Varun Dhawan's latest venture, Baby John, has hit the theaters, bringing the excitement of action drama blended with familial drama to the big screen. This Hindi adaptation of the 2016 Tamil blockbuster Theri has created quite the buzz, but as early reviews pour in, it appears the film may be sailing on mixed waters.
The premise centers around John D'Silva (Dhawan), who leads a double life as a loving father and as the former DCP Satya Verma. After his past catches up with him, John's life spirals, forcing him to confront his nemesis, played by Jackie Shroff. The film combines typical action tropes with emotional stakes, though critics point out the screenplay might struggle to balance both effectively.
Right from the opening scenes where John's caring persona as a father is laid bare, the heartfelt relationship with his daughter Khushi (Zara Zyanna) sets the tone. The screenplay attempts to establish his love and protectiveness, particularly when Khushi's interactions with her teacher Tara (Wamiqa Gabbi) inadvertently expose John's hidden past. The transition from bakery owner to action hero is meant to evoke engagement, but many reviewers argue it falls short of the mark.
While some praise Dhawan's earnest portrayal of the conflicted hero, they also note it lacks the charming magic surrounding the original Theri. According to one review, "Varun Dhawan shines in parts, but the film falls flat." His performance, though competent, often feels overshadowed by the inherent familiarities of the narrative, which leans heavily on clichés typical to the action genre.
An unexpected highlight, as noted multiple times across various reviews, is the cameo appearance of Salman Khan, whose grand introduction has generated excitement on social media. His presence reportedly steals the spotlight, focusing attention away from the main cast. Critics on Twitter have celebrated this introduction as one of the most exhilarating moments of Baby John, marking Khan's effective campaign to reel audiences back to theaters.
Nevertheless, the film grapples with significant pacing issues, especially during the first half, where action sequences feel jarring amid lengthy exposition. Some critics irked by "shoddy execution of the screenplay and editing" argue this disrupts the film's emotional flow, making it challenging to engage fully. Even as the movie tries to ramp up the adrenaline, it fails to find the sweet spot where viewers can connect with the action sequences meaningfully.
Another recurring critique pertains to the character development—specifically for supporting roles like Tara and Meera (Keerthy Suresh). One reviewer highlights, “Wamiqa Gabbi is hugely underused,” pointing out the lack of depth to her character as the plot progresses. Similarly, Keerthy’s role appears to exist mainly to support Dhawan's character arc, leaving fans wanting more substance from her performance.
Jackie Shroff, playing the antagonist Babbar Sher, manages to garner positive mentions, with many praising his menacing demeanor. His presence adds weight to the film’s conflicts, with some reviews nodding to his compelling performance as the film's primary villain. Yet, even his character suffers from predictability, which many critics found disappointing.
The film's attempts to tackle pressing issues such as human trafficking, though serious, are often underplayed or overshadowed by mass appeal tropes. Critics have observed this disconnect, indicating how these themes could have been woven more effectively to create resonance with viewers. “Baby John thrives to shine in flashes but doesn't quite set the screen ablaze,” one review summarized, reflecting on its inability to balance the drama and action with substance.
Overall, Baby John showcases Varun Dhawan's ambition to emerge as Bollywood's action hero, delivering thrilling moments punctuated by massy heroism. Yet, the film grapples with considerable narrative flaws and pacing issues, making it more of a feast for the hardcore action aficionados rather than a family entertainer. It’s described as “an entertaining ride with flaws” by various reviewers—suggesting it may resonate best with those more forgiving of its shortcomings.
If you're seeking compelling storytelling intertwined with high-octane action, Baby John may leave you craving more. Regardless, with the festive season drawing audiences to theaters, the film could find its audience, supported by the star power of Dhawan and Khan. Now, the question remains: will Baby John be soaring at the box office, or will it fizzle out as yet another lackluster remake?
