Star Cast: Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, Jackie Shroff, Wamiqa Gabbi, Rajpal Yadav, Zara Zyanna
Director: Kalees
Language: Hindi
Available On: Theatrical Release
Runtime: 159 minutes
“Baby John” is Varun Dhawan’s latest action-packed film, directed by Kalees and written by Atlee. While Dhawan gives his all, the movie falls short due to weak writing, scattered screenplay, and awkward moments that fail to land.
What’s Good:
Varun Dhawan’s undeniable dedication, thrilling background scores, some action-packed scenes, and a fun Salman Khan cameo.
What’s Bad:
The movie suffers from uneven execution, a poorly structured screenplay, plot holes, weak emotional connect, and some cringe-worthy dialogue. Not all performances land, and the action sequences sometimes defy logic.
Loo Break:
Take a breather during the random, unnecessary soundtracks that do nothing to progress the plot.
Watch or Not?
For die-hard fans of Varun Dhawan and Salman Khan, this might be a fun watch. But for others, “Baby John” is best saved for a casual OTT viewing.
Baby John Movie Plot Summary:
Varun Dhawan plays John D’silva, a baker living a quiet life with his daughter Khushi (Zara Zyanna). But soon, we discover that John is hiding a secret: he was once DCP Satya Verma, a man haunted by tragedy. When an old enemy, Babbar Sher (Jackie Shroff), re-emerges, Satya must confront his past to protect his daughter and settle old scores.
Script Analysis:
The movie’s biggest flaw is its writing. The plot is riddled with inconsistencies from the start. How does Satya easily assume a new identity and open a bakery without anyone suspecting him? Why do the characters execute dangerous plans with such ease? These and other plot holes detract from the viewing experience.
The screenplay lacks flow, with jarring shifts between scenes and songs that feel out of place. The dialogue also leaves much to be desired, often coming off as awkward or cringe-worthy. For instance, Varun’s line during a fight, “Mere Jaise Toh Kahi Aye Hai But Main Pehle Aya Hun,” or when he tells his wife, “Tum Meri Dusri Ma Ho,” feel forced and out of context. These moments hinder the film’s emotional impact.
Even Satya’s transformation into a vigilante doesn’t feel fully realized. And despite the movie’s best efforts, the chemistry between Varun Dhawan and Keerthy Suresh’s characters never quite connects.
Star Performance:
Varun Dhawan undoubtedly shines in “Baby John,” pushing himself beyond his comfort zone to bring both John and Satya to life. He especially excels in the action sequences and shares a heartwarming rapport with Zara Zyanna, who plays his daughter. However, in more emotional moments, there are signs of struggle.
Keerthy Suresh and Wamiqa Gabbi perform well but are held back by the script. Their characters deserved more depth. Meanwhile, Jackie Shroff’s villainous Babbar Sher comes off as a bit exaggerated. Sheeba Chadha is a delightful presence, and Rajpal Yadav surprises in a more action-oriented role.
Direction and Music:
Directors Kalees and Atlee attempt to recreate the high-octane thrill of “Theri,” but “Baby John” stumbles due to a disjointed screenplay and clumsy storytelling. While the action scenes deliver at times, they often lack logic, and the songs feel randomly inserted, disrupting the flow. Only the “Beast Mode” background score by Rajakumari stands out with its infectious energy.
The Last Word:
“Baby John” had the potential to be an exciting remake, but poor execution and numerous flaws overshadow the few bright spots. While Salman Khan’s cameo adds some spice, it’s not enough to save the film from mediocrity. Ultimately, Varun Dhawan’s hard work can only take it so far, and “Baby John” is a forgettable action flick that might find a better home on OTT platforms.
