โBaby Johnโ Review: Varun Dhawan Impresses, But Fans of Theri May Find Themselves Longing for the Original
The Hindi remake Baby John, starring Varun Dhawan, attempts to reimagine the Tamil classic Theri, but it leaves fans of the original in a bittersweet space. Directed by Kalees, the action-drama follows the life of DCP Satya Verma, a cop turned protective father, battling his past and protecting his daughter from vengeful enemies. While Baby John tries to capture the magic of Theri, it struggles to bring the same emotional intensity that resonated with audiences back in 2016.
Story Overview: A Familiar Tale with a New Face
The film revolves around DCP Satya Verma (Varun Dhawan), a fearless police officer whose life takes a tragic turn when a corrupt politician (Jackie Shroff) targets his family. Satya’s wife (Keerthy Suresh) is killed in the attack, forcing him to escape his past to protect his young daughter. Adopting a new identity, Satya tries to lead a quiet life but is pulled back into action when his enemies return.
While the storyline stays loyal to the original Theri, Baby John takes a more Bollywood-style approach, focusing heavily on stylized action sequences and flashy set designs. Unfortunately, the emotional depth that made Theri such a memorable experience often takes a backseat here.
The Emotional Tug of Theri
Watching Baby John, fans of Theri may find themselves constantly comparing the two filmsโand for good reason. The heart-wrenching emotions, particularly in the father-daughter bond and Satyaโs grief, were the soul of Theri. While Baby John tries to recreate those moments, it often falls short. Instead of fully immersing viewers in Satya’s pain and determination, the film leans more toward a commercial tone, making it feel less authentic.
Time and again, moments in Baby John remind you of Theri, but rather than evoking nostalgia, they highlight whatโs missing. For fans of the original, this emotional disconnect makes Baby John feel like a shadow of its predecessor.
Varun Dhawan vs. Thalapathy Vijay: A Tale of Two Leads
Varun Dhawan gives his all to the role of Satya Verma, bringing a sincerity and charm that Bollywood fans will appreciate. His transformation from a loving father to a relentless cop is well-executed, and his action sequences are top-notch.
However, when compared to Thalapathy Vijayโs performance in Theri, the difference is clear. Vijayโs portrayal was raw and deeply emotional, effortlessly balancing the character’s intensity and vulnerability. Dhawan, on the other hand, comes across as more polished but less impactful. For fans of Vijay, Baby John may feel like it lacks the depth and soul of the original.
What Worked and What Didnโt
What Worked:
Salman Khan ends Baby John with added action layer giving second climax in a short yet very impactful and memorable cameo as Bhai Jaan an Agent.
Varun Dhawanโs performance, especially in the action sequences.
The father-daughter bond, which remains heartwarming despite a less emotional execution.
Jackie Shroffโs menacing villain adds gravitas to the narrative.
What Didnโt Work:
The emotional beats fail to hit as hard as they did in Theri.
Keerthy Sureshโs role feels underutilized, especially when compared to Samantha Ruth Prabhuโs memorable character in the original.
The screenplay lacks the surprise and pacing that made Theri so engaging.
Final Verdict
Baby John is a visually appealing action drama with some great moments, but it fails to match the emotional resonance of Theri. While Varun Dhawan shines in his performance, fans of the original might find themselves emotionally drawn back to Theri again and again during the film, feeling the absence of its raw intensity and heart.
For those unfamiliar with Theri, Baby John serves as a decent action thriller with strong performances and engaging visuals. But for the die-hard fans of Thalapathy Vijay, it might only serve as a reminder of why the original remains untouchable.
Rating: 2.5/5
Baby John proves that while Bollywood can remake Southern blockbusters, recreating the emotions and impact of the original is a challenge yet to be mastered.
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