"Baby John," released on December 29, 2024, is a Hindi-language action drama directed by Kalees, featuring Varun Dhawan in the titular role. The film has garnered a range of reviews from critics and audiences alike.
Critical Reception:
DNA India: Awarded the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising it as "the perfect masala entertainer that Bollywood needed to round off a rather disappointing year."
News18: Gave it 3 out of 5 stars, noting that while the film boasts commendable performances, it falls short of being a compelling thriller due to its "lackluster plot and uneven pacing."
India Today: Also rated it 3 out of 5 stars, stating that "Baby John could either benefit from the withdrawal symptoms fans are experiencing after Pushpa 2: The Rule or lose the battle to Allu Arjun's mass-actioner."
Firstpost: Provided a 3 out of 5-star rating, highlighting Varun Dhawan's performance as an action hero and noting that "the show stellar is undoubtedly Jackie Shroff, but Wamiqa Gabbi is hugely underused in the film."
Times of India: Assigned 2.5 out of 5 stars, mentioning that "the movie has its moments as an actioner, but in terms of content and narrative, it could have been more impactful."
Audience Reception:
On Reddit, discussions about Baby John have been mixed. Some users appreciate the film's action sequences and Varun Dhawan's performance, while others feel it doesn't quite match the original Tamil film, Theri.
Box Office Performance:
The film had a strong opening, collecting approximately ₹13 crore on its first day. As of January 2, 2025, it has grossed ₹39.74 crore in India and ₹13.66 crore internationally, bringing its total worldwide gross to ₹53.4 crore.
Conclusion:
Baby John offers a blend of action and drama, with Varun Dhawan's performance being a highlight. While it has received praise for its entertainment value, some critics feel it doesn't fully capture the essence of its Tamil predecessor. If you're a fan of action-packed narratives with emotional depth, Baby John might be worth watching.