Name: Baby John
Director: Kalees
Cast: Varun Dhawan, Wamiqa Gabbi, Keerthy Suresh, Jackie Shroff, Rajpal Yadav, Sheeba Chaddha, Zara Zyanna
Rating: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)

Plot

In Baby John, Varun Dhawan stars as Inspector Satya Verma, a man leading a dual life in the tranquil surroundings of Kerala. Known locally by his alias, Baby John, he enjoys a peaceful existence with his daughter Khushi (Zara Zyanna) and his loyal friend Ram Sevak (Rajpal Yadav). However, his seemingly serene life takes a dramatic turn when Khushi’s teacher (Wamiqa Gabbi) stumbles upon his dark past.

Through flashbacks, we learn about Baby John’s life six years earlier, where he battled the nefarious Babar Sher (Jackie Shroff), a ruthless figure involved in exploiting young women. The narrative delves into his quest for justice following the tragic loss of his wife, Meera (Keerthy Suresh), and his struggle to protect the vulnerable from exploitation.

Fashion and Costumes in Baby John

The film makes a conscious effort to integrate style into its characters, with costumes that reflect their personalities. Varun Dhawan as Baby John exudes rugged charm, often seen in earthy tones and well-fitted casual wear that align with his dual life as a peaceful father and fierce inspector. Keerthy Suresh’s wardrobe as Meera brings elegance and warmth, with soft fabrics and traditional attire enhancing her on-screen presence.

Wamiqa Gabbi, playing the teacher, opts for minimalistic yet chic outfits, perfectly complementing her no-nonsense role. Jackie Shroff’s Babar Sher sports bold and loud ensembles, reinforcing his menacing aura. The overall styling of the characters is sleek and on point, adding to the visual appeal of the film without overpowering the narrative.

What Works

Baby John shines in moments of high-octane action and with its gripping background score, which effectively amplifies the intensity of crucial scenes. The pre-interval sequences pack a punch, delivering a blend of adrenaline-pumping action and emotional gravitas.

Rajpal Yadav’s well-choreographed action scene serves as a standout moment, demonstrating both creativity and execution. Visually, the film excels in certain action blocks that are vibrant and impactful, immersing the audience in the spectacle. Even small details, like Varun Dhawan’s electrifying title card at the film’s onset, add to its cinematic flair.

What Falls Short

Despite its stylistic strengths, Baby John struggles to rise above mediocrity due to its shallow storytelling and reliance on predictable tropes. The film’s treatment of the sensitive issue of women’s exploitation is disappointingly superficial, failing to bring any fresh perspective to the table.

Scenes like Baby John’s unnecessary confrontation with a group of drunkards in a school detract from the narrative flow. Additionally, the placement of songs feels abrupt and disrupts the film’s pacing. While the first half attempts to balance seriousness with lighter moments, the second half turns increasingly grim, leading to tonal inconsistency.

Ultimately, Baby John lacks the surprises and originality needed to stand out in a crowded genre, leaving its story feeling formulaic and uninspired.

Performances

Varun Dhawan gives an earnest performance, capturing both the intensity and emotional vulnerability of his character. Zara Zyanna as Khushi delivers a heartfelt portrayal, though her dialogue delivery could have been clearer.

Keerthy Suresh brings emotional weight to the film with her role as Meera, leaving a lasting impression despite limited screen time. Wamiqa Gabbi, while effective, is underutilized in a role that could have been more substantial.

Rajpal Yadav provides a few impactful moments, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Jackie Shroff’s portrayal of Babar Sher, however, leans too heavily on caricature, reducing the menace and depth of his character.

Final Verdict

Baby John is a film that promises intensity but falters in delivering substance. Its visually compelling action sequences and a stirring background score are its saving graces, but the lack of narrative depth and innovative storytelling weighs it down.

For fans of straightforward action dramas, Baby John might provide some entertainment. However, those looking for a thoughtful or gripping experience may find it underwhelming.

Catch Baby John in theaters now and decide for yourself. Share your thoughts with us!