Kalees goes behind the camera in this action thriller film, “Baby John” which is Hindi and is set to premiere in 2024. The feature is a remake of a 2016 film released in Tamil by Atlee. Varun Dhawan, who portrays DCP Satya Verma aka Baby John in the movie, is also joined by Wamiqa Gabbi, Jackie Shroff, and a newcomer in the Hindi film industry, Keerthy Suresh.
Plot Summary:
The story revolves around DCP Satya Verma, who fakes his death in order to save his little girl from Bababar Sher, the dangerous politician. While adopting a new life as Baby John, he shifts to Alappuzha, Kerala, and operates a restaurant named “Toast on Coast”. But as old foes return, Satya is faced with a challenge of the best which is to face his history to protect his family.
Cast:
- Varun Dhawan as DCP Satya Verma / Baby John
- Keerthy Suresh as Meera, Satya’s wife
- Wamiqa Gabbi as Annie, a pivotal character
- Jackie Shroff as Babbar Sher, the antagonist
- Zara Zyanna as Khushi, Satya’s daughter
- Sanya Malhotra in a special appearance
- Rajpal Yadav and Sheeba Chaddha in supporting roles Wikipedia
Production Insights:
The release date for the film VD18, the 18th starring Dhawan, was set for July 2023 in which the principal filming occurred throughout August of the same year in Kerala and Mumbai, ending in October of 2024. Thaman S composed the film’s soundtrack while Ruben and Kiran Koushik took care of editing and cinematography respectively.
Critical Reception:
Critics have had varying opinions of “Baby John.” A review from Aman Wadhwa of DNA India gave “Baby John” a rating of 3.5/5 saying it, “is the ideal masala entertainer which Bollywood was waiting for to crown off such a dull and lackluster year.” Whereas Shubhra Gupta from The Indian Express rated it 1/5 saying it has “no plot, I doubt it has any nuances really,” it is one of the worst films of 2024.
Box Office Performance:
In India The estimated first-day collection was projected to be around₹11.25 – ₹13.5 crore nett. As of January 2, 2025, the film had an estimated collection of around₹41.88 crore domestically and ₹13.66 crore internationally, which means the total gross collection worldwide was approximately ₹55.54 crore still, however, these numbers were considered to be disheartening.
Availability:
“Baby John” was released theatrically on December 25, 2024, coinciding with Christmas. The digital streaming rights have been acquired by Amazon Prime Video, with the film expected to be available for streaming after its theatrical run.
Cultural Significance:
The movie sheds light on issues pertaining to parental love and protection sunsetting against social problems in India. Furthermore, this film also marks the Hindi Film debut of Keerthy Suresh.
