Baby John, directed by Kalees and starring Varun Dhawan, is a high-octane action drama that attempts to recreate the magic of the Tamil blockbuster Theri. Despite claims of being inspired by it, the film feels more like a rehash of the original, heavily influenced by Atlee’s style. The movie runs for a lengthy 2 hours and 45 minutes, packing in masala entertainment, over-the-top action, and emotional drama. However, the biggest highlight is Salman Khan’s cameo, where he shares a lighthearted and whistle-worthy interaction with Varun Dhawan.
The story follows John (Varun Dhawan), a doting father living a quiet life with his daughter Khushi (Zara Zyanna). However, his past as Satya Verma, a righteous cop, comes back to haunt him. After crossing paths with a corrupt minister (Jackie Shroff), he fakes his death and starts a new life. But when trouble arises, Satya returns as a fearless supercop, delivering justice and taking down the villains. The film’s action-packed sequences, including Satya fighting atop a horse, emphasize heroism in classic Bollywood style.
Varun Dhawan gives a committed performance, balancing his role as a protective father and a daring cop. His chemistry with Keerthy Suresh, who plays his wife Meera, adds some emotional depth, though her character feels underdeveloped. Wamiqa Gabbi, as Khushi’s school teacher, fails to make an impact, and her romance with Varun lacks spark. Jackie Shroff stands out with his menacing role, while Rajpal Yadav offers comic relief and even gets a rare chance to shine in action scenes.
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The film’s music, composed by S Thaman, is a major highlight. Songs like Nain Matakka and Bandobast are visually stunning, and the background score enhances the drama. However, the dialogues, especially some literal translations from the Tamil version, feel awkward and unintentionally funny. For instance, a line where Satya calls his wife both his partner and mother leaves the audience puzzled rather than touched.
While Baby John tries to touch upon serious issues like women’s safety, it does so superficially, relying more on stylized action and gimmicks than meaningful storytelling. Many sequences feel outdated, and the emotional weight often gets overshadowed by high-speed fight scenes. The climax feels predictable, and despite its attempt at grandeur, it lacks the emotional punch required to make a lasting impact.
Ultimately, Baby John delivers crowd-pleasing moments and visual spectacle but struggles with substance. Fans of mass-action entertainers might find it enjoyable, especially with Salman Khan’s cameo adding some flair. However, others may find it too long and repetitive, leaving it in a tough spot against other big-ticket films like Pushpa 2: The Rule.