“Baby John,” released on December 25, 2024, is a Hindi-language action drama directed by Kalees and produced by Atlee. The film is a faithful adaptation of Atlee’s 2016 Tamil film “Theri,” which starred Vijay. In “Baby John,” Varun Dhawan takes on the lead role, supported by Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Jackie Shroff.
Plot Overview
The narrative centers on Satya Varma (Varun Dhawan), a compassionate police officer who believes in reforming criminals rather than resorting to encounters. His life takes a drastic turn when a formidable adversary, Babbar Sher (Jackie Shroff), forces him into obscurity to protect his daughter. Circumstances compel Satya to shed his cover and confront his past to safeguard his loved ones.
Critical Reception
“Baby John” has garnered mixed reviews from critics:
- Bollywood Hungama: Rated the film 3.5/5 stars, describing it as a mass entertainer with “clapworthy moments” and praising Varun Dhawan’s energetic performance.
- DNA India: Also awarded 3.5/5 stars, noting that “Baby John” is a “perfect masala entertainer” that Bollywood needed to conclude the year.
- News18: Gave the film 3/5 stars, acknowledging commendable performances but critiquing the plot for being lackluster with uneven pacing.
- India Today: Rated it 3/5 stars, describing the film as “massy but messy,” suggesting it might benefit from audiences seeking action-packed entertainment.
- Firstpost: Also gave 3/5 stars, highlighting Varun Dhawan’s performance but noting that Jackie Shroff stands out, while Wamiqa Gabbi is underutilized.
- Pinkvilla: Rated the film 2.5/5 stars, commenting that while it attempts to tackle a serious social issue, it falls short due to superficial treatment and reliance on overused tropes.
- Times of India: Also gave 2.5/5 stars, praising Varun Dhawan’s portrayal of a caring father and fearless cop but noting the narrative’s predictability.
- Cinema Express: Rated it 2/5 stars, stating that “Baby John” feels like a hurried version of “Theri,” with underwhelming action and half-baked character development.
- Indian Express: Gave a harsh review with 1/5 stars, labeling it among the worst films of 2024, criticizing its incoherence and lack of originality.
Performance Highlights
Varun Dhawan’s portrayal of Satya Varma has been noted for its energy and dedication, marking his transition into more intense action roles. However, some critics feel that the film’s adherence to the original “Theri” limits opportunities for innovation. Jackie Shroff’s performance as the antagonist Babbar Sher has been highlighted as a standout, adding depth to the film’s dynamic.
Music and Technical Aspects
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Thaman S, features high-energy tracks like “Nain Matakka” and “Pikley Pom,” which have been well-received for their vibrant choreography and catchy tunes. The background score complements the robust action sequences choreographed by Sunil Rodrigues. However, some critics argue that the film’s over-reliance on a loud background score overshadows the emotional depth and dialogue.
Conclusion
“Baby John” aims to blend the mass appeal of South Indian cinema with Bollywood sensibilities. While it offers high-octane action and notable performances, particularly from Varun Dhawan and Jackie Shroff, the film has been critiqued for its predictable narrative and lack of innovation. Audiences seeking a traditional action-packed entertainer may find “Baby John” engaging, but those looking for a fresh storyline might find it lacking.