The film ‘Baby John’, starring Varun Dhawan, attempts to blend action and emotional drama but ultimately falls short of delivering a compelling narrative. The story revolves around John D’Silva, a bakery owner and single father, who is revealed to be a former cop named DCP Satya Verma. His seemingly peaceful life is disrupted when his past resurfaces, forcing him to confront an old enemy, Nana, played by Jackie Shroff. While the premise holds promise, the execution leaves much to be desired.
The film’s pacing is uneven, particularly in its first half, where it struggles to establish a coherent flow. The initial charm of John’s relationship with his daughter Khushi is overshadowed by a clunky transition into flashbacks that delve into his past as a police officer. This shift feels jarring and disrupts the emotional connection that could have been developed between the characters. The screenplay suffers from predictable tropes and unconvincing plot points, such as how easily John adopts a new identity without raising suspicion or how Tara, Khushi’s teacher, remains oblivious to John’s true nature.
Varun Dhawan’s performance is commendable; he effectively portrays both the loving father and the tough cop. His ability to switch between these roles showcases his versatility as an actor. However, despite his efforts, the emotional weight of the film is diluted by a lack of depth in character development. The chemistry between Dhawan and Zara Zyanna, who plays Khushi, is heartwarming and provides some of the film’s more engaging moments. Yet, other relationships in the film, particularly with Wamiqa Gabbi’s character Tara and Keerthy Suresh’s Meera, feel underdeveloped and clichéd.
The action sequences are one of the film’s highlights, featuring well-choreographed stunts that deliver excitement. Kiran Koushik’s cinematography enhances these moments with dynamic camera work and effective use of pyrotechnics. However, the overall impact of these sequences is diminished by a lack of originality in their execution. The film often resorts to familiar action clichés that fail to elevate it beyond the average Bollywood fare.
While ‘Baby John’ does have its entertaining moments—such as witty dialogues and references to Dhawan’s previous works—the film ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. It could have explored deeper themes surrounding fatherhood and redemption but instead opts for a formulaic approach that lacks innovation. The background score by Thaman adds some intensity but does not compensate for the film’s narrative shortcomings.
In conclusion, ‘Baby John’ stands as an action-packed yet incoherent film that struggles to balance its dual identity as both an emotional drama and an action entertainer. Varun Dhawan shines in his role but cannot fully salvage a script that falters under its own weight. Fans of Dhawan may find some enjoyment in his performance, but others may be left wanting more substance from this cinematic experience.
Movie rating: ★★½
