Baby John, releasing on December 25, sees Varun Dhawan stepping into a larger-than-life role in one of his most ambitious projects yet. Produced by Atlee, the South Indian filmmaker behind Shah Rukh Khan’s mega-hit Jawan, the film aims to showcase Varun in a new light, shedding his usual “boy-next-door” image for a more intense, action-packed avatar.
Baby John: A New Chapter for Varun Dhawan?
Directed by Kalees, Baby John is a high-octane remake of the Tamil hit Theri, which means fans can expect plenty of intense action scenes and gravity-defying hero moments. Varun’s transformation promises to be a far cry from the playful roles he’s known for, bringing a raw, rugged energy that could help him bounce back after recent setbacks, including Bhediya and the direct-to-OTT release Bawaal.
If Baby John makes a strong impact at the box office, it could potentially mirror the success story of Jawan, where Atlee helped Shah Rukh Khan break out of his romantic hero mold and become a mass icon with a fresh, action-oriented image.
How South Filmmakers Are Reinventing Bollywood Stars
South Indian directors have recently played a key role in helping Bollywood stars reinvent their on-screen personas and appeal to wider audiences. Here’s a closer look at how top Bollywood names have benefited from these collaborations:
Shah Rukh Khan: From ‘King of Romance’ to Action Hero in Jawan
For decades, Shah Rukh Khan was synonymous with romance, captivating audiences with his iconic love stories. However, his 2023 film Pathaan marked a departure into the action genre, though its appeal leaned toward a more urban audience. Atlee’s Jawan, however, took SRK’s transformation further, establishing him as a true “people’s hero.” With intense sequences—like the unforgettable train scene—Jawan featured SRK in a raw, action-driven role, connecting him with a new audience and shattering box-office records.
Ranbir Kapoor: Unleashing the ‘Animal’ with Sandeep Vanga
Similarly, Ranbir Kapoor, previously known for his charming, lover-boy roles in hits like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, saw a shift in his image thanks to Animal, directed by Sandeep Vanga. Despite his attempt at playing an action hero in Shamshera, it wasn’t until Animal that he fully embraced his dark side, showcasing his range with intense action and complex, morally gray moments. The film was divisive but resonated strongly with audiences, grossing around Rs 800 crore globally and cementing Ranbir’s place as a versatile actor.
The Big Question: Can Baby John Be Varun Dhawan’s Jawan?
As the countdown to Baby John’s release begins, fans and critics alike are eager to see if Varun Dhawan’s transformation under Atlee’s guidance will resonate with audiences and mark a new chapter in his career. Can this collaboration give him the image makeover he needs, much like SRK’s and Ranbir’s successes with South filmmakers? All eyes will be on the box office this December 25 to find out.
