Baby John Movie Review : Varun Dhawan impresses as an action hero in a familiar narrative

"Baby John," released on December 25, 2024, is a Hindi language action drama directed by Kaless.

The film stars Varun Dhawan as DCP Satya Verma, a former police officer leading a double life to protect his daughter from a vengeful adversary.

Keerthy Suresh portrays his wife, and Wamiqa Gabbi plays a significant role, with Jackie Shroff as the antagonist.

Critics Reaction

The Times of India rated the film 2.5 out of 5, noting that while Varun Dhawan impresses in his dual role as a caring father and fearless cop, the narrative remains predictable.

The review mentions that the movie has its moments as an actioner but could have been more impactful in terms of content and storytelling. 

NDTV awarded the film 2 out of 5 stars, describing it as a rehash of the Tamil film "Theri" with limited mass appeal.

The review suggests that the film doesn't offer much beyond its source material and lacks the novelty to engage a broader audience. 

The Indian Express criticized the film, calling it one of the worst of 2024. The review points out that despite the star studded cast, the film fails to deliver a coherent and engaging narrative, resulting in a bloated and incoherent experience. 

Hindustan Times highlighted mixed audience reactions, with some praising Varun Dhawan's performance while others felt the remake lacked the emotional depth of the original "Theri."

The review reflects a divided opinion among viewers regarding the film's execution and faithfulness to the original. 

Let's Discuss About The  Key Points Of The Movie

Performances:

Varun Dhawan's portrayal of DCP Satya Verma has been noted as a highlight, with critics acknowledging his energetic performance.

However, some reviews suggest that other cast members, including Keerthy Suresh and Wamiqa Gabbi, were underutilized.

Direction and Adaptation: 

Directed by Kalees, "Baby John" is a Hindi remake of the Tamil film "Theri." 

Critics have pointed out that the film feels outdated and unnecessary, with little innovation brought to the adaptation.

Narrative and Screenplay:

The storyline has been described as predictable, with a lack of depth in character development.

The film's length, at 164 minutes, has also been criticized for being excessive without substantial content to justify it.

Music and Technical Aspects: 

While the action sequences and background score have received some appreciation, they are not considered enough to elevate the overall viewing experience.

The cast of the Hindi movie "Baby John" includes:  

1.Varun Dhawan - DCP Satya Verma (Lead role; a fearless police officer and caring father).  

2. Keerthy Suresh - Satya Verma's wife. 

3. Wamiqa Gabbi - A significant supporting role (details not fully disclosed).  

4. Jackie Shroff - Antagonist (villain of the movie).  

Budget Of Baby John Movie:

The production budget for "Baby John" is estimated to be around ₹160 crore, inclusive of all costs. 

First-Day Box Office Collection:

On its opening day, "Baby John" earned approximately ₹12.50 crore net in India. 

The film faced strong competition from other major releases, such as "Pushpa 2" and Disney's "Mufasa: The Lion King," which impacted its box office performance. 

Despite the competition, "Baby John" managed to outperform recent Bollywood releases like "Satya prem Ki Katha," "Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani," and "Jug Jugg Jeeyo" in terms of opening day collections.

Conclusion

In summary, "Baby John" has garnered mixed to negative reviews, with particular criticism directed at its lack of originality and depth.

While Varun Dhawan's performance stands out, the film struggles to offer a compelling narrative, making it a less impactful addition to the action drama genre.