Baby John Movie Review: Varun Dhawan Shines in Action, But Kalees’ ‘Theri’ Remake Lacks Depth and Cohesion

Action films often follow a predictable narrative: a virtuous protagonist suffers a personal loss at the hands of a powerful villain, setting the stage for a journey of revenge.

Baby John attempts to elevate this formula as Varun Dhawan takes center stage in his first full-fledged action film. A remake of Vijay’s 2016 Tamil hit Theri, the film introduces Dhawan in a massy avatar as he seeks to cement his place in the action genre.

The story unfolds in Kerala, where Baby John lives a quiet life with his young daughter Khushi (played by Zara Zyanna).

John appears unassuming, avoiding conflict, until a chance encounter reveals his past identity as IPS officer Satya Varma.

A flashback reveals Satya’s tragic history: his righteous efforts to expose corruption led to devastating consequences, forcing him to leave his former life behind. What follows is a classic tale of vengeance and redemption.

A Shaky Start and Uneven Narrative

The initial 40 minutes of Baby John are a slog. The father-daughter dynamic, while intended to be heartwarming, fails to create an emotional connection.

The screenplay lacks direction, making it difficult to stay engaged. Atlee—the creative force behind Theri and Jawan who also contributed to this story—reuses familiar elements, such as the dual-role trope and grandiose hero entries. While these techniques worked in past projects, they feel uninspired here.

The film gains momentum only around the intermission, when Varun Dhawan’s action sequences take center stage.

Sunil Rodrigues’ choreography of the high-octane stunts brings energy, complemented by Thaman S’s intense background score. Unfortunately, the dull musical numbers detract from the overall experience.

Strong Performances but Underwhelming Characters

Varun Dhawan’s performance is earnest, and he appears to relish the opportunity to embrace a mass-action hero persona. His portrayal is most convincing in the film’s action-packed moments.

However, his character, Satya, feels inconsistent. The narrative alternates between depicting him as a righteous officer and a cocky individual, leaving viewers conflicted about his moral compass.

For instance, his mocking of a grieving father after a violent encounter feels unnecessarily harsh.

Keerthy Suresh, making her Hindi film debut as Meera, delivers a charming performance but is saddled with a stereotypical role.

Her character transitions from a career-driven doctor to a conventional homemaker, reducing her to a one-dimensional archetype. Wamiqa Gabbi, as Khushi’s schoolteacher, has little impact and struggles to find chemistry with Dhawan.

Jackie Shroff excels as the primary antagonist, delivering a stylish and menacing performance. His presence adds gravitas to the story, though his character’s development remains superficial.

Rajpal Yadav emerges as a surprise highlight, delivering comedic lines and even participating in action scenes that drew cheers from audiences.

The Influence of Atlee and Masala Tropes

Baby John is heavily influenced by Atlee’s signature style, which blends emotional beats with masala action. The film borrows heavily from Theri, often feeling like a rehash rather than a fresh take.

Iconic Atlee trademarks—like pigeons fluttering during dramatic moments and hero-centric slow-motion shots—are used excessively, to the point of redundancy.

The climax pushes the boundaries of believability, featuring Satya fighting villains on horseback. While this scene might elicit whistles in theaters, it’s emblematic of the film’s over-the-top approach.

Salman Khan’s cameo as Agent Bhai Jaan provides a momentary respite with his trademark swagger and playful banter with Dhawan, but it adds little substance to the narrative.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The film’s strengths lie in its action sequences and background score. Thaman S’s music enhances the atmosphere, though the songs fail to leave a lasting impression.

Varun Dhawan’s earnest effort and Jackie Shroff’s charisma elevate the film’s watchability, while Rajpal Yadav provides unexpected entertainment.

However, the weak first act, underdeveloped characters, and lack of emotional depth hinder Baby John from achieving greatness.

The film’s attempt to address issues like women’s safety feels superficial, and the dialogue—often literal translations from the Tamil original—occasionally borders on unintentionally comedic.

Final Verdict

Baby John is a masala entertainer that delivers on action but falters in storytelling.

While fans of Varun Dhawan and the action genre may appreciate its high-octane moments, the film’s lack of heart and uneven execution make it a missed opportunity.

With stronger writing and a more balanced approach, it could have transcended its formulaic roots.

For now, Baby John offers a passable diversion for those seeking a dose of cinematic heroics, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression.