Baby John (2024) – A Complete Overview
“Baby John” is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language action thriller directed by Kalees. The film is a remake of the 2016 Tamil movie Theri, originally directed by Atlee. Starring Varun Dhawan in the lead role, alongside Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jackie Shroff, and Zara Zyanna, Baby John is a high-octane drama blending action, emotion, and intense storytelling.
Plot Summary
The movie follows the story of John D’Silva, a seemingly ordinary restaurateur living a peaceful life in Alappuzha, Kerala, with his young daughter, Khushi. However, John’s past holds a dangerous secret—he was once a formidable Deputy Commissioner of Police. When his past enemies resurface, he is forced to protect his daughter from those seeking revenge.
As the story unfolds, viewers witness the transformation of John from a devoted father to a relentless warrior who stops at nothing to ensure his daughter’s safety. His battle against powerful foes leads to an action-packed showdown that highlights the themes of justice, redemption, and sacrifice.
Cast and Characters
- Varun Dhawan as John D’Silva/Baby John
The protagonist, a former DCP who has left behind his past but is compelled to return to action. - Keerthy Suresh as Tara
Making her Bollywood debut, she plays Khushi’s teacher and plays a crucial role in John’s life. - Wamiqa Gabbi
Her character adds depth to the story with an emotional subplot. - Zara Zyanna as Khushi
John’s daughter, the emotional core of the story. - Jackie Shroff as Babbar Sher
The film’s main antagonist, a menacing figure with a personal vendetta against John.
Direction and Production
Directed by Kalees, Baby John is a commercial entertainer packed with action, drama, and emotional moments. The movie stays true to its Tamil original while making necessary changes to cater to the Hindi-speaking audience. The cinematography, action choreography, and production design play a crucial role in delivering a grand cinematic experience.
Music and Soundtrack
Composed by Thaman S, the film’s soundtrack is a mix of adrenaline-pumping action scores and soulful melodies. The background score effectively amplifies the intensity of action sequences, while the songs contribute to the emotional and romantic moments in the narrative.
Critical Reception
Upon release, Baby John received a mixed response from critics. While some praised the film for its action sequences, performances, and emotional core, others pointed out pacing issues and predictability in the storyline. Varun Dhawan’s performance was particularly appreciated, with many calling it one of his best roles in an action-thriller.
Box Office Performance
Despite the star power and hype, Baby John struggled at the box office. The film opened with decent numbers but saw a decline in collections in the following days. It faced tough competition from other releases, leading to a shorter theatrical run in many cinemas.
Jackie Shroff’s Role as Babbar Sher
Jackie Shroff’s portrayal of Babbar Sher, the ruthless antagonist, stood out. His intense screen presence and dialogue delivery made him a compelling villain. The makers unveiled his first look during Dussehra, creating buzz around his menacing character.
Varun Dhawan’s Take on Baby John
Varun Dhawan described Baby John as more than just a character, calling it an emotional journey and one of his most challenging roles. His performance was noted for its depth, balancing intense action sequences with heartfelt emotional moments.
Conclusion
Baby John delivers a mix of action and emotion, making it a gripping watch for fans of commercial entertainers. While it may not have been a massive box-office success, it remains a noteworthy entry in Varun Dhawan’s filmography, showcasing his versatility. The film’s powerful performances and well-executed action sequences make it an engaging watch for Bollywood action lovers.