With the much-anticipated release of the Baby John teaser on Friday, 1 November, fans are getting their first taste of Varun Dhawan’s dive into high-octane action, a genre he’s yet to fully explore despite his versatility.
Known for his roles in comedy, romance, drama, and action comedies, Dhawan is about to take his audience on a new adventure in Baby John, the official remake of the Tamil hit Theri (2016), directed by the action visionary Atlee. This teaser not only marks a new chapter in his career but also raises fan expectations sky-high.
The nearly two-minute teaser opens with a striking metaphor—a little girl explaining how a swarm of ants can bring down an elephant—setting a tone that suggests resilience and the quiet strength of the underdog. The anticipation builds as we see Dhawan in multiple avatars, each more intriguing than the last. From a dedicated father to a fearless cop, Varun’s character is layered and multifaceted, promising an engaging story arc. His screen presence is intensified by stunning slow-motion shots, choreographed fight sequences, and a powerful look that captures his evolution as an actor stepping into uncharted territory.
Social media has erupted with praise, with fans expressing excitement about Varun’s new role as a “girl dad,” a poignant detail that connects to his own journey into fatherhood. Many are thrilled to see him challenge himself with a hard-hitting action character, a first in his career. This representation of fatherhood, paired with action-packed sequences, has given fans plenty to discuss. On Reddit, fans are buzzing with early takes on Baby John’s cinematic flair, appreciating Varun Dhawan’s shift from his usual “boy-next-door” vibe to a “total badass,” thanks to SS Thaman’s impactful score.
One fan commented, “I had seen this on Youtube but hearing it in Dolby Atmos was a visual treat. Massy heroes done right can be a treat to watch. Yes, they are not art cinema, but they are entertaining enough!”
This enthusiasm is met with cautious optimism, as another user chimed in: “As much as remakes aren’t working in today’s era of pan-Indian movies & OTT, let’s hope Varun finally makes a comeback with this one.”
A different take highlighted how the cinematography of Baby John appears to elevate it above the original movie, Theri, saying, “At least stylistically it looks better than Theri.”
The discourse captures a blend of excitement and realistic expectation, with many hopeful that Varun Dhawan’s portrayal in Baby John will hit the right notes and serve as a comeback for the star.
The star’s journey through various genres has demonstrated his adaptability, but Baby John hints at a potential career-defining performance. It also brings together an impressive cast, including Wamiqa Gabbi and Keerthy Suresh, raising expectations even further. The movie, slated for a Christmas release, promises a mix of action, drama, and heartwarming moments, making it one of the most eagerly awaited Bollywood films this year.
