Varun Dhawan’s latest action film, Baby John, is currently facing challenges at the box office. Despite being released over a week ago, the movie’s performance has been underwhelming. On its 12th day, it earned just 89 lakhs across the country, bringing its total net collection to ₹38.59 crore, as reported by Sacnilk. This disappointing performance is especially notable considering the anticipation surrounding the film.
A Bollywood Adaptation of ‘Theri’
In recent discussions, Varun Dhawan clarified the film’s adaptation process, drawing comparisons to the 2016 Tamil film ‘Theri’. In an interview with India Today, he explained that Baby John is not a scene-by-scene remake, but rather an adaptation tailored for the Bollywood audience. Varun emphasized that significant changes were made to the plot and visuals to ensure a fresh experience. “There was a definite purpose why Atlee presented this film to us,” Varun stated, referring to director Atlee, known for his success with ‘Jawan’. “We’ve altered the topography and many angles of the story. If someone expects a literal remake, they might be disappointed,” he added.
A Strong Cast and High Expectations
The film is the directorial debut of Kalees and stars Varun Dhawan in a heroic role as a tough, fearless single father and police officer. The movie features a thrilling action-packed narrative, with Varun delivering a memorable line: “Mere jaise bohat aaye hoge, main pehli baar aaya hu” (“Many like me might have come before, but I have come here for the first time”), hinting at the unique journey his character will embark upon. The film also features an ensemble cast, including Wamiqa Gabbi, Keerthy Suresh, and Jackie Shroff, alongside a special cameo from Bollywood superstar Salman Khan.
The Road Ahead for “Baby John”
While the star power and action-packed storyline may have generated initial interest, Baby John‘s struggle at the box office suggests that it has not resonated as expected with the audience. Whether the film can bounce back or continue its downward trend remains to be seen. Fans and critics alike are curious to see if the film’s unique adaptation approach will eventually find its footing or fade into obscurity as the year progresses.