Baby John Review: Mass Entertainment That Misses the Mark

Baby John Review: Varun Dhawan and Keerthy Suresh's much-anticipated action film Baby John attempts to serve a masala-packed treat but ends up being a mixed bag. Directed by Kalees and presented by Atlee, the film promises a blend of high-octane action, emotional drama, and mass appeal. However, the execution feels overindulgent and dated, making it more chaotic than captivating.

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Plot Overview

Baby John follows the story of John (Varun Dhawan), a single father living a quiet life with his daughter, Khushi (played brilliantly by Zara Zyanna). Beneath his humble exterior lies Satya Verma, a former cop seeking redemption after a tragic past involving the murder of his wife (Keerthy Suresh) and mother. When his peaceful life is disrupted, Satya resurfaces as a stylish supercop to deliver justice.

Amidst this, Salman Khan’s cameo as Agent Bhai Jaan steals the show, delivering a dose of humor, action, and charm that briefly elevates the film.

What Works in Baby John

1. Varun Dhawan’s Performance

Varun Dhawan delivers an earnest performance, showcasing his versatility in action and emotional scenes. His camaraderie with Salman Khan in the cameo sequence is a highlight, bringing candid humor and warmth to the narrative.

2. Music and Background Score

S Thaman’s compositions, including chartbusters like Nain Matakka and the title track, energize the film. The background score adds a dramatic punch, enhancing the masala moments.

3. Rajpal Yadav's Surprise Act

Rajpal Yadav shines in an unexpected action role, with his line, "Comedy is serious business," earning cheers from the audience.

4. Jackie Shroff’s Swag

Jackie Shroff impresses as a menacing villain, though his character could have been more fleshed out. His screen presence and style, especially in key scenes, add a layer of intrigue.

Where Baby John Falls Short

1. Lack of Originality

The film’s heavy inspiration from Theri and Atlee’s directorial style makes it feel like a rehash rather than a fresh story. Many scenes evoke déjà vu, resembling moments from Jawan or Theri.

2. Over-the-Top Heroism

While mass-action films thrive on heroism, Baby John overdoes it with implausible sequences, like Satya fighting on horseback. These moments fail to evoke the intended emotional impact.

3. Weak Female Characters

Keerthy Suresh, despite her screen presence, is given a poorly developed role. Similarly, Wamiqa Gabbi’s character feels like an afterthought, with her action sequences and chemistry with Varun lacking depth.

4. Surface-Level Messaging

The film briefly touches on critical issues like women’s safety but fails to explore them meaningfully. The narrative remains focused on style over substance.

Performances

Varun Dhawan: A likeable yet inconsistent portrayal of a righteous cop. His performance feels more gimmicky than grounded.
Keerthy Suresh: Radiates charm but is underutilized.
Zara Zyanna: Steals the show as Khushi with a heartwarming performance.
Rajpal Yadav: A delightful surprise with action and comedy.
Jackie Shroff: Stylish and menacing but could have been given more screen time.

Final Verdict

Baby John is an ambitious attempt to blend mass appeal with emotional depth, but its over-the-top execution and lack of originality hold it back. While it delivers whistle-worthy moments and a few standout performances, the film’s inconsistent tone and dated storytelling prevent it from becoming a memorable action-drama.

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