The 2016 Tamil hit Theri and its 2024 Hindi remake Baby John share the same core storyline but reflect the distinct styles of Tamil and Hindi cinema.
Theri, directed by Atlee, starred Thalapathy Vijay in a dual role as DCP Vijay Kumar and Joseph Kuruvilla. His portrayal of a father-daughter bond, combined with his mass appeal, struck a chord with audiences. In contrast, Varun Dhawan’s performance in Baby John as DCP Satya Verma/Baby John, while energetic, has been critiqued for not matching Vijay’s emotional depth and charisma.
Supporting casts in both films highlight the strengths of their respective industries. Theri featured Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Amy Jackson, whose chemistry with Vijay added emotional depth. In Baby John, Keerthy Suresh made her Hindi debut as Satya’s wife, Meera, while Wamiqa Gabbi’s role was expanded. The villains also differ: Theri featured J. Mahendran as a menacing yet calm antagonist, while Baby John cast Jackie Shroff as a brutal gangster.
One major difference lies in the treatment of key scenes. Theri was lauded for its tight storytelling and emotional climax, while Baby John escalates the action, especially in its grand port-set climax, drawing comparisons to blockbusters like Pushpa 2. Some critics argue that this shift towards spectacle sacrifices the emotional depth of the original.
Additionally, Baby John includes a cameo by Salman Khan, a star-driven addition absent in Theri, hinting at a possible sequel and showcasing Bollywood’s flair for larger-than-life narratives.
In essence, while both films offer distinct interpretations of the same story, they showcase the strengths and unique styles of Tamil and Hindi cinema.
