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Baby John (film)

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For other uses, see Baby John (disambiguation).

Baby John
Theatrical release poster
Directed byKalees
Written byAtlee
Kalees
Sumit Arora
Screenplay byKalees
Based onTheri
by Atlee
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyKiran Koushik
Edited byRuben
Music byThaman S
Production
companies
  • Jio Studios
  • Cine1 Studios
  • Vipin Agnihotri Films
  • A for Apple Productions
Distributed by
Release date
  • 25 December 2024 (2024-12-25)[1]
Running time
159 minutes[2]
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Baby John is an upcoming Indian Hindi-language action thriller film directed by Kalees that serves as a remake of Atlee's 2016 Tamil film Theri. The film stars Varun Dhawan in the titular role, alongside Keerthy Suresh (in her first Hindi film), Wamiqa Gabbi, Zara Zyanna and Jackie Shroff. It is produced under Jio Studios, Cine1 Studios, Vipin Agnihotri Films and A for Apple Productions.

The film was officially announced in July 2023 under the tentative title VD18,[a] and the official title was revealed in February 2024.[3] Principal photography held in Mumbai and Kerala commenced in August 2023 and ended in October 2024. The film has music composed by Thaman S, with cinematography by Kiran Koushik and editing by Ruben.

Baby John is scheduled for a theatrical release on 25 December 2024, coinciding with Christmas.[4]

Plot

[edit]

DCP Satya Verma IPS locks horns with Babbar Sher, a notorious politician, by killing his son for committing a grave crime, which leads Babbar Sher to destroy Satya's family. With his daughter Khushi as the lone survivor, Satya fakes his death and leads a peaceful life with Kushi in Kerala as Baby John. When Babbar Sher learns about Satya being alive, he threatens his peaceful life, which leads Satya to exact vengeance against Babbar Sher and protect Khushi.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

Two months after the release of Theri (2016), it was reported that the film would be remade in Hindi with Rohit Shetty, directing the venture and Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar as the frontrunners to play the leads.[5] However, Shetty denied the plans of remaking the film.[6] In late April 2020, reports of a potential Hindi remake being planned with Varun Dhawan being approached to play the lead role.[7] However, it was undisclosed whether Atlee, the director of the original film, would direct the venture or give the role to someone else.[7] Reportedly, the director had met the actor in Mumbai during 2019 to discuss the possibilities of a possible collaboration in the near future.[8][9] However, no development took place until in early March 2022, as Dhawan had reportedly completed his existing commitments, he met Atlee again to finalize their project.[10]

On 19 March, their collaboration was publicly announced.[11] Tentatively titled as VD18, instead of directing it, Atlee was revealed to produce the project under his house A for Apple Productions, along with Murad Khetani's Cine1 Studios and Jyoti Deshpande's Jio Studios. Kalees, who had earlier assisted Atlee and directed the Tamil techno-thriller film Kee (2019), was hired to helm the project.[12][13] The official title Baby John was announced on 5 February 2024.[14] In an interview with Trisha Bhattacharya of India Today, Dhawan stated: "When Atlee came with this film, there was a reason behind it, and he said that we had to change a lot of the geography of the film. We have to use it as an adaptation and not really a proper remake, and I think that's what's done."[15] He also added that the film, highlighted real-life incidents about women's safety in India and a contemporary take on parenting.[16]

Casting

[edit]

Janhvi Kapoor was reported to play the lead actress role, pairing opposite Varun for the second time after Bawaal (2023).[12][17] However, Keerthy Suresh was later confirmed to have replaced Kapoor, thereby marking her Hindi film debut.[18] She would reportedly receive a remuneration of ₹3 crore (US$360,000) and reprise Samantha's role in the original film.[19] Wamiqa Gabbi was cast to reprise the role of Amy Jackson.[20][21] Jackie Shroff was cast to play the main antagonist, reprising the role of late Mahendran.[22]

Initially, Alaayna Hussain was cast to play the role of Dhawan's daughter, reprising the role of Baby Nainika.[23] But, she was replaced by Zara Zyanna, during the production.[24] Rajpal Yadav and Sheeba Chaddha were cast in pivotal roles, reprising the role of Rajendran and Radhika Sarathkumar, respectively.[25] Sanya Malhotra makes a special appearance as a prospective bride of Dhawan, reprising the role of Sunaina.[26] Salman Khan would also appear in a cameo role, ahead of his collaboration with Atlee for a potential project.[27][28][29]

Filming

[edit]

Principal photography commenced with an inaugural puja ceremony on 9 August 2023.[b][31] The first schedule was commenced the following day in Mumbai.[32] On 7 September, Dhawan stated that he had injured his foot during filming which caused the film to be put on hold.[33] After his recovery, shooting resumed on 12 September.[34] Gabbi began filming her portions from 15 December, with production moving to Kerala.[35][36] On 23 December, filming was put on hold due to Dhawan getting injured again.[37] The first schedule was completed by 27 December.[38][39]

On 17 March 2024, filming for the second schedule commenced in Mumbai.[40] By 2 April, Dhawan in his Instagram account, revealed that he had completed 70 days of filming his portions.[41] A song featuring Dhawan and Suresh ("Nain Mataka") was filmed at specially constructed sets erected at Film City, Mumbai.[42] Filming wrapped on 24 April, coinciding Dhawan's birthday.[43]

Music

[edit]
Baby John
Soundtrack album by
Thaman S
Released2024
Recorded2024
GenreFeature film soundtrack
LengthTBA
LanguageHindi
LabelZee Music Company
ProducerThaman S
Thaman S chronology
Rasavathi
(2024) 		Baby John
(2024) 		Game Changer
(2025)

The soundtrack and background score are composed by Thaman S, marking his debut as the sole composer for a Hindi film.[25] The lyrics have been penned by Irshad Kamil. On September 16, It was announced that Shreya Ghoshal would be the lead singer for a song.[44] American Rapper Raja Kumari had sang for the background music in the teaser.[45] Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh was roped for party-track song.[46][47]

The first single titled "Nain Matakka" was released on 25 November 2024.[48] The second single "Pikley Pom" was released on 6 December 2024.[49] The third single titled "Bandobast" was released on 14 December 2024.[50] The fourth single titled "Hazaar Baar" was released on 19 December 2024.[51] The fifth single titled "Beast Mode" was released on 22 December 2024.[52]

All lyrics are written by Irshad Kamil

Track listing
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Nain Matakka"Diljit Dosanjh, Dhee3:42
2."Pikley Pom"Vishal Mishra, Riya Seepana4:45
3."Bandobast"Mame Khan4:42
4."Hazaar Baar"Arijit Singh, Shreya Ghoshal, Vaikom Vijayalakshmi3:12
5."Beast Mode"Raja Kumari, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Paradox4:17

Release

[edit]

Theatrical

[edit]

In July 2023, it was announced that the film was scheduled to release on 31 May 2024, but it was later postponed to 25 December 2024 (Christmas day).[1]

Home Media

[edit]

The digital streaming rights of the film was acquired by Amazon Prime Video.[53]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Dhawan's 18th film as leading actor
  2. ^ A video of the muhurat puja ceremony was released by the production house on 14 January 2024, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti,[30]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Varun Dhawan starrer Baby John to release on December 25; to clash with Aamir Khan's Sitaare Zameen Par". Bollywood Hungama. 26 June 2024. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  2. ^ "Baby John (15)". British Board of Film Classification. 16 December 2024. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  3. ^ "Varun Dhawan Announces 'Biggest Action Entertainer' VD18 With Jawan Director Atlee". Zoom TV. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  4. ^ "Baby John: Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh's Action-Thriller Postponed From May 31st". www.msn.com. support@india.com. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  5. ^ "Shah Rukh Khan to reprise Ilayathalapathy Vijay's role in the Hindi remake of Theri?". India Today. 27 June 2016. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  6. ^ "Exclusive! Rohit Shetty confirms no 'Theri' remake with Shah Rukh Khan". The Times of India. 28 January 2017. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  7. ^ a b "Varun Dhawan to act in Hindi remake of Theri?". The New Indian Express. 27 April 2020. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  8. ^ "Theri Hindi remake: Will Varun Dhawan step into Vijay's shoes?". India Today. 30 April 2020. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  9. ^ "Scoop: Varun Dhawan approached for the remake of Atlee's Theri?". Bollywood Hungama. 20 April 2020. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  10. ^ "Varun Dhawan is set to collaborate with Atlee for a Hindi remake of a South film". filmfare.com. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  11. ^ "Varun Dhawan's next film could be a remake of THIS Atlee film -Exclusive!". The Times of India. 19 March 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  12. ^ a b "Janhvi Kapoor joins Varun Dhawan in Atlee's remake of Theri - Exclusive". The Times of India. 10 April 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  13. ^ "Atlee's Theri Hindi remake starring Varun Dhawan gets release date". ETV Bharat News. 2 July 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  14. ^ "'Baby John': Varun Dhawan-Keerthy Suresh's 'Theri' remake's title, first look out". India Today. 5 February 2024. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  15. ^ Bhattacharya, Trisha (15 December 2024). "Varun Dhawan on Baby John being a Theri remake: We had to change a lot". India Today. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  16. ^ "'Baby John' is an adaptation of 'Theri,' not a remake, Varun Dhawan explains". The Times of India. 16 December 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  17. ^ "Janhvi Kapoor Teams Up With Varun Dhawan For Atlee's Theri Remake". TimesNow. 11 April 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  18. ^ "VD18: Atlee's Varun Dhawan and Keerthy Suresh starrer to go on floors in August". The Times of India. 28 July 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  19. ^ "Has Keerthy Suresh hiked her fee ahead of her Bollywood debut?". The Times of India. 20 July 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  20. ^ B, Satya (26 September 2023). "'Theri' Test For Pawan & Varun". Gulte. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  21. ^ "Wamiqa Gabbi on fronting Jawan director Atlee upcoming project with Varun Dhawan in the lead". Mid-day. 11 October 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  22. ^ "Jackie Shroff to play baddie in Varun Dhawan's next". The Times of India. 14 December 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  23. ^ "Purnima actress Alaayna Hussain joins the cast of Varun Dhawan starrer 'Baby John', says 'Varun Bhaiya is kind and humble' - Exclusive". The Times of India. 22 February 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  24. ^ "Varun Dhawan Drops New Photos With Zara Zyanna Ahead Of Baby John Release, Fans Call Them 'Cute'". News18. 11 December 2024. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  25. ^ a b "Confirmed: Thaman S to make solo Bollywood debut in Atlee's VD18 with; makers of Varun Dhawan starrer to unveil a massy teaser soon". Bollywood Hungama. 10 January 2024. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  26. ^ "Sanya Malhotra joins Varun Dhawan and Atlee's action entertainer: Report". The Times of India. 20 October 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  27. ^ Raut, Rahul (3 July 2024). "Exclusive: Salman Khan and Atlee team up for a cameo role in Varun Dhawan's Baby John". Peeping Moon. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  28. ^ Mankad, Himesh (20 June 2024). "Exclusive: Salman Khan, Atlee and Sun Pictures in talks for a mega two hero actioner – All you need to know". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  29. ^ "Salman Khan to make cameo in Varun Dhawan's Baby John: Report". India Today. 3 October 2024. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
  30. ^ "'VD 18': Atlee gives a sneak peek at Varun Dhawan, Wamiqa Gabbi and Keerthy Suresh's Muhurat pooja- Watch". The Times of India. 14 January 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  31. ^ "Varun Dhawan to begin shooting for VD 18 with Atlee from tomorrow - deets inside". The Times of India. 8 August 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  32. ^ "Watch: Varun Dhawan starts shooting for VD18, spotted with Atlee on the sets". The Times of India. 10 August 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  33. ^ "Varun Dhawan injures himself on the sets of Atlee's VD18, shares pic of ice water treatment: see inside". The Times of India. 7 September 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  34. ^ "Varun Dhawan sets the internet ablaze with his shirtless beach photos, ask fans for a caption - See inside". The Times of India. 12 September 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  35. ^ "Wamiqa Gabbi starts shooting with Varun Dhawan for 'VD 18'". The Times of India. 15 December 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  36. ^ "Wamiqa Gabbi begins filming for her film with Varun Dhawan". The Hindu. 15 December 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  37. ^ "Varun Dhawan faces fourth on-set injury during VD18 Shoot in Kerala, shares video". The Times of India. 23 December 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  38. ^ "Varun Dhawan wraps up Kerala schedule of 'VD 18'". The Times of India. 27 December 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  39. ^ "Varun Dhawan wraps up Kerala schedule of 'VD 18'". English.Mathrubhumi. 28 December 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  40. ^ "Varun Dhawan resumes shooting for action thriller film 'Baby John'". The Times of India. 17 March 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  41. ^ "Varun Dhawan gives fans a sneak peek from the sets of 'Baby John'; calls it the hardest film of his career". The Times of India. 2 April 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  42. ^ Bharat, E. T. V. (24 April 2024). "It's 'Double Celebration' as Makers of Baby John Wrap up Shoot on Varun Dhawan's Birthday - Watch". Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  43. ^ "Double celebration for Team 'Baby John' as they cut a cake for Varun Dhawan's birthday as well as film's shoot wrap - watch video". Moneycontrol. Archived from the original on 26 April 2024. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  44. ^ "Ace singer Shreya Ghoshal comes on board for Varun Dhawan's Baby John". Mid-day. 18 September 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  45. ^ "After Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan, Raja Kumari Delivers Powerful Title Track For Varun Dhawan's Baby John". News18. Retrieved 16 November 2024.
  46. ^ Moon, Peeping (19 November 2024). "EXCLUSIVE: Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Keerthy Suresh collaborate for a Baby John promotional song". www.peepingmoon.com. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
  47. ^ Sharma, Karishma (6 November 2024). "Diljit Dosanjh To Collaborate With Varun Dhawan For Baby John". Ghaint Punjab. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
  48. ^ "'Nain Matakka' from 'Baby John': Diljit Dosanjh and Dhee unite for a peppy track". The Statesman. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  49. ^ "Baby John's 'Pikley Pom' song out: Varun Dhawan showcases his sweet father-daughter bond". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  50. ^ "Bandobast Song: Varun Dhawan Is A Fun And Daring Cop In This Baby John Banger". News18. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  51. ^ "'Hazaar Baar': New song from Baby John shows Varun Dhawan and Keerthy Suresh's dreamy wedding". Cinema Express. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  52. ^ "Varun Dhawan's action-packed drama 'Baby John' drops intense new track 'Beast Mode' ahead of its Christmas release". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  53. ^ "Baby John OTT Release: Where to watch Varun Dhawan and Keerthy Suresh's thriller film after its theatrical run". www.msn.com. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
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