Satya fakes his own death and adopts the alias "Baby John," settling in a quiet town in Kerala. However, his past catches up with him when the antagonist, Babbar Sher (Jackie Shroff), discovers his whereabouts, forcing Satya to confront old enemies to safeguard his daughter.
Cast and Performances
Varun Dhawan delivers a dual performance as the fierce DCP Satya Verma and the doting father, Baby John. While his portrayal of action sequences has been praised, some critics feel he struggles with the emotional depth required for the role.
Keerthy Suresh makes her Hindi film debut as Satya's wife, bringing grace to her character, though her screen time is limited.
Wamiqa Gabbi plays Khushi's teacher, Tara, contributing a commendable performance despite limited character development.
Jackie Shroff embodies the antagonist, Babbar Sher, exuding menace, though some reviews suggest his character lacks depth.
Direction and Screenplay
Directed by Kalees, "Baby John" attempts to blend high-octane action with emotional storytelling. However, critiques point to a disjointed narrative and pacing issues. The film's attempt to replicate the success of its Tamil predecessor has been met with mixed reactions, with some feeling it lacks the original's emotional resonance.
Music and Soundtrack
The soundtrack, composed by Thaman S, marks his solo debut in Hindi cinema. The album features tracks like "Nain Matakka," "Pikley Pom," and "Hazaar Baar," which have received positive responses for their energetic and melodic compositions.
Critical Reception
"Baby John" has faced criticism for its predictable plot and lack of originality. The Indian Express labeled it "bloated and incoherent," suggesting it could be among the year's disappointments. Similarly, Cinema Express noted that the film feels like a "feverishly hurried version of Theri," lacking character development and impactful action sequences.
Box Office Performance
Despite a substantial budget estimated between ₹160–180 crore, "Baby John" underperformed at the box office, grossing approximately ₹56.49–59 crore globally. Factors contributing to its lackluster performance include competition from other releases and audience fatigue with remakes.
Conclusion
"Baby John" aimed to deliver a compelling action drama with emotional depth but fell short in execution. While the film boasts strong performances and high production values, it struggles with narrative coherence and originality. For viewers interested in action-packed thrillers, "Baby John" offers moments of excitement, but it may not leave a lasting impression.
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