“Baby John,” directed by Kalees, is a Hindi remake of the 2016 Tamil film “Theri,” featuring Varun Dhawan in his first full-fledged action role. The film follows DCP Satya Varma, a principled police officer who adopts a new identity as Baby John to protect his daughter from a vengeful adversary.
The narrative begins with Baby John living a tranquil life in Kerala with his daughter, Khushi (Zara Zyanna). Their peaceful existence is disrupted when Satya’s past as a dedicated cop comes back to haunt him, leading to a confrontation with a formidable foe, Nanaji (Jackie Shroff).
Varun Dhawan delivers a commendable performance, convincingly portraying both the affectionate father and the relentless officer. His dedication to the action sequences is evident, bringing a dynamic energy to the film. The chemistry between Dhawan and child actor Zara Zyanna adds emotional depth to the storyline.
Jackie Shroff embodies the antagonist role with conviction, providing a formidable counterpart to Dhawan’s character. Keerthy Suresh, in her Hindi debut as Meera, Satya’s wife, delivers a sincere performance, though her character’s development is somewhat limited. Wamiqa Gabbi’s portrayal of Tara, Khushi’s teacher, adds to the ensemble, albeit with minimal impact on the central plot.
The film’s pacing is uneven, with a sluggish start that gains momentum as the story progresses. The action choreography by Sunil Rodrigues stands out, complemented by Thaman S’s compelling background score, which enhances the film’s intensity. However, the musical numbers are less memorable and may disrupt the narrative flow.
“Baby John” has garnered mixed reviews from critics. The Times of India notes that while Varun Dhawan impresses as an action hero, the narrative remains familiar.
Koimoi acknowledges Dhawan’s earnest effort but criticizes the film’s execution and lack of connection.
Filmfare describes it as an out-and-out action film, highlighting Dhawan’s portrayal of a dedicated cop facing personal and professional challenges.
At the box office, “Baby John” has shown promising advance bookings, with reports indicating sales of approximately 50,000 tickets across major national chains. The film is projected to achieve an opening day collection around ₹15 crore, reflecting Varun Dhawan’s strong fan base and the film’s appeal as an action entertainer.
In summary, “Baby John” offers a blend of action and drama, elevated by Varun Dhawan’s dedicated performance. While the storyline treads familiar ground, the film provides an engaging experience for fans of the action genre.
