The highly anticipated “Baby John”, starring Varun Dhawan, has finally hit theaters, offering a mix of action, drama, and emotional beats. Directed by Kalees, the movie is a remake of the popular Tamil film “Theri” and brings its own set of changes to cater to a broader audience. While it delivers on entertainment, it also comes with its fair share of ups and downs.
The Story: A Familiar Yet Engaging Tale
“Baby John” revolves around John (played by Varun Dhawan), a small-town baker who lives a quiet life with his daughter in a peaceful village. His mundane existence takes a dramatic turn when a trip to the police station unravels secrets about his past. While the story closely follows the structure of Theri, some sequences have been tweaked to give it a fresh flavor. For those unfamiliar with the original, Baby John unfolds as a gripping narrative, blending action-packed moments with emotional depth.
(Credit :- Baby John – Trailer/Jio Studios/Atlee/ A for Apple & Cine1 Studios Production)
Direction and Style
Director Kalees stays true to the mass-entertainer formula, infusing the movie with slow-motion hero entries, high-octane action sequences, and a pulsating background score. The visuals are often larger-than-life, with dynamic camera angles like arc shots and tracking POVs that enhance the action scenes. While these techniques work in many instances, the excessive use of shaky movements during fight sequences can make some scenes feel chaotic.
Emotionally, the film manages to connect with the audience, thanks to the well-timed use of music and performances. However, the second half feels stretched, and the climax—while different from the original—struggles to fully land due to its rushed pacing.
(Credit :- Baby John – Trailer/Jio Studios/Atlee/ A for Apple & Cine1 Studios Production)
Performances: Varun Dhawan Shines, Jackie Shroff Steals the Show
Varun Dhawan carries the film on his shoulders with a compelling performance as the titular character. His emotional scenes are heartfelt, and he navigates the action sequences with finesse. However, some of his dialogues feel uneven, with certain moments hitting the mark and others falling flat.
Special mention goes to Jackie Shroff, who delivers a menacing performance as the antagonist. Unlike the original, where the villain was somewhat underwhelming, Shroff’s portrayal adds depth and charisma, making him a standout feature of the film.
(Credit :- Baby John – Trailer/Jio Studios/Atlee/ A for Apple & Cine1 Studios Production)
Rajpal Yadav surprises the audience with a memorable cameo that brings humor and excitement. A specific scene involving his character had audiences cheering and whistling, proving his ability to leave a lasting impact even in a limited role.
(Credit :- Baby John – Trailer/Jio Studios/Atlee/ A for Apple & Cine1 Studios Production)
Technical Aspects: Music and Action
The background score is one of the film’s strengths, with the title track of Baby John used effectively throughout. It amplifies key moments, particularly during emotional or action-heavy sequences. However, the film’s five songs feel unnecessary, adding little value to the story and disrupting the narrative flow.
The action choreography is ambitious, with the use of spinning and tracking shots giving a unique perspective. However, the frequent use of these techniques sometimes detracts from clarity, making it difficult to follow the action.
What Works and What Doesn’t
(Credit :- Baby John – Trailer/Jio Studios/Atlee/ A for Apple & Cine1 Studios Production)
What Works:
- Massy moments with Varun Dhawan and Jackie Shroff delivering standout performances.
- Emotional depth that connects audiences to the characters.
- The reimagined climax, which adds fresh energy to the story.
What Doesn’t Work:
- The runtime of 2 hours and 45 minutes feels overly long, especially in the second half.
- Over-reliance on clichés, which may feel repetitive for seasoned moviegoers.
- Unnecessary songs that don’t contribute to the story.
Comparison with Theri
Fans of Theri may find the similarities between the two films hard to ignore. While Baby John makes efforts to distinguish itself with creative changes and a polished climax, much of the narrative remains intact. For those who have seen the original, the film may lack the freshness needed to make a strong impression.
(Credit :- Baby John – Trailer/Jio Studios/Atlee/ A for Apple & Cine1 Studios Production)
Final Verdict
“Baby John” is a visually engaging and emotionally resonant film that caters to fans of mass entertainers. While it doesn’t break new ground, it offers enough moments of excitement, drama, and action to keep viewers invested. The performances by Varun Dhawan and Jackie Shroff elevate the movie, even as the pacing and reliance on clichés hold it back.
If you’re looking for a film with a mix of action, emotional beats, and a touch of humor, Baby John is worth a watch. However, for those familiar with Theri, the movie might feel like a slightly rehashed version of a familiar story.
Rating: 3.5/5
