Baby John

“Baby John” is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language action drama directed by Kalees, with a runtime of 164 minutes. The film stars Varun Dhawan as John D’Silva/DCP Satya Verma, Keerthy Suresh as Tara, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jackie Shroff as Nana, and Zara Zyanna as Khushi. Produced by Jio Studios, Cine1 Studios, Vipin Agnihotri Films, and A for Apple Productions, the movie was released on December 25, 2024.

The narrative centers on John D’Silva, a bakery owner and single father to Khushi in Alappuzha, Kerala. An incident involving Khushi’s teacher, Tara, unveils John’s concealed past as DCP Satya Verma, a fearless police officer who adopted a new identity to shield his daughter from adversaries, notably his nemesis, Nana. The plot oscillates between past and present, depicting John’s transformation from a daring cop to a devoted father. 

Varun Dhawan delivers a commendable performance, adeptly portraying the dual facets of a caring father and a valiant cop. Keerthy Suresh brings depth to her role as Tara, while Jackie Shroff embodies the menacing antagonist, Nana, with conviction. Zara Zyanna’s portrayal of Khushi adds an emotional layer to the film. 

Despite its strengths, “Baby John” has faced criticism for its predictable storyline and uneven pacing. The screenplay and editing have been described as lacking coherence, leading to a disjointed narrative. Some action sequences, while stylized, border on implausibility, detracting from the film’s overall impact. 

In summary, “Baby John” offers a blend of action and drama, bolstered by strong performances, particularly from Varun Dhawan. However, its conventional plot and execution may not resonate with all audiences. I would rate this film a 5 out of 10.