S. Thaman’s score is immediately captivating, setting a high-energy tone for “Baby John” right from the start. His music isn’t just background noise; it’s a visceral experience that amplifies the film’s thrilling moments, creating an immersive atmosphere that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. For viewers unfamiliar with the supposed source material, like myself who hasn’t seen Theri, “Baby John” stands confidently on its own as an enjoyable cinematic experience.
What Works in Baby John
Visually, “Baby John” is striking. The cinematography team, reminiscent of the work in Jawan, crafts each frame with precision. The movie explodes with vibrant colors and carefully chosen tones, presenting Varun Dhawan in a visually dynamic and engaging style. The performances across the board are commendable. Every actor delivers exactly what their role demands, striking a balance that avoids both overacting and underperformance, contributing to a cohesive ensemble.
The direction is particularly noteworthy, especially considering this is a debut. The film demonstrates impressive scene transitions and a narrative that flows smoothly, effectively showcasing the talents of both Varun Dhawan and Jackie Shroff. Despite a substantial runtime of 170 minutes, the screenplay keeps a brisk pace. It’s a well-balanced mix of comedic relief, catchy songs, impactful “mass” moments, dynamic action sequences, and romantic elements, ensuring continuous entertainment.
Areas for Improvement in Baby John
However, while entertaining, the core storyline of “Baby John” treads familiar ground. Even without prior knowledge of Theri, the narrative arc feels somewhat conventional, lacking significant originality. Emotionally resonant scenes are present, but their impact is diminished by rushed editing. This brevity hinders the audience’s ability to fully connect with these pivotal moments, leaving them feeling somewhat superficial.
Furthermore, the film’s potential for “mass” appeal could have been significantly enhanced with sharper, more memorable dialogue. Lines that truly resonate and incite audience reactions like whistles and cheers are missing, which could have elevated the communal viewing experience. Lastly, the romantic relationship between Varun Dhawan and Keerthy Suresh feels underdeveloped. It lacks the necessary emotional depth to create a truly engaging connection, preventing this aspect of the film from reaching its full potential.
Final Verdict on Baby John
In conclusion, “Baby John” is primarily designed as a high-octane entertainer, and in that, it largely succeeds. It delivers a rush of adrenaline and maintains viewer engagement throughout its runtime, making it a worthwhile cinematic experience for those seeking pure entertainment.
