Entertainment
Baby John Fails to Deliver: A Misstep for Varun Dhawan’s Mass Action Aspirations
Varun Dhawan’s ambitious mass entertainer, Baby John, aimed to establish him as a leading star in Bollywood’s action genre. However, the film has failed to meet expectations critically and commercially, leaving fans and analysts questioning its shortcomings.
The movie, directed by Kalees, is an adaptation of Atlee’s blockbuster Theri. While Baby John attempted to blend originality with homage, the result was uneven. Some scenes mirrored Theri closely, while others strayed into poorly executed attempts at novelty. Unfortunately, this inconsistency worked against the film’s favor.
Despite a hefty ₹160 crore budget, the marketing campaign for Baby John was subdued, generating limited pre-release buzz. Its opening day collections of ₹12 crore were underwhelming for a mass entertainer. Negative reviews and poor word-of-mouth further contributed to its decline. After eight days, the film has earned just ₹35 crore in India and ₹47 crore globally. With show counts reduced from 4,300 to 1,800 nationwide, its trajectory points to a potential lifetime collection of less than ₹60 crore, resulting in estimated losses of ₹100 crore.
What Went Wrong with Baby John?
- Casting Misfit: Varun Dhawan’s charisma as a likable or comedic lead failed to translate into the gravitas needed for a mass action role.
- Stale Execution: Kalees’ direction lacked the finesse of Atlee’s signature style, making the plot feel outdated and uninspired.
- Misjudged Cameo: Salman Khan’s cameo, intended to elevate the film, drew criticism for its lack of impact.
- Audience Expectations: Films like Jawan, Pathaan, and Gadar 2 demonstrated the audience’s appetite for massy cinema, but only when executed with precision.
The failure of Baby John serves as a stark reminder that even the most dependable formulas require careful execution. With its disappointing performance, Bollywood may take note that a solid foundation must accompany star power and scale. For Varun Dhawan, the film highlights the need for a reevaluation of roles and genres better suited to his strengths.
Entertainment
Salman Khan’s Sikandar to Begin Final Leg of Shooting in January 2025
Salman Khan’s upcoming action entertainer, Sikandar, has fans eagerly waiting since its announcement in April 2024. Moreover, the heart-pounding teaser featuring Salman as Sikandar only increased the anticipation. As the film gears up for its Eid 2025 release, reports suggest that Salman Khan will kick off the final leg of shooting on January 10, 2025, in Mumbai.
According to Mid-Day, Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna will return to the set to complete their parts. While the film is scheduled for release in March 2025, sources are confident that the team will finish the shooting and post-production in time. Director AR Murugadoss is reportedly overseeing both shooting and post-production simultaneously to ensure a smooth release.
The action-packed film promises more than just high-octane sequences. In fact, it will feature music by Pritam, enhancing the emotional depth of the visuals. The music is expected to have a vibrant and celebratory tone, complementing the intense action scenes.
The teaser, released on December 28, 2024, showcased Salman entering a room armed with weapons, surrounded by samurai-clad individuals. In his iconic baritone voice, he says, “Suna hai ki bohot saare log mere peeche pade hain. Bas, meri mudne ki der hai.” Fans were thrilled by the stylish combat sequences, intense gun battles, and energetic background score.
Directed by AR Murugadoss, Sikandar also stars Sathyaraj, Kajal Aggarwal, and Prateik Babbar in significant roles. This film marks a reunion between Salman Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala, nearly a decade after Kick. Backed by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Sikandar will hit theaters on Eid 2025.
Entertainment
Paatal Lok Season 2 Trailer: A Darker, Intense Chapter Awaits
Amazon Prime Video has dropped the trailer for Paatal Lok Season 2. As a result, fans are in for an intense, darker chapter. Jaideep Ahlawat returns as Inspector Hathiram Chaudhary. Moreover, he teams up with IPS officer Imran Ansari, played by Ishwak Singh. Together, they investigate a complex case in Nagaland. They are tasked with looking into the disappearance of a migrant worker. This case, in particular, involves a dangerous drug syndicate.
In the trailer, we see a significant shift in their dynamic. Imran, now an IPS officer, commands respect. Hathiram, on the other hand, must adapt to his new position. As the investigation progresses, they uncover a web of secrets. Consequently, Hathiram is forced to confront his personal demons.
Jaideep Ahlawat previously described Paatal Lok Season 1 as a career milestone. However, Season 2 promises to offer a deeper exploration of Hathiram’s psyche. While facing moral dilemmas, his journey will undoubtedly test his resilience. This season, in particular, is darker, grittier, and layered with human complexities.
Additionally, the season introduces new cast members, including Tillotama Shome and Nagesh Kukunoor. The season is directed by Avinash Arun Dhaware and produced by Clean Slate Filmz. Sudip Sharma, who writes and executive produces the series, continues to shape the narrative.
Paatal Lok Season 2 will stream on Amazon Prime Video starting January 17, 2025. Following the release of the teaser and trailer, massive intrigue has already sparked. As a result, fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this gripping series.
CRICKET
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Under Scrutiny Amid India’s Struggles in Australia
Former Indian cricketers Irfan Pathan and Sunil Gavaskar have criticized the superstar culture in Indian cricket. They pointed out the lack of commitment to domestic cricket, particularly in light of India’s poor performance in Australia. The and focus of their criticism was aimed at senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who both had disappointing tours.
Kohli managed only 190 runs in eight innings, with a disappointing average of 23.75. His struggle against deliveries outside the off stump was a key issue. He was dismissed seven out of eight times by deliveries in that area, with Scott Boland being his main tormentor.
Rohit Sharma’s performance was equally poor, with just 31 runs in five innings. His dismal form led to him opting out of the fifth Test. This led to widespread speculation about their future in Test cricket.
Despite the poor form, reports suggest that neither Kohli nor Rohit is expected to retire voluntarily. A source within the BCCI mentioned that the team is undergoing a phase of introspection. However, they are unlikely to ask the two players to retire. The selectors will have to make the final decision on their future.
The BCCI office bearers, including Devajit Saikia and Prabhtej Bhatia, discussed the issues with Kohli’s technique. It’s evident that both players’ future in Test cricket will depend on their form in the upcoming months.
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