Baby John Movie Review: A Missed Opportunity to Deliver the Mass Appeal - 2 Stars

Varun Dhawan's much-anticipated action thriller Baby John has finally hit the screens, but sadly, it has failed to make the big impact fans were hoping for. A remake of the Tamil film Theri, this Hindi version misses the mark in multiple areas, from its weak narrative to the absence of fresh ideas. The film's attempt to deliver high-energy action and drama comes undone due to its reliance on outdated tropes, leaving the audience wanting more.

A Familiar Formula with Little Spark
At its core, Baby John revolves around the classic good-versus-evil plotline, but it struggles to generate excitement. The movie features a psychopathic villain (Jackie Shroff), a tough, invincible cop (Varun Dhawan), and a cute, motherless child (Zara Zyanna), whose life the cop is desperate to protect. If this sounds like a story you’ve seen before, that’s because it’s nothing new.

The film follows a basic blueprint that borrows heavily from Theri, but it fails to recreate the mass appeal of its predecessor. While Theri worked in Tamil cinema due to its engaging performances and gritty action, Baby John offers very little that feels fresh or exciting. The action sequences, rather than being thrilling, feel stale and lack the edge needed to captivate the audience.

The Flaws in the Execution
Varun Dhawan, known for his charming on-screen persona, steps into the role of Satya Verma, a Deputy Commissioner of Police with a reputation for taking down criminals. However, his usual charm is hidden behind a tough-guy mask that doesn't quite suit him. While Dhawan gives it his all, the character feels one-dimensional, and the emotional depth needed to make his performance resonate is missing.

On the flip side, Rajpal Yadav, who plays a serious-minded cop, offers some comic relief but ultimately doesn’t add much value to the film. His lines feel forced, and the chemistry between the characters doesn’t land as intended.

The script, penned by Kalees, fails to bring anything new to the table. The film constantly feels like it's trying to capture the essence of a true action movie but ends up relying on tired clichés. The romance between the cop and the doctor (played by Keerthy Suresh) seems shoehorned into the plot, serving only to slow down the pacing and dilute the movie’s impact.

A Story That Lacks Substance
The story, though centered on a father-daughter relationship, doesn't explore the emotional depth that could have made it more engaging. Meera, the doctor played by Keerthy Suresh, is more of a supporting character, and the film barely scratches the surface of her potential. Her character is reduced to just being the romantic interest, further sidelining any opportunity to explore her role in the narrative.

Additionally, the villain’s character, played by Jackie Shroff, feels more like a caricature than a menacing antagonist. The audience can predict his every move, and the lack of any real surprise makes his scenes feel repetitive.

A Long, Tiresome Watch
At 2 hours and 40 minutes, Baby John drags on unnecessarily. There’s a constant back-and-forth between the present day and a lengthy flashback, which doesn’t add much value to the story. By the time the film reaches its final act, it’s hard to care about the characters, or the stakes, that were set up early on. The film's attempt to deliver heart-pounding action falls flat, as the sequences seem more forced than natural.

The film's climactic moments, including the appearance of a Bollywood A-lister in a cameo, try to wrap up the story in a festive spirit. However, it feels like an afterthought, and instead of leaving viewers excited, it only highlights how much potential was wasted.

Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
Baby John had the ingredients to be a thrilling, action-packed blockbuster, but it ultimately fails to deliver. The film's reliance on outdated tropes, a lackluster script, and uninspired performances make it feel like just another forgettable action movie. Varun Dhawan's attempt to show off his action chops is commendable, but the film as a whole falls flat due to its uninspired execution.

If you're looking for a high-octane action flick with depth and substance, Baby John might not be the movie for you. While it may appeal to fans of mindless action, it offers little else in terms of excitement or originality

Reference from:-https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/baby-john-review-rehash-of-theri-no-mass-appeal-2-stars-7329132