Varun Dhawan’s latest movie, Baby John, was expected to make a splash at the box office, but the reality has been far from expectations. Released during the festive season, the action-packed entertainer, produced by Atlee and directed by Kalees, has had a disappointing run in its first week. Despite being promoted as a massy crowd-puller, the numbers just aren’t adding up for the big-budget film.
According to reports, the movie was made on a staggering budget of Rs 160 crore. But as it stands, the film has only managed to collect Rs 32.65 crore nett in India by the end of its seventh day. Globally, the total collection has reached Rs 45.1 crore. These numbers are a far cry from what was expected for a film of this scale.
On Tuesday, industry tracker Sacnilk reported a slight uptick in the domestic collection, with Baby John earning Rs 2.15 crore. However, this minor growth isn’t enough to offset the sharp decline it saw earlier in the week. The film’s Monday figures took a nosedive, making it clear that it’s struggling to maintain its hold in theaters.
A Tough Road Ahead
Critics and audiences have given mixed reviews for Baby John, which hasn’t helped its box office journey. Some praised Varun Dhawan’s performance and the high-octane action sequences, but many felt the story lacked depth and freshness. Word-of-mouth, which is crucial for any film’s success, seems to be working against this one.
For context, trade experts had predicted that the film needed to make at least Rs 100 crore in its first week to have a shot at breaking even. But with a lifetime collection now estimated to hover around Rs 60 crore, it’s unlikely Baby John will recover its costs.
What Went Wrong?
One major issue seems to be the high expectations versus the actual content delivered. Fans were excited for the collaboration between Atlee, known for blockbuster hits, and Varun Dhawan, who’s been a dependable star in commercial cinema. But the screenplay and storyline didn’t resonate with audiences as much as anticipated.
Competition from other releases has also played a role. With several big films hitting theaters this holiday season, Baby John struggled to carve out its space. Add to this the rise of OTT platforms, and it becomes even harder for a film to bring audiences to cinemas unless it has something truly unique to offer.
The Bigger Picture
The underwhelming performance of Baby John raises questions about Bollywood’s over-reliance on big budgets and star power. While such factors can draw initial footfalls, they’re no longer a guarantee for sustained success. Audiences are becoming increasingly selective, demanding better stories and relatable content.
It’s not all gloom and doom, though. Baby John has its moments of brilliance. The action scenes have been lauded, and Dhawan’s dedication to his role is evident. But in today’s competitive market, even solid performances can’t save a film if the overall package doesn’t click.
Final Thoughts
Seven days into its release, Baby John is inching forward, but it’s clear the film has an uphill battle. The makers will now be hoping for better footfalls over the weekend, though that might not be enough to turn the tide.
For fans of Varun Dhawan, the hope is that he bounces back with his next project. For Bollywood, it’s another reminder that flashy budgets don’t always equal box office gold.
Stay tuned for more updates as we track Baby John’s performance in the coming day
