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Baby John Review: As the action-packed drama unfolds as Baby John, played by Varun Dhawan, larger-than-life sequences will go hand in hand. However, does this masala entertainer deliver the promise it held? Not quite. The baby John can punch, both figuratively and literally but fumbles with his emotional core and storyline. Let’s dive into this action-packed yet underwhelming saga.
| Movie | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Kalees |
| Cast | Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jackie Shroff, Rajpal Yadav |
| Duration | 164 minutes |
| Rating | ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) |
The Premise: Mass Meets Melodrama
John (Varun Dhawan) is a doting father who lives an ideal life with his adorable little daughter Khushi. It all comes crashing down when he encounters a notorious child-trafficking gang. But wait—John isn’t just a doting dad. He is Satya, an ex-cop with a very dark past, forced to fake his death after the corrupt minister (played by the ever-intimidating Jackie Shroff) destroys his family.
The film is an adaptation of the Tamil superhit Theri. The action-drama, social commentary kind of film would be really great. Alas, it has the feeling of being watered down to fit a different movie.
Performances: Star Power on Display
Varun Dhawan, in earnest, shifts gears from an emotional father to an action hero. Though effort is good, the shallow writing of the character prevents him from soaring. Moments that should evoke intensity often feel superficial.
Keerthy Suresh makes her Bollywood debut as Meera, a tragic love interest of John. While she looks fabulous and shares decent chemistry with Varun, her character is underdeveloped. Wamiqa Gabbi, who’s incredibly talented, was wasted on being a forgettable supporting actor.
It’s all about the stars here – Jackie Shroff and Rajpal Yadav. Jackie brings suave villainy, even when his script doesn’t. Levity is delivered by Rajpal. While cheer did ensue once, even his brilliance could not salvage the muddled narrative.
What Works: The Highs
- Action Sequences: The fight sequences, especially Varun, transforming into a beast of a cop, are thrillers – if you can suspend belief, you won’t be disappointed.
- Music: The S. Thaman’s background score is energetic while the songs Nain Matakka and Bandobast are earworms.
- Jackie Shroff: His magnetic presence and swag to a scene make everyone he is in a pleasure to watch.
What Falls Flat: The Lows
- Derivative Plot: The film borrows so heavily from Theri. The narrative feels outdated relying on tropes that had less impact in 2024.
- Emotional Disconnect: Key moments that should hit hard—like family tragedies—are glossed over, failing to evoke genuine emotion.
- Pacing Issues: The first half drags with disjointed sequences, while the second half barely redeems itself with predictable twists.
- Over-the-Top Heroism: Satya fights villains on horseback, delivers sermons mid-battle, and mocks his enemies in ways that feel more gimmicky than heroic.
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Cameo Alert: Salman Khan Steals the Show
Salman Khan makes a brief and entertaining cameo as Agent Bhai Jaan. Banter with Varun, whistle-worthy action stunts, all of this will give the film much-needed breathing space from monotony. But to use such a superstar in a film for a fleeting appearance is nothing but a lost opportunity.
Missed Opportunities
Baby John tries to take on issues of female safety and child trafficking. But both these subjects are taken too lightly in the film, and melodrama and style overtake substance in violent scenes, missing the opportunity to make a lasting impression.
Watch Theri Full Movie Here:
Final Verdict Of Baby John Review: All Style, Little Substance
If you’re a die-hard fan of Varun Dhawan or love massy actioners without much logic, Baby John might be a one-time watch. However, for most, it’s a forgettable blend of recycled tropes and missed potential.
The film is loud, long, and loaded with masala—but it lacks the punch of memorable cinema. As Jackie Shroff might say in his inimitable style, “Mass toh hai, par class kidhar hai?”
Rating: 2/5
Recommendation: Stream it later if you’re curious; save your caramel popcorn for something more satisfying.
FAQs
1. What is “Baby John” about?
“Baby John” is an action-packed drama about a father with a dark past who takes on a child-trafficking gang.
2. Is “Baby John” a remake of any other movie?
Yes, it is an adaptation of the Tamil superhit movie “Theri.”
3. What has the audience’s reaction been to “Baby John”?
Audience reactions have been mixed, praising the action but criticizing the emotional depth and storyline.
4. Does “Baby John” have any special appearances?
Yes, Salman Khan makes a brief and entertaining cameo as Agent Bhai Jaan.
5. What are the highlights of “Baby John”?
The action sequences, Varun Dhawan’s performance, and Jackie Shroff’s villainy are notable highlights.
6. Is “Baby John” suitable for family viewing?
Due to its violent content and intense action scenes, it may not be suitable for younger audiences.
7. What is the budget of the movie “Baby John”?
The budget of the movie “Baby John” is ₹180 crore.
