Varun Dhawan, starring in the highly anticipated action film ‘Baby John,’ has addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding the film’s origins. Many have wondered whether ‘Baby John’ is a direct remake of the Tamil blockbuster ‘Theri’ from 2016. Dhawan has recently clarified that while ‘Baby John’ is indeed adapted from ‘Theri,’ it significantly deviates from being a scene-for-scene replica.
Speaking in an interview with India Today, Varun Dhawan shed light on the adaptation process and the extent of changes implemented for ‘Baby John’. He emphasized that the decision to adapt ‘Theri’ was deliberate, aiming to create a film that resonates with a broader Bollywood audience while retaining the essence of the original. According to Dhawan, substantial alterations have been made, particularly concerning the setting and visual presentation.
“Atlee presented this film to us with a definite purpose,” Dhawan stated, highlighting the involvement of Atlee, known for directing ‘Jawan,’ in bringing this project to fruition. He further explained, “To use it as an adaptation rather than a true remake, we had to change a lot of the topography.” This indicates a shift in the geographical and environmental backdrop of the story, tailoring it to suit a pan-Indian audience accustomed to Bollywood narratives.
Dhawan also pointed out that the changes extend beyond mere location shifts. “Many frames and story angles are different,” he revealed, suggesting a reimagining of key sequences and perspectives within the film. This implies that while the core storyline might draw inspiration from ‘Theri,’ the cinematic language and storytelling approach in ‘Baby John’ will offer a distinct viewing experience. For those anticipating a carbon copy of ‘Theri,’ Dhawan offered a clear message: “If someone is expecting a literal remake, they will be disappointed.”
He firmly reiterated the film’s identity as an adaptation, not a direct imitation: “We’re not running away from the fact that it’s an adaptation, but it’s not a straight-up remake.” This statement aims to manage audience expectations and emphasize the creative liberties taken in transforming ‘Theri’ into ‘Baby John’.
‘Baby John’ marks the Bollywood directorial debut of Atlee in a production capacity, while Kalees takes the directorial helm. Varun Dhawan portrays a compelling character – a tough and devoted single father who is also depicted as a fearless police officer. A teaser line from the movie, “Mere jaise bohat aaye hoge, main pehli baar aaya hu,” which translates to “Many like me might have come before, but I have come here for the first time,” suggests a unique heroic persona and journey for Varun’s character within the film.
Adding to the film’s ensemble cast, Wamiqa Gabbi, Keerthy Suresh, and Jackie Shroff play pivotal roles. ‘Baby John’ is slated for a Christmas release, further heightening anticipation. Adding a touch of star power, Salman Khan is also expected to make a special cameo appearance in the movie.
In conclusion, Varun Dhawan’s statements clarify that ‘Baby John’ is an adaptation of ‘Theri,’ undergoing significant changes in its journey to Bollywood. While drawing inspiration from the Tamil film, ‘Baby John’ is poised to offer a fresh and unique cinematic experience, distinguishing itself from a conventional remake.
