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The Bollywood film 'Baby John,' starring Varun Dhawan, has recently premiered to mixed reviews. The movie, a remake of the South Indian film 'Theri,' presents itself as an action-packed Christmas offering. However, critics have pointed out significant shortcomings that overshadow its attempts at delivering a thrilling, masala-style entertainer. The film's most glaring weakness lies in its reliance on a heavily borrowed script, failing to add enough originality to justify its existence in 2024, eight years after the original. This dependence on a pre-existing narrative, predictable even in its original iteration, robs 'Baby John' of its potential to surprise or engage viewers. The twists and turns, already apparent to audiences familiar with 'Theri,' are effortlessly anticipated, negating the suspense and excitement the filmmakers intended.
Beyond the plot's predictability, the film also suffers from an excessive reliance on violence. While the action choreography, courtesy of Sunil Rodrigues, is praised as robust and energetic, its sheer volume overwhelms the narrative. The relentless barrage of bloodbaths, meticulously orchestrated to provide a sense of sadistic pleasure, detracts from the film's emotional depth. The constant depiction of violence overshadows any attempt at character development or exploration of underlying themes, transforming the movie into a mere spectacle of action rather than a cohesive story. This overreliance on violence is further compounded by the lack of any real contemplation or emotional nuance, leaving viewers without the opportunity to connect with the characters or the story on a deeper level. Even the songs and dance sequences, normally a staple in Bollywood films, fail to break the monotony created by this constant deluge of violence.
The film's social messaging also comes under considerable scrutiny. The portrayal of a male savior figure, rescuing damsels in distress, feels outdated and problematic in the current cinematic landscape. The female characters, despite being played by competent actors such as Keerthy Suresh and Wamiqa Gabbi, are reduced to mere supporting roles, primarily serving to bolster the hero's image. Their roles lack substance, failing to contribute significantly to the narrative, and appearing as merely functional additions designed to enhance Varun Dhawan's persona. This stereotypical depiction of women reinforces outdated and potentially harmful gender roles, hindering the film's overall impact and resonating poorly with contemporary audiences who expect more nuanced and complex female characters. The filmmakers’ attempt to justify the violence through a vigilante justice narrative also falls flat, leaving the audience with a sense of unease and moral ambiguity.
Despite these shortcomings, some aspects of 'Baby John' receive positive comments. Varun Dhawan, in the role of Satya Varma, delivers a dedicated performance, pouring his heart into his characterization. Similarly, Jackie Shroff's portrayal of the villain, Babbar Sher, is noted for its memorable presence, showcasing the actor's considerable skill. The background score by Thaman is also highlighted for its energetic contribution to the action sequences. However, these individual strengths are ultimately insufficient to elevate the film above its fundamental weaknesses. The predictable plot, excessive violence, and questionable social messaging severely hamper its appeal, creating a movie that lacks coherence and falls short of its intended goal of delivering a satisfying and engaging cinematic experience.
In conclusion, 'Baby John' is a prime example of how a potentially gripping premise can be squandered by poor execution and a lack of originality. While individual performances and the background score manage to salvage some aspects of the film, the overwhelming reliance on a predictable plot, excessive violence, and problematic gender representation leave a lasting sense of disappointment. The film's attempts at emotional depth are buried beneath a cacophony of sound and action, leaving viewers with a sense of superficiality and a lack of genuine emotional connection. While the film might find its niche amongst fans of unrestrained action cinema, its overall impact is hampered by a narrative structure that is both predictable and troubling, ultimately diminishing the potential of a story that could have been much more impactful with more creative and thoughtful filmmaking.
Source: ‘Baby John’ movie review: Varun Dhawan rings in Christmas with a cacophonic entertainer