Varun Dhawan Opens Up About His Role in Baby John and the Transformative Journey of Playing a Father
Varun Dhawan was recently in The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi, for a media interaction to promote his highly anticipated film, Baby John. The grand venue was buzzing with excitement as fans and media gathered to catch a glimpse of the ever-charming star.
In his signature candid and energetic style, Varun shared insights about the challenges and joys of portraying his role in Baby John. “As a father to a daughter myself, stepping into this role felt natural and organic,” he shared. “There were moments on set where I didn’t have to ‘act’—the emotions just flowed.”
Exploring His Character in Baby John
Varun spoke at length about the complexities of his character, emphasizing the emotional and physical demands of the role. “This character pushed me to new boundaries,” he said. “It’s a story about relationships, responsibilities, and resilience wrapped in a thrilling narrative.”
One of the most striking elements of Baby John is its memorable dialogue, “Hath laga ke dikha.” Varun shared, “The moment I read that line, it hit me. It’s protective yet defiant, and saying it on-screen felt completely natural.”
A Contemporary Take on Theri
Directed by Atlee, Baby John is an adaptation of the Tamil blockbuster Theri, originally starring Thalapathy Vijay. Known for his unique style of blending action and emotion, Atlee has reimagined the story to suit Bollywood audiences.
“This isn’t just an action movie,” Varun explained. “It’s a reflection of modern parenting challenges. It’s about protecting those you love in a world that tests your courage and empathy.”
He added, “The story also tackles critical societal issues like women’s safety and the complexities of fatherhood. There’s even a subplot inspired by real-life events that we’ve called the ‘pink case.’”
Bandobast: A Song That Resonates
The event saw the launch of the film’s powerful track, Bandobast. Talking about the song, Varun said, “This song isn’t just about beats; it’s about resilience and responsibility. It reflects the core themes of the film.”
The audience got a sneak peek of the track, complete with high-energy beats and stunning visuals, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling cinematic experience.
A Unique Collaboration
Varun shared that Baby John isn’t a scene-by-scene remake but an adaptation. “Atlee was clear that we weren’t copying Theri; we had to adapt it to reflect new geography and sensibilities. It’s not a book-by-book remake,” he clarified.
Talking about Atlee’s vision, Varun said, “He needed a character who could be tender and fierce—a mix of vulnerability and strength. When he said I had a ‘baby face,’ I didn’t know if it was a compliment or a joke, but it made sense when he explained it!”
He also credited Atlee’s wife, Priya, for encouraging the filmmaker to pursue this project. “Atlee’s entire team poured their hearts into this film, and their passion shines through.”
Bonding with Salman Khan and Diljit Dosanjh
On Salman Khan’s role in the film, Varun said, “Salman sir’s character is completely original, crafted to showcase his unparalleled screen presence. Working with him was a dream come true. His energy and dedication inspired everyone on set.”
Varun also expressed pride in his collaboration with Diljit Dosanjh for the song Nain Matakka. “Diljit is not just a phenomenal artist but a true ‘dil ka banda.’ When I mentioned the song, he immediately agreed. Spending time with him was a blast, and I’m proud of how he’s become an international icon.”
A Personal Journey
Varun reflected on his career, sharing, “I’ve always aimed to explore different genres. With films like Badlapur and Bhediya, I’ve tried to connect with the audience on a deeper level. Baby John is another step in that journey—it’s intense and emotionally charged.”
He emphasized how the film’s themes of fatherhood and sacrifice resonate with his growth as an actor. “This film has been transformative. It’s about the lengths a parent will go to protect their child, and it’s unlike anything I’ve done before.”
When asked if he believes in destiny, Varun smiled and said, *“Yes, hum kathputliyan hain”—*a poetic reminder that life often unfolds in unexpected ways.
Set to release on December 25, 2024, Baby John is poised to be a Christmas blockbuster, blending high-octane drama with heartfelt storytelling. Directed by Kalees and produced by A for Apple Studios and Cine1 Studios, the film features an impressive ensemble cast, including Wamiqa Gabbi, Keerthy Suresh, Jackie Shroff, and Rajpal Yadav. Adding to the excitement, Salman Khan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Sanya Malhotra make special appearances, promising unforgettable moments on-screen.
With its mix of gripping action, intense drama, and emotional depth, Baby John promises to deliver a cinematic experience that will captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.