Baby John Review: Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi movie is high on style but low on substance and novelty

Plot

As an avid film enthusiast who has seen countless movies spanning various genres and cultures, I must say that Baby John left me with a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, the action sequences were thrilling, the background score was powerful, and Varun Dhawan’s performance was commendable. But on the other hand, the narrative felt formulaic, lacking depth in its exploration of the serious issue of women’s exploitation.

In this rephrased version, the story revolves around the character of Baby John, portrayed by Varun Dhawan, who presents himself as a tranquil man living in Kerala with his daughter Khushi (Zara Zyanna) and friend Ram Sevak (Rajpal Yadav). To the public, Baby John is a symbol of serenity, but his past as a tough inspector comes to light when Khushi’s teacher (Wamiqa Gabbi) uncovers his hidden identity. The plot then takes us six years back in time, where we find Baby John married and engaged in a heated conflict with Babar Sher (Jacky Shroff), a powerful individual abusing young women. The movie focuses on Baby John’s quest for justice to avenge the plight of his wife Meera (Keerthy Suresh) and his struggle against the oppression of women.

What Works for Baby John

One notable aspect of Baby John is its powerful soundtrack that intensifies the emotional and action-packed moments throughout the film. The scenes leading up to the interval and the confrontations are exceptionally done, delivering intense action sequences that keep viewers hooked. A memorable action scene featuring Rajpal Yadav is particularly noteworthy due to its skillful choreography and execution. Furthermore, various action sequences within the movie are visually stunning and impactful, contributing to its overall entertainment value. Lastly, Varun Dhawan’s introductory scene at the start of the movie is impressive, and it would be wonderful if more Hindi film actors were given such attention in their title cards.

What Doesn’t Work for Baby John

As a lifestyle expert, I must confess my disappointment with Baby John, as it falls short in delivering a compelling narrative when tackling such a weighty subject matter, namely women’s exploitation. The storyline feels overly familiar and predictable, relying on tired tropes that fail to provide fresh insights or depth to the topic at hand. Scenes like the one where Baby John engages with a rowdy group in a school classroom seem out of place and disrupt the overall flow of the movie. The placement of songs within the film is awkward, causing disruption in its pacing and cohesion. The second half of the movie lacks the charm and humor found in the first, resulting in an inconsistent tone throughout. Unfortunately, there are no shocking twists or innovative aspects that would distinguish Baby John from other films of its genre.

Watch the Baby John Trailer

Performances in Baby John

In this film, Varun Dhawan gives a noteworthy performance, demonstrating a strong commitment to his character as Baby John. The rising star Zara Zyanna skillfully portrays Khushi, although her lines can sometimes be difficult to understand. Wamiqa Gabbi delivers a solid performance as the teacher, but her limited screen time prevents her from making a more substantial impact. Keerthy Suresh excels in her role as Meera, adding a touch of sweetness and emotion to each scene. Rajpal Yadav has a few standout moments that highlight his acting abilities. Jacky Shroff’s portrayal of Babar Sher seems somewhat over-the-top. Overall, the supporting cast delivers adequate performances considering the material they have been given.

Final Verdict of Baby John

In simpler terms, the movie “Baby John” tries to address a significant social problem, but unfortunately, its approach is too simplistic and relies heavily on common storylines, which can be found in many other movies. The action scenes and music are well-done, but the film fails to offer a fresh or profound perspective on its theme. It may appeal to those who prefer straightforward action dramas, but it doesn’t have the emotional or intellectual impact needed to make a lasting impression.

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2024-12-25 08:37