Movie Review: Baby John

Source

Varun Dhawan Shines in a High-Octane Yet Predictable Action Drama. Bollywood’s year-end offering, Baby John, promises an explosive blend of action, emotion, and drama—delivering on spectacle, if not on originality. Directed by Kalees and penned by the trio of Atlee, Sumit Arora, and Kalees, the film rides on familiar tropes of revenge and redemption. What elevates it from being just another masala actioner is Varun Dhawan, who brings sincerity and swagger in equal measure.

Plot Snapshot:

John D’Silva (Varun Dhawan) appears to be a mild-mannered bakery owner and a doting single father to his adorable daughter Khushi (Zara Zyanna). Their peaceful life is disrupted when Tara (Wamiqa Gabbi), a teacher at Khushi’s school, saves a trafficked girl and ends up at the police station—unknowingly exposing John’s real identity: DCP Satya Verma, a once-fearless supercop with a deadly past.

The resurfacing of his true identity reawakens a vengeful enemy—Nana (Jackie Shroff), a powerful criminal whose son died at the hands of Satya. With Khushi’s life now under threat, Satya must shed his peaceful persona and embrace his violent past to protect the only person he loves.

Direction & Storytelling:

While Baby John sets up a strong emotional core—especially through the tender father-daughter bond and Satya’s mysterious past—the screenplay struggles to balance the dual timelines. The flashback sequences, particularly those involving his romance with Dr. Meera (Keerthy Suresh), feel mechanical and formulaic.

Director Kalees, in collaboration with Atlee, sticks to a safe, crowd-pleasing format: high-stakes drama, stylized action, slow-motion struts, and heavy background scores. Unfortunately, the narrative does little to surprise, as it closely follows the blueprint of several action dramas before it. However, a few playful self-references (like the “Bhediya” nod to Varun’s earlier film) offer light-hearted relief amid the intensity.

source

Performances:

• Varun Dhawan delivers a commendable performance, showcasing a matured balance between action heroism and emotional vulnerability. As both the gentle father and the tough-as-nails cop, he holds the screen confidently and carries much of the film’s emotional weight.

• Wamiqa Gabbi, though underutilized in terms of backstory, leaves an impact with her strong screen presence and conviction. Her chemistry with Varun adds freshness to the otherwise gritty narrative.

• Zara Zyanna, as Khushi, is the emotional heart of the film. Her moments with Varun are warm and believable, adding tenderness amid the tension.

• Jackie Shroff is in top villainous form as the menacing Nana. He brings gravitas and menace to his scenes, making his limited screen time memorable.

• Rajpal Yadav, in a supporting role as constable Sevakram, surprises with a blend of humor and earnestness, delivering more than just comic relief.

Technical Aspects & Action:

The film is a visual treat in parts, thanks to Kiran Koushik’s cinematography, which captures dynamic action sequences with slick flair. The use of pyrotechnics, fast-paced chase scenes, and slow-motion combat adds to the adrenaline, even if the execution sometimes outweighs narrative logic.

The background score and sound design play a pivotal role in heightening tension, although the soundtrack itself is largely forgettable.

Verdict:

Baby John is an action-packed drama that thrives on style and star power. While the plot is nothing we haven’t seen before, it’s Varun Dhawan’s earnest performance and the father-daughter dynamic that keep you invested. The film stumbles with a disjointed narrative and overused tropes, but offers just enough in terms of action and emotion to warrant a watch.

Watch it if:

• You’re a Varun Dhawan fan and want to see him in a more intense, action-packed role.

• You enjoy stylized Bollywood masala entertainers with emotional undertones.

• You like father-daughter bonding stories with a thriller edge.

 Skip it if:

• You’re expecting a fresh, unpredictable story.

• You’re not a fan of formulaic action films.

 Final Word:

“Baby John is all heart and high-flying fists—but it could’ve packed a stronger punch with a tighter, more original script.”

Critic’s Rating: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)