Varun Dhawan’s upcoming movie, Baby John, has taken the spotlight as a much-anticipated action drama of 2024. Not only is this Varun’s 18th film, but it also marks his collaboration with Jawan director Atlee, who is producing and presenting the movie. Directed by A. Kaliswaran, Baby John is set for a grand release on December 25, 2024, across India. With Atlee’s involvement, fans are expecting an adrenaline-filled, emotional storyline similar to his 2016 blockbuster Theri.
The movie Theri, starring Thalapathy Vijay, was a major hit, bringing in over ₹150 crore at the box office. With Baby John officially confirmed as a remake, Varun’s film will follow a similar plotline—focused on a father who will go to any extent to protect his daughter. However, the Baby John team is reportedly adding fresh elements to adapt the story for a Hindi-speaking audience, ensuring it resonates with fans across India.
A Story of Love, Revenge, and Redemption: How Theri Inspires Baby John
Baby John revolves around a former police officer who leads a quiet life with his young daughter but is forced to face his dark past when his enemies return. The character, played by Varun Dhawan, mirrors Thalapathy Vijay’s portrayal of DCP Vijay Kumar in Theri, a cop with a tragic history. As in Theri, Varun’s character is a man who once believed in justice but eventually left his job for the safety of his family after a series of traumatic events.
The original Theri storyline was full of action, mystery, and emotions. It follows Vijay Kumar, a respected DCP, who becomes a baker named Joseph Kuruvilla after leaving the police force. He lives a simple life with his daughter Nivi, avoiding conflict at all costs. However, when local thugs threaten his daughter, his true identity is revealed, and the past he left behind resurfaces.
Atlee’s Signature Style: Packed with Action, Emotion, and Suspense
Atlee has built a reputation for creating layered stories that connect with audiences on an emotional level, and Theri was no exception. The film’s first half is filled with heart-warming father-daughter moments and light-hearted scenes with Annie, a schoolteacher who takes an interest in Joseph (Varun’s character in Baby John). However, as Annie begins to suspect Joseph’s mysterious past, the story takes a darker turn, revealing that Joseph was once a cop who went by the name Vijay Kumar.
In the flashback, Theri shows Vijay taking down powerful criminals, including a minister’s son involved in horrific crimes. Vijay’s quest for justice ultimately leads him to the wrath of corrupt minister Vanamamalai, setting off a series of events that devastate his family. The villain’s men kill his wife Mithra and his mother, forcing Vijay to go into hiding with his daughter. These emotional layers create a compelling narrative that keeps audiences invested, which is likely to be a core element of Baby John as well.
Varun Dhawan Takes on a Challenging Role in Baby John
In Baby John, Varun Dhawan takes on a character with intense emotional depth and physical demands, making it one of his most challenging roles to date. He will be joined by leading actresses Keerthy Suresh and Vamika Gabbi, who play pivotal roles similar to the characters of Annie and Mithra in Theri. Keerthy Suresh will reportedly portray a schoolteacher who crosses paths with Varun’s character and develops a bond with his daughter. Vamika Gabbi plays his love interest in the past, whose tragic end motivates his transformation and quest for justice.
The film promises to showcase Varun in an avatar that audiences have rarely seen before—intense, emotional, and driven by vengeance. Known for his versatility and dedication, Varun’s fans are eagerly awaiting his performance, which is expected to match, if not surpass, Thalapathy Vijay’s iconic role in Theri.
Why Baby John Could Be a Game-Changer for Hindi Remakes
In recent years, Bollywood has increasingly adapted South Indian movies, yet few have managed to capture the same success as the originals. With Baby John, Atlee aims to change that trend by infusing his signature style and pan-India appeal into the Hindi remake. Given the success of his recent film Jawan starring Shah Rukh Khan, which broke box-office records, the stakes are high for Baby John to resonate with audiences nationwide.
Baby John also taps into the trend of emotionally intense action films that have become popular in Indian cinema. By showcasing a father-daughter relationship against a backdrop of suspense and revenge, the movie is expected to blend family drama with high-octane action scenes. This balance between heartfelt moments and thrilling sequences could make Baby John stand out among recent remakes, appealing to both action fans and families.
What to Expect from Baby John’s Box Office Performance
Given the massive success of Theri, which was made on a budget of ₹75 crore and earned over ₹150 crore, Baby John has high expectations riding on it. With a seasoned director like Atlee at the helm and Varun Dhawan’s growing popularity in action roles, the movie is expected to draw large audiences. The Christmas release date also places it in a favorable position, with families likely to turn out for the holiday season.
The movie’s combination of an emotional storyline, thrilling action, and popular stars makes it one of the most anticipated releases of 2024. Fans are eager to see how Varun brings his unique style to the role, and how Baby John will adapt the beloved Theri storyline for a new audience.
