'Baby John' (2024) - A stylized action drama that struggles to stand out but is worth watching

Director: Kalees
Producers: Atlee, Murad Khetani, Jyoti Deshpande
Cast: Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jackie Shroff, Rajpal Yadav
Genre: Action | Drama | Thriller
Language: Hindi
Release Date: March 2024

Overview

Baby John is an action-packed Hindi remake of the 2016 Tamil blockbuster Theri, originally directed by Atlee. With Bollywood star Varun Dhawan in the lead role, the film aims to deliver high-octane entertainment with emotional depth. However, despite its impressive action sequences and stylish cinematography, Baby John struggles due to a predictable storyline and inconsistent pacing.

Plot Summary

The film follows DCP Satya Verma (Varun Dhawan), a fearless police officer who adopts the alias “Baby John” to escape a violent past and protect his young daughter. When circumstances force him back into action, he must confront old enemies, including a powerful crime syndicate, while grappling with personal trauma. As Satya navigates this dangerous world, his bond with his daughter and thirst for justice drives him to take extreme measures. The story explores themes of vengeance, redemption, and sacrifice for loved ones. While the emotional core is strong, the execution sometimes feels formulaic, particularly for audiences familiar with the original Theri.

Performances

• Varun Dhawan (Baby John/Satya Verma): Dhawan delivers a committed performance, excelling in intense action sequences and emotional moments. However, his portrayal lacks the nuanced depth Vijay brought to the original role in Theri.
• Keerthy Suresh: Making her Bollywood debut, Keerthy brings grace to her role but is underutilized, with limited screen time and character development.
• Wamiqa Gabbi: She shines in her role, adding an emotional layer to the narrative. Her chemistry with Varun Dhawan is a highlight.
• Jackie Shroff: As the main antagonist, Shroff brings a menacing presence but is hindered by an underwritten role.
• Rajpal Yadav offers much-needed comic relief, though his role sometimes feels forced.

Direction and Cinematography

Director Kalees brings stylized visual flair to Baby John, with slick action sequences and well-crafted set pieces. The film employs slow-motion shots, dramatic lighting, and intense background music to heighten key scenes. However, while the action is well-executed, the emotional beats occasionally feel rushed or exaggerated.

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Strengths

✅ Stylish Action Sequences: The fight choreography is engaging, featuring high-energy stunts and impactful cinematography.
✅ Strong Performances: Varun Dhawan and Wamiqa Gabbi deliver solid performances, with Keerthy Suresh adding grace to the film.
✅ Emotional Core: The father-daughter relationship provides heart to the otherwise action-heavy narrative.

Weaknesses

❌ Predictable Plot: Since it’s a remake of Theri, the storyline feels overly familiar, offering little surprises.
❌ Underdeveloped Villain: Jackie Shroff’s antagonist lacks depth, making the conflict less compelling.
❌ Inconsistent Pacing: The first half drags, while the second half feels rushed, leading to an uneven viewing experience.

Critical Reception

• DNA India (3.5/5): Called it “a masala entertainer with enough action and drama to engage audiences.”
• News18 (3/5): Praised the performances but criticized the lack of original storytelling.
• The Indian Express (1/5): Called it “the terrible film of 2024,” citing its over-the-top execution and weak writing.
• Audience Reactions: Viewers were divided. While some enjoyed the action and performances, others felt the film was unnecessary, given the strength of the original Theri.

Box Office Performance

Baby John had a strong opening, earning 11.25-13.5 crore on its first day. However, its total box office collection remained underwhelming, closing at ₹56.49-₹59 crore worldwide. The film struggled to attract audiences beyond hardcore action movie fans, making it a moderate performer rather than a blockbuster.

Final Verdict

Baby John is a decent action thriller with stylish visuals and strong performances, but it fails to bring anything new to the table. While Varun Dhawan’s action-packed role is entertaining, the film's predictable nature and inconsistent pacing hold it back. For those who haven't seen Theri, it might be an enjoyable watch, but for others, it may feel like a missed opportunity.

Rating: 2.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐☆☆