Baby John (2024) Review: Varun Dhawan Shines in an Uneven Action Drama
A caring father by day, a fearless cop from the past – Varun Dhawan takes on dual roles in this Hindi remake of Tamil hit ‘Theri’. But does this action-drama deliver on its promising premise?
The Story Unfolds
In the serene backwaters of Alappuzha, Kerala, John D’Silva (Varun Dhawan) leads a seemingly ordinary life running his bakery and doting on his daughter Khushi (Zara Zyanna). His peaceful existence takes an unexpected turn when his daughter’s compassionate teacher Tara (Wamiqa Gabbi) accidentally unveils his hidden identity while rescuing a trafficking victim. Behind the gentle baker lies DCP Satya Varma, a former police officer with a past that’s about to catch up with him.
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Performance Highlights
Varun Dhawan demonstrates remarkable versatility in his dual avatar. As John, he brings warmth and tenderness to his scenes with young Khushi, while his portrayal of DCP Varma carries the commanding presence expected of a senior police officer. The transformation between these contrasting personalities feels natural and convincing.
Wamiqa Gabbi brings depth to her role as Tara, though the character could have been better developed. Jackie Shroff as the antagonist Nana delivers a menacing performance, creating genuine tension in his scenes. Veteran comedian Rajpal Yadav provides much-needed comic relief, breaking the intensity at crucial moments.
Technical Aspects
The film’s cinematography captures Kerala’s lush landscapes beautifully, creating a striking contrast with the intense action sequences. The background score complements both the tender family moments and high-stakes confrontations, though it occasionally overwhelms dialogue-heavy scenes.
Where It Falls Short
At 161 minutes, the film struggles with pacing issues, particularly in its second half. The narrative often meanders, taking detours that add little to the core story. While the action sequences are well-choreographed, they sometimes feel repetitive and could have been trimmed for better impact.
The screenplay’s attempts to weave between past and present aren’t always seamless, occasionally disrupting the narrative flow. The emotional core of the story – the father-daughter relationship – while touching, doesn’t reach the depths achieved in the original Tamil version.
What Works
The film excels in its quieter moments, particularly in scenes showcasing the bond between John and Khushi. These sequences provide a welcome respite from the action and reveal Dhawan’s growth as an actor. The production values are solid, and the action choreography, when not overdone, delivers impressive sequences.
Final Verdict
“Baby John” is a mixed bag that showcases Varun Dhawan’s evolution as an actor but falls short of its full potential. While it offers entertaining moments and solid performances, the film’s uneven pacing and familiar plot points prevent it from becoming more than the sum of its parts.
Rating: ★★½ / ★★★★★
Best For: Fans of Varun Dhawan and viewers who enjoy action dramas with family elements
Watch Time: 161 minutes
Genre: Action Drama
Language: Hindi
Release Date: December 25, 2024
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