Baby John – Where Dabangg meets John Wick

The taster cut teaser for Bollywood’s latest action outing starring Varun Dhawan, Baby John, slated for a Christmas 2024 release, has generated considerable buzz with its striking blend of influences from Indian action cinema and Hollywood thrillers.

The trailer uses high-octane sequences and stylized visuals that draw inspiration from Rohit Shetty’s Cop-verse and Hollywood’s John Wick franchise.

The resemblance to Shetty's Cop-verse is evident in the over-the-top stunts and larger-than-life character introductions. However, what stands out more are the action elements directly inspired by John Wick, particularly in the fight choreography and how Varun Dhawan handles his enemies.

These elements resemble the methodical combat of Keanu Reeves’ iconic character. Dhawan’s look as Baby John, with long hair and a scruffy beard, is heavily influenced by John Wick. The long hair and scruffy beard, coupled with his ruthless nature and brooding, evoke a sense of mystery and danger.

Dhawan sports a steely gaze, and his movements echo the lone warrior trope popularized by Salman Khan’s Chulbul Pandey in Dabangg. The taster cut teaser even presents a few moments where Baby John's almost emotionless demeanor, combined with his swift, calculated actions, seems designed to parallel Wick’s cold, calculated demeanor.

One of the more exciting moments of the trailer comes near the end, when Baby John speaks critical dialog, suggesting that he might be a familiar character reimagined with a twist. This self-aware line subtly acknowledges the trope of the lone antihero with a tragic backstory. It hints that the film knows it’s tapping into familiar ground while promising a fresh take on familiar tropes.

Overall, Baby John seems to be gearing up to offer a thrilling blend of action and intrigue, which may or may not feature character depth. While the trailer draws on influences like Dabangg and Singham, it also promises to carve out its identity.