Baby John’ follows the life of John (played by Varun Dhawan), a seemingly ordinary baker in Alappuzha, who lives a quiet, blissful life with his precocious daughter, Khushi (Zara Zyanna). Their idyllic existence is complemented by the presence of Khushi’s schoolteacher, Tara (Wamiqa Gabbi).
However, trouble brews when a group of goons disrupt their peaceful lives, revealing that John’s harmless demeanor is a façade. As the story unfolds, John’s mysterious past and the true extent of his capabilities come to light.
If you’ve seen the trailer—or the original ‘Theri’—you already know the beats: the flashbacks, the hero’s transformation, and the climactic showdown. Unfortunately, ‘Baby John’ sticks too closely to its source material, failing to bring anything fresh to the narrative.
Varun Dhawan’s Struggle to Step Into Vijay’s Shoes
Stepping into a role made iconic by Tamil superstar Vijay is no easy feat, and Varun Dhawan’s portrayal of John proves that. While Dhawan delivers a sincere performance, his attempt to replicate the mass-hero charisma of Vijay feels forced. The swagger, punch dialogues, and larger-than-life persona that Vijay effortlessly embodied in ‘Theri’ are noticeably absent here.
The action sequences, though well-choreographed, lack the gravitas needed to make them memorable. Moments meant to elicit whistles and applause from the audience fall flat, leaving viewers feeling disconnected from the character’s journey.
Jackie Shroff’s Over-the-Top Villain
One of the most significant missteps in ‘Baby John’ is Jackie Shroff’s portrayal of the antagonist, Babbar Sher. In the original, the role was played by veteran filmmaker Mahendran, whose restrained yet menacing performance elevated the character.
Shroff, however, opts for a caricatured approach, with exaggerated expressions and erratic behavior that make his character more comical than intimidating. His antics, paired with an overly loud background score by Thaman, diminish the tension that the narrative seeks to build.
Graphic Violence and Overdone Tragedy
The remake takes creative liberties in ramping up the emotional and visual intensity. While ‘Theri’ centered on a single traumatic incident, ‘Baby John’ introduces a slew of missing girls and graphic violence against women to heighten the stakes. This approach feels gratuitous, as the excessive tragedy detracts from the story rather than adding depth.
The narrative also leans heavily on melodrama, with scenes that border on being manipulative. For instance, the inclusion of a grieving, disabled father (played by Kaali Venkat) feels like an attempt to wring out extra sympathy from the audience, rather than a meaningful addition to the plot.
Wamiqa Gabbi and Keerthy Suresh: Tokenistic Female Roles
Wamiqa Gabbi, as the schoolteacher Tara, is given slightly more to do than Amy Jackson in the original. However, her character still feels underwritten, serving primarily as a prop to highlight the hero’s virtues.
Keerthy Suresh, as Meera, brings charm and warmth to the flashback portions. Yet, the romance feels dated, failing to resonate with contemporary Hindi film audiences. Despite the talent of both actresses, their characters lack the depth and agency to make a lasting impact.
High-Octane Action Meets Mythological Undertones
The film’s action sequences are ambitious, with stunts involving horses, slow-motion shots, and gravity-defying choreography. These moments, however, teeter on the edge of disbelief, requiring viewers to suspend logic entirely.
While such sequences are common in mass entertainers, they work only when the narrative builds a strong emotional connection with the audience—a connection that ‘Baby John’ struggles to establish.
A Franchise in the Making?
A surprise cameo by Salman Khan hints at the possibility of turning ‘Baby John’ into a franchise. While this might excite die-hard fans of the actor, the film itself doesn’t lay a strong enough foundation for a series.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
‘Baby John’ had the potential to be an exciting cultural crossover, bringing the essence of ‘Theri’ to a new audience. However, its lack of originality, over-reliance on melodrama, and uneven performances make it a pale imitation of the original.
For viewers who’ve watched ‘Theri’, this remake offers little novelty. For those new to the story, it may come across as a generic action-drama with sporadic moments of brilliance.
If ‘Baby John’ hopes to find success, it will need to rely heavily on Varun Dhawan’s star power and the curiosity of audiences unfamiliar with the Tamil classic. Otherwise, this baby might just be put to bed.