Baby John (2024) Review!!

Synopsis – Revolve around a DCP who transforms and travels to different place in order to safeguard his family.

My Take – While the hype around ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule‘ refuses to slow down as the numbers continue to pour in record breakingly, yet another mass action thriller has arrived, hoping to revel in the period of holidays between Christmas and the New Year. Even though it has garnered more attention for including a cameo from a particular superstar.

A remake of the popular Thalapathy Vijay led 2016 Tamil film ‘Theri‘ directed by Atlee, who this time around sticks to producer duties and passes on the baton to former assistant Kalees to (re) create a Hindi entertainer that effectively blends emotions, high-octane action, romance, and music while delivering a meaningful message.

With the result being something that is decently enjoyable on its own merits as its mindlessly mish-mashes elements from several films from the southern belt that have released over the last decade, albeit cranked up several notches.

Yes, like most films of this kind, the story doesn’t bringing anything fresh to the table, and in terms of delivery it could have been more impactful. Nevertheless, backed by S. Thaman‘s incredible score that elevates the cinematic experience, the screenplay, which has been straight-up designed to hit that mass-appeal sweet spot, the narrative manages to maintain the entertainment quotient throughout its 159 minute run time.

Most surprisingly, it is very successful in presenting Varun Dhawan, a capable performer mostly stuck between decent romances and poorly made comedies, as a true larger than life action hero with the right mix of swagger and character depth. From portraying fearlessness to vulnerability and humor, Dhawan proves to be a complete package whose high-energy performances in the dance numbers are specifically noteworthy.

The story follows John D’Silva (Varun Dhawan), who lives a quiet and content life with his 5 Year Old daughter Khushi (Zara Zyanna) and owns a small bakery in Alappuzha, Kerala. However, his dark past comes knocking, when Khushi’s teacher Tara (Wamiqa Gabbi) unwittingly uses him to save a young girl from being trafficked.

Learning that John is none other than Satya Verma, who was once a revered DCP and the husband of Dr. Meera (Keerthy Suresh). For whom a confrontation with Nanaji (Jackie Shroff), a dreaded criminal, proved to be a turning point in his life. Forcing him to leave the police force and go into hiding. Now with Khushi’s life once again in danger, John is forced to choose between staying in the present as a non-violent common man or step back into his past ways to protect her.

Right from the first frame, the film is a signature Atlee creation. Be it Varun Dhawan‘s police officer avatar, pigeons flying during his entry, or the songs between the lead couple. The script written by Atlee, Sumit Arora and Kalees sticks to a tried-and-tested formula, with familiar tropes like kidnappers exploiting children and a hero rising against crime.

Yet, John and Khushi’s endearing bond sets the tone, with lighthearted moments featuring Tara. And after an overstretched first half, the film does well in crafting a tighter and more interesting second half. Like Jawan (2023), it doesn’t shy away from addressing two critical social issues—women’s safety and child trafficking.

With its powerful narrative, the film urges the audience to reflect on their collective responsibility to bring about change and does a commendable job of blending these serious topics with entertainment, sparking conversations that are vital in today’s world.

As an action entertainer, the stunt choreography offers some exciting sequences, as Kiran Koushik’s cinematography adds flair with sleek camera angles. Thaman’s background score is quite exceptional, taking the film’s emotional and action-packed scenes to the next level. The music perfectly complements the tone, creating a seamless blend of intensity and emotion. Songs like Nain Matakka and Bandobast have already become chartbusters, and they will surely make you groove to their beats.

Performances wise, Varun Dhawan impresses, balancing a dual role as a caring father and a fearless cop. His performance adds depth and conviction to the otherwise predictable narrative. Keerthy Suresh’s Hindi debut is another highlight of the film. Bringing grace and charm, even in her limited screen time, Keerthy proves she’s a talent to watch out for.

Wamiqa Gabbi stands out with her screen presence, though her character’s background as an undercover cop remains unexplored. Jackie Shroff’s menacing villain leaves a lasting impression, making the most of his screen time. Rajpal Yadav as a trusted aide, is a delightful surprise, offering more than just comic relief. Zara Zyanna too is a revelation, with her innocent charm and natural turn. On the whole, ‘Baby John‘ is a regular mass entertainer that is fun enough to create a worthwhile experience.