Bollywood superstar Varun Dhawan is back in action with Baby John, an ambitious remake of the 2016 Tamil blockbuster Theri. The film promised to deliver a high-octane blend of action and drama, but it falls significantly short of expectations.
Despite its star-studded cast and action-packed premise, Baby John struggles to strike the right balance between emotional storytelling and cinematic thrills.
The Story of Baby John
Baby John follows the story of Deputy Commissioner of Police Satya Verma (played by Varun Dhawan), a fearless cop whose life takes an unexpected turn. After a tragedy forces him to fake his death and live incognito as a humble baker in Kerala, Satya’s past catches up with him, endangering his daughter Khushi (Zara Zyanna) and forcing him to return to his action-packed ways.
The plot also introduces Meera (Keerthy Suresh in her Hindi debut), a doctor who becomes Satya’s love interest, and Nanaji (Jackie Shroff), a ruthless politician and criminal mastermind. The story unfolds with a mix of flashbacks, present-day drama, and a predictable good-vs-evil showdown.
Why Baby John Misses the Mark
From the outset, it’s evident that Baby John tries to recreate the magic of its Tamil predecessor. However, the film struggles to bring novelty or depth to its execution. As a Bollywood action-drama, it lacks the punchy storytelling and innovative direction needed to stand out.
One of the major issues with Baby John is its reliance on clichés. The storyline, though emotional at its core, is bogged down by predictable tropes. For example, Meera’s character, despite being a doctor, is reduced to traditional roles tied to marriage and motherhood. This outdated portrayal feels out of sync with modern sensibilities and detracts from the film’s emotional weight.
Varun Dhawan’s performance in Baby John is a mixed bag. While his natural charisma shines in lighter moments, it doesn’t translate well into the gritty, action-hero persona that the film demands. His portrayal of Satya Verma feels like a mismatch, and the lack of depth in his character further compounds the problem.
Action Without Innovation
In a film that hinges on its action sequences, Baby John disappoints. The fight scenes, choreographed with dated techniques, fail to bring anything new to the table. For an action movie, this lack of innovation is a critical misstep. Fans of Bollywood action dramas will find the sequences underwhelming and devoid of the adrenaline-pumping excitement they expect.
Jackie Shroff, as the villain Nanaji, delivers a solid performance. However, his character falls into the same trap as the rest of the film—predictability. From the moment he appears on screen, his arc is painfully obvious, leaving little room for suspense or intrigue.
A Sluggish Narrative
Another major drawback of Baby John is its pacing. The film’s two-hour-forty-minute runtime is filled with unnecessary musical interludes and romantic subplots that slow down the story. While the flashback sequences attempt to build an emotional connection, they feel overly long and drawn out, diluting the overall impact of the narrative.
The Cast of Baby John
The supporting cast of Baby John does its best with the material they’re given. Keerthy Suresh, despite her limited role, adds a touch of grace to the film. Zara Zyanna, as Satya’s spirited daughter Khushi, is endearing and delivers a heartfelt performance. Rajpal Yadav, known for his comedic roles, steps out of his comfort zone as a serious cop but isn’t given enough screen time to make a lasting impression.
Final Verdict on Baby John
Baby John is an action-drama that had the potential to captivate audiences with its emotional core and thrilling premise. However, it fails to live up to expectations due to its clichéd storytelling, lack of originality, and underwhelming action sequences.
Fans of Varun Dhawan might enjoy his performance in Baby John, but for others, the film offers little to remember. As a Bollywood remake of Theri, it pales in comparison to the original, struggling to replicate its mass appeal and charm.
If you’re a fan of Bollywood action dramas and enjoy Varun Dhawan’s performances, Baby John might be worth a watch. However, don’t expect the film to deliver anything groundbreaking. While it tries hard to entertain, it ultimately feels like just another forgettable entry in the Bollywood action genre.
