Baby John Movie Review: A Predictable Action Flick with Flashy Moments

In the world of action films, most follow a similar blueprint: a wronged hero or righteous cop takes on a powerful antagonist, only for the plot to culminate in a final showdown. The challenge for filmmakers is to make their film memorable despite its predictability. This brings us to Baby John, starring Varun Dhawan in his first full-blown action role. While the film does have its moments of fun, it struggles to rise above its formulaic narrative.

Baby John Plot Overview:

The story revolves around Baby John (Varun Dhawan), a man living peacefully with his young daughter, Khushi (Zara Zyanna), in a quiet corner of Kerala. Baby John avoids confrontation, but his past comes rushing back when a cop calls him by his real name, ‘Satya.’ The film takes us into a flashback, revealing Satya as an IPS officer dedicated to justice. His life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes involved in the case of a teenage girl who is raped and murdered by the son of a powerful man, Nanaji (Jackie Shroff). The story then unfolds into a familiar tale of vengeance, justice, and an intense battle against power.

The Hits and Misses:

The film begins on a slow and choppy note, with little direction in its initial stages. The chemistry between the characters, especially between Baby John and his daughter, doesn’t quite resonate, leaving the first 40 minutes feeling aimless. Director Atlee, who is known for delivering hits like Jawan and Theri, struggles to find the right pace here. The film suffers from a lack of soul in the early portions, with a predictable narrative that doesn’t spark much interest.

However, things begin to pick up after the intermission, when the much-awaited action sequences start to hit their stride. Varun Dhawan, who initially seems underwhelming, finally finds his rhythm in the second half. His action scenes, choreographed by Sunil Rodrigues, feel authentic, and you can finally feel the intensity when he lands a punch. The background score by Thaman S also elevates the action, creating a gripping atmosphere that the film desperately needed.

What truly makes the film more engaging is Jackie Shroff’s portrayal of the antagonist, Nanaji. A strong villain is essential to a masala potboiler, and Jackie delivers a menacing and compelling performance, making the hero-villain dynamic truly enjoyable.

Wamiqa Gabbi, as Tara (Khushi’s teacher), has little impact on the story, and her character feels somewhat unnecessary. On the other hand, Keerthy Suresh, in her Hindi debut as Meera (Satya’s wife), plays her part well, though her character arc falls flat as she is reduced to the stereotypical loving wife and mother.

Final Verdict:

Baby John doesn’t offer much that stands out apart from its action-packed moments. It’s a watchable film if you’re a fan of high-octane action, but the dull music and a lackluster first half hold it back. The film might be enjoyable for those who can overlook the predictable plot and the forgettable songs. However, a word of advice—please stop wasting Salman Khan in cameo roles for every other film. How many times are we going to see him in a guest appearance?

In conclusion, Baby John is a mass entertainer that delivers in terms of action but falters in many other departments, making it an average watch overall.