Varun Dhawan’s much-anticipated action-drama “Baby John,” directed by Kalees, hit theaters recently, creating a significant buzz among Bollywood fans. The movie, co-starring Keerthy Suresh and Wamiqa Gabbi, marks another milestone in Varun Dhawan’s illustrious career. It is the Hindi adaptation of the 2016 Tamil blockbuster “Theri,” originally starring Vijay, and seeks to capture the essence of its predecessor while adding a Bollywood flair.
In this review, we delve into the movie’s strengths and weaknesses, evaluating its performances, direction, technical aspects, and overall impact.
Plot Overview
The story of “Baby John” revolves around DCP Satya Verma (played by Varun Dhawan), a fearless and principled police officer whose life takes a dramatic turn after a tragic incident. Forced to abandon his identity, he adopts the alias “Baby John” to protect his young daughter Naina from a ruthless adversary (played by Jackie Shroff). The movie portrays a gripping tale of revenge, justice, and the bond between a father and daughter.
Although the storyline follows the blueprint of “Theri,” “Baby John” incorporates some additional elements to cater to Bollywood’s diverse audience. The narrative balances emotional moments with intense action sequences, creating a package that appeals to family audiences and action enthusiasts alike.
Performances
Varun Dhawan as Baby John/DCP Satya Verma
Varun Dhawan delivers a compelling performance, effectively embodying the duality of his character. As the doting father, he portrays vulnerability and warmth, while as the determined cop, he exudes grit and intensity. His action scenes are commendable, showcasing his physical prowess and dedication to the role.
Keerthy Suresh as Satya’s Wife
Keerthy Suresh’s character adds emotional depth to the narrative, despite her limited screen time. Her portrayal of a loving and supportive wife leaves a lasting impression, and her chemistry with Varun Dhawan is natural and endearing.
Jackie Shroff as the Antagonist
Jackie Shroff plays the role of the villain with his signature style, but his character lacks the menace and depth required to create a formidable adversary. This could be attributed to the screenplay, which doesn’t fully utilize his potential.
Wamiqa Gabbi
Wamiqa Gabbi plays a pivotal role in the film’s emotional arc. Her performance is heartfelt, and she provides a strong supporting presence throughout the movie.
Direction and Screenplay
Director Kalees attempts to recreate the magic of “Theri” while adapting it to Bollywood sensibilities. His direction ensures that the movie’s emotional moments hit the right chords, and the action sequences are choreographed to entertain the masses. However, the screenplay is a mixed bag.
While the first half successfully builds the narrative, the second half becomes predictable, following a formulaic approach. The emotional scenes, though impactful, sometimes verge on melodrama, which may not resonate with all viewers.
Technical Aspects
Cinematography
The cinematography by Dinesh Krishnan beautifully captures the action sequences and emotional moments. The film’s visuals are polished, with a vibrant color palette that enhances the overall cinematic experience.
Music and Background Score
The music by Thaman S complements the film’s tone. The background score elevates the tension in action sequences and underscores the emotional beats effectively. However, the songs, while pleasant, don’t leave a lasting impact.
Editing
The editing by Ruben ensures a crisp pace in the first half, but the second half feels slightly stretched. A tighter runtime could have improved the film’s overall impact.
Strengths
- Varun Dhawan’s Performance: His dedication and versatility shine through, making him the film’s strongest asset.
- Action Sequences: The movie delivers high-octane action, choreographed with flair.
- Emotional Core: The father-daughter relationship forms the heart of the film, resonating with family audiences.
Weaknesses
- Predictable Plot: The adherence to the original film’s storyline leaves little room for surprises.
- Underwhelming Antagonist: Jackie Shroff’s character could have been more nuanced and threatening.
- Melodrama: Some emotional scenes feel overdone, detracting from the film’s authenticity.
Critical Reception
“Baby John” has garnered mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. While Varun Dhawan’s performance and the action sequences have been widely praised, the predictable plot and lack of novelty have drawn criticism.
- The Times of India: “A mass entertainer that delivers on action and emotion, but falters in offering anything new.”
- Film Companion: “Varun Dhawan carries the film on his shoulders, but the lack of originality holds it back.”
- Bollywood Hungama: “A decent family entertainer with enough moments to keep you engaged.”
Box Office Performance
The film opened to a strong box office collection, thanks to Varun Dhawan’s star power and the holiday release. However, its long-term performance will depend on word-of-mouth and competition from upcoming releases.
Conclusion
“Baby John” is a quintessential Bollywood entertainer, offering a blend of action, emotion, and drama. While it doesn’t break new ground, it succeeds in engaging its target audience. Varun Dhawan’s performance is the highlight, and the film’s emotional core strikes a chord despite its predictable narrative.
For fans of action-dramas and Varun Dhawan, “Baby John” is worth a watch. However, those seeking a fresh or groundbreaking experience might find it lacking.
References and Citations
- “Theri (2016) – IMDb.” IMDb, www.imdb.com/title/tt5440700/.
- “Baby John Movie Review.” Times of India, timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
- “Varun Dhawan’s Baby John: A Hindi Remake of Theri.” Bollywood Hungama, www.bollywoodhungama.com.
- “Baby John Review: An Action-Packed Drama.” Film Companion, www.filmcompanion.in.
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