Baby John Movie Review: Varun Dhawan Dazzles in a Thrilling Action Blockbuster!
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Baby John Movie |
Baby John Movie Review: Varun Dhawan’s Explosive Turn in a Mixed Bag Action Thriller
Varun Dhawan finally steps into the action hero spotlight with Baby John, a high-octane Bollywood remake of Vijay’s 2016 Tamil blockbuster Theri. The film, though flawed, delivers moments of sheer entertainment and adrenaline-fueled action. Let’s dive deep into what makes this movie a breaking news highlight in Indian cinema.
What Is Baby John About?
The story revolves around Baby John (Varun Dhawan), a mild-mannered man living a quiet life with his daughter Khushi (Zara Zyanna) in Kerala. But things take a dramatic turn when a police officer recognizes him as IPS Satya Varma, revealing his hidden past as a fearless cop. The plot then transitions into a gripping flashback six years prior, where Satya battles injustice, corruption, and personal tragedy.
The First Half: A Choppy Start
The movie begins on an uneven note, with the initial 40 minutes struggling to find its footing. Baby John’s peaceful life is peppered with predictable moments of father-daughter bonding, which feel overly simplistic and fail to connect emotionally.
Director Atlee, known for hits like Jawan and Theri, relies on his tried-and-tested tropes, including double roles and dramatic action sequences. However, these elements take time to build up, leaving the audience yearning for a stronger narrative in the opening scenes.
Atlee’s Signature Elements
- Double Roles: A recurring theme in Atlee’s storytelling, reminiscent of SRK’s dual avatars in Jawan.
- Pigeons and Symbolism: The use of pigeons to create visual flair adds a familiar but slightly overdone touch.
- Social Message: A subtle commentary on justice and power dynamics, though it struggles to leave a lasting impact.
The Turning Point: Elevation Sequence
The movie takes a turn for the better with its first major action sequence, marking Satya’s transformation into a larger-than-life hero. Varun Dhawan shines in these moments, delivering punches and kicks with conviction, amplified by Sunil Rodrigues’ slick action choreography. The pulse-pounding background score by Thaman S elevates the tension, although his music tracks fall flat in comparison.
Second Half: A Resounding Comeback
The second half is where Baby John redeems itself. With gripping action scenes, powerful dialogues, and a charismatic villain, the movie keeps you hooked.
Jackie Shroff as Nanaji
Jackie Shroff excels as the menacing antagonist. His commanding screen presence and sharp dialogue delivery make him a worthy opponent to Varun’s heroic Satya. In masala entertainers like this, a strong villain is as crucial as the hero, and Jackie delivers in spades.
Supporting Cast Performances
- Keerthy Suresh as Meera: Making her Hindi debut, Keerthy impresses as Satya’s wife, although her character’s arc feels underdeveloped.
- Rajpal Yadav as Ramsevak: Provides much-needed comic relief, particularly with his hilarious commentary on comedy itself.
- Wamiqa Gabbi as Tara: Plays Khushi’s teacher and adds an unexpected twist, though her role feels more functional than impactful.
Action and Atmosphere: The Film’s Saving Grace
Action-packed sequences in the latter half breathe life into the film. Sunil Rodrigues’ choreography coupled with Thaman S’s dynamic score creates a perfect recipe for cinematic thrills. Scenes featuring Varun Dhawan single-handedly taking on adversaries are a treat for fans of the action genre.
Where Baby John Stumbles
Despite its high points, Baby John struggles with pacing and coherence. The first half’s slow build-up and lack of emotional depth might deter some viewers. Additionally, while the film carries a social message, its delivery feels forced and superficial.
Box Office: Day 1 Collections
Baby John opened to strong numbers at the Bollywood box office, raking in ₹15.6 crore on its first day. The movie performed exceptionally well in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, showcasing Varun Dhawan’s star power. Trade analysts are optimistic about the film crossing the ₹100 crore mark within its opening week, thanks to positive word of mouth and a strong weekend lineup.
Audience Reactions on Social Media
The audience has taken to social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram to share their reviews. Here’s a glimpse of what fans are saying:
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Twitter Buzz:
- "Varun Dhawan is on fire in #BabyJohn! Action scenes are next level!" - @cinebuff123
- "Jackie Shroff steals the show as the villain. Absolute legend!" - @moviegeek88
- "Could’ve been better paced, but the second half delivers big time." - @filmcriticfan
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Instagram Highlights:
- Fan pages are flooded with clips of the elevation scenes, particularly Varun’s high-octane fight sequences.
- Memes featuring Rajpal Yadav’s comedy lines have gone viral, adding to the film’s entertainment quotient.
Is Baby John Worth Watching?
If you’re a fan of masala entertainers with over-the-top action and charismatic performances, Baby John is worth a watch. Varun Dhawan’s portrayal of Satya/Baby John is his best attempt yet at cementing himself as an action star. Despite its shortcomings, the film’s high-energy sequences and stellar cast make it an entertaining ride.
Conclusion: A Headless Chicken That Finds Its Wings
Baby John is far from perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction for Varun Dhawan’s action career. With tighter editing and a more cohesive script, this film could have soared higher. Nevertheless, its engaging second half and powerful performances make it a memorable entry in the action genre.
FAQs
1. Is Baby John a remake of another movie?
Yes, Baby John is the Hindi remake of Vijay’s Tamil film Theri (2016).
2. How does Varun Dhawan perform in the film?
Varun delivers a solid performance, especially in the action sequences, marking a significant step in his career as an action star.
3. How much did Baby John collect on Day 1?
The film collected ₹15.6 crore on its opening day at the Bollywood box office.
4. Is the film family-friendly?
While the movie has intense action scenes, it’s largely family-friendly with moments of emotional bonding.
5. Where can I watch Baby John?
The movie is currently showing in theaters across India. Check your local listings for availability.
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