Review: Baby John : A Misplaced Remake That Struggles to Impress!

Baby John, directed by #Kalees, is the official Hindi remake of #Atlee’s Tamil blockbuster Theri. Unfortunately, while the original packed a punch, Baby John stumbles at multiple points, failing to deliver the impact expected from a festive release. Despite a few redeeming factors, lackluster writing and a predictable narrative make this film an underwhelming experience.

The story revolves around John (Varun Dhawan), a former cop living a quiet life in Kerala with his young daughter, Khushi (Zara Zyanna). Khushi’s teacher (Wamiqa Gabbi) finds herself drawn to John, only to uncover his hidden identity as Satya Verma, an ex-police officer seeking refuge after a tragic past. Satya’s wife (Keerthy Suresh) and mother (Sheeba Chaddha) were murdered by a corrupt minister (Jackie Shroff) seeking revenge for his son’s death. When Satya’s exile is exposed, he is forced to confront his haunting past, leading to a predictable showdown.

The primary flaw of Baby John lies in its unimaginative adaptation. The script feels like a copy-paste version of Theri, devoid of any creative reinterpretation or novelty. The screenplay fluctuates between trying to create mass appeal and struggling to maintain narrative coherence, resulting in a disjointed experience. The dialogues, meant to evoke whistles and applause, lack punch and fail to leave an impression.

The film does have its moments. The music by [composer] stands out, with songs like Nain Matakka, Hazaar Baar, and Bandobast enhanced by fabulous choreography. The cinematography captures the lush locales of Kerala and Mumbai beautifully, and the action sequences are choreographed with finesse. High production values give the film a sleek, polished look.

Varun Dhawan shoulders the film with his dependable charm, excelling in both action and light-hearted moments. Keerthy Suresh and Wamiqa Gabbi, despite limited screen time, deliver commendable performances, with Keerthy’s dancing skills being a highlight. Rajpal Yadav is a pleasant surprise, stepping out of his comedic comfort zone to portray a serious role with conviction. Jackie Shroff, however, disappoints with an unconvincing portrayal of the antagonist, his shabby look detracting from his character’s menace.

Fans of Varun Dhawan may find ‘Baby John’ appealing, but for most, it’s a misplaced remake that struggles to resonate.

Rating : ***

By Keerti Kadam