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Varun Dhawan’s much-awaited action-thriller Baby John has finally hit theatres, and the buzz around the film is palpable. Directed by Kalees, the movie marks a significant shift in Dhawan’s career as he steps into the role of DCP Satya Verma, a fearless and righteous police officer. Alongside him is Keerthy Suresh, making her Bollywood debut as Meera, Satya’s devoted wife. The movie also features stalwarts like Jackie Shroff and Rajpal Yadav in pivotal roles. However, does Baby John live up to the expectations? Here’s a closer look.
Plot Overview: A Cop’s Quest for Justice
Baby John revolves around DCP Satya Verma, a police officer who believes in upholding justice at all costs. His life takes a tragic turn when the notorious gangster Nana (played by Jackie Shroff) wreaks havoc on Satya’s family, pushing the lawman into a relentless pursuit of vengeance. The film explores themes of family, justice, and revenge, but its execution falters as it moves forward.
Star Performances: Varun Dhawan Shines, But Supporting Characters Miss Potential
One of the standout features of Baby John is its exceptional casting. Varun Dhawan, as DCP Satya Verma, proves his versatility. His portrayal of the character, with a perfect balance of fearlessness, vulnerability, and even humor, is a treat to watch. Dhawan brings a certain swagger to the role that resonates with audiences, especially in the high-energy track Nain Matakka, where his charisma shines.
Keerthy Suresh’s Bollywood debut as Meera is another highlight of the film. She brings depth and nuance to her character, making her performance memorable. Her expressive acting and strong screen presence make her one of the film’s most captivating aspects. Suresh’s seamless transition to Hindi cinema signals a promising future in the industry.
Jackie Shroff, known for his intense roles, plays the menacing gangster Nana with chilling effectiveness. However, his screen time is relatively short, and the film misses an opportunity to develop a more significant confrontation between him and Dhawan’s character, which could have added more gravitas to the story.
Wamiqa Gabbi’s role adds an intriguing twist to the narrative. She delivers a solid performance as a fearless character, but like many others in the film, her screen time is limited. Her character could have been better explored to showcase her full potential.
The supporting cast, including Sheeba Chaddha, adds moments of light-heartedness with her comic timing, while Rajpal Yadav’s surprise appearance adds a quirky charm for his fans. These supporting characters bring energy to the film but can’t overshadow the primary flaws in the story.
Direction and Writing: A Predictable and Sluggish Ride
Where Baby John falters is in its direction and writing. The plot, though engaging in premise, feels stretched and suffers from a sluggish first half. The pacing mirrors Rowdy Rathore in parts but lacks the energy that made the latter film enjoyable. The film struggles with its predictable twists and fails to build the necessary suspense or originality that a gripping thriller demands.
One of the main drawbacks is the film’s unnecessary humor, which detracts from the overall serious tone of the narrative. In particular, Sanya Malhotra’s special appearance, where she sings a classical rendition of Sheila Ki Jawani, feels forced and awkwardly inserted into the plot. This sequence, rather than adding value to the story, only distracts the audience.
The Disappointing Cameo
The much-publicized cameo by Salman Khan near the film’s end does little to enhance the narrative. While his presence was expected to offer a significant twist or add star power, it feels like a forced inclusion. The cameo doesn’t offer any new insights into the plot or character dynamics, and instead of being a major highlight, it comes off as an unnecessary add-on.
