Jasveer Singh
Baby John Movie Review: A Missed Opportunity Despite Star Power
“Baby John” is a Hindi action-drama that has generated attention due to its high-profile cast, with Varun Dhawan in the lead role and a cameo from Salman Khan. Despite these star appearances, the film falls short of creating a memorable cinematic experience. While the action sequences are intense and the performances solid, the overall execution leaves much to be desired. The film struggles to connect with the audience emotionally, and the pacing often undermines its potential.
Baby John Movie Review
Plot Overview:
The story centers on DCP Satya Verma (Varun Dhawan), a fearless cop who hopes to lead a peaceful life with his young daughter, Khushi (played by Zara Zyanna). However, Satya’s peaceful life is disrupted when a dangerous criminal, Babbar Sher (Jackie Shroff), returns to wreak havoc. In order to protect his daughter, Satya must confront his violent past. The film attempts to blend action with emotional drama, but its execution lacks the depth necessary to make these moments resonate.
While the film draws inspiration from the 2016 Tamil film Theri, it struggles to capture the emotional weight of the original. The father-daughter relationship, which could have been the film’s emotional core, often feels forced and underdeveloped.
Star Performances:
Varun Dhawan delivers a sincere performance as Satya. He portrays the tough cop with a softer side for his daughter effectively. His emotional scenes with Khushi are among the film’s better moments. However, despite his best efforts, Dhawan cannot save the film from its poorly executed script. His action sequences are intense, but the lack of emotional depth makes it hard for the audience to feel invested in his journey.
Salman Khan’s cameo as himself adds a touch of glamour, but it feels unnecessary. While fans may appreciate his appearance, it doesn’t contribute meaningfully to the plot. It seems like a forced inclusion designed to bring in his star power without advancing the story.
Jackie Shroff plays the antagonist, Babbar Sher. While his presence on screen is commanding, the character lacks depth. The film fails to provide sufficient backstory or motivation for Babbar Sher, making him a one-dimensional villain. As a result, the film’s central conflict lacks emotional stakes.
Wamiqa Gabbi, playing a key role, is unfortunately sidelined. Her character has potential, but she is underused in the story. The limited screen time and lack of character development leave her role feeling like an afterthought.
Direction and Execution:
Atlee, known for his work in Tamil cinema, seems to struggle in his transition to Bollywood. The pacing of Baby John is uneven. The action scenes, while thrilling, are often interrupted by melodramatic moments that feel out of place. The film spends too much time on action, leaving little room for meaningful character development or emotional engagement.
The screenplay is also one of the film’s weaker aspects. Many of the dialogues feel clichéd, particularly those that focus on father-daughter relationships or themes of revenge. These tropes, while familiar, fail to bring anything new or interesting to the story. The film feels like a patchwork of recycled ideas from other action movies.
The editing is another point of contention. Some sequences feel stretched out unnecessarily, while others are rushed, especially the more emotional moments. This inconsistency in pacing makes it difficult to get fully immersed in the film.
Action and Music:
As expected from a film like Baby John, action plays a central role. The fight sequences and high-speed chases are well-executed and provide moments of excitement. However, the film leans too heavily on action, which detracts from the potential emotional depth. The constant barrage of physical confrontations can make it hard for the audience to connect with the characters.
The music, composed by A.R. Rahman, is serviceable but does not elevate the film. The soundtrack is forgettable, and the background score, though dramatic, doesn’t help build the necessary emotional atmosphere. Unlike other Bollywood films where music is integral to the storytelling, the songs in Baby John feel like an afterthought.
Final Verdict:
“Baby John” had all the ingredients to be a successful action-drama: a charismatic lead, an intriguing plot, and a talented cast. Unfortunately, the film’s lack of emotional depth, weak character development, and uneven pacing hold it back. While Varun Dhawan’s performance and the high-octane action may keep some viewers entertained, the film ultimately fails to connect on a deeper level.
Despite the star power of Salman Khan and Varun Dhawan, Baby John never fully comes together as a cohesive film. Fans of action may enjoy the sequences, but for those looking for a more well-rounded cinematic experience, it falls short. The film’s missed opportunities and lackluster execution make it difficult to recommend wholeheartedly.
