Movie Review: “Baby” featuring Anand Deverakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya is set to provoke divergent opinions, just like the controversial film “Arjun Reddy.” Its intricate moral dilemmas and compelling characters are sure to ignite extensive debates.
Baby presents itself as a cautionary narrative, unraveling the repercussions of a girl’s ambitious desires. At its core, the movie portrays the journey of a girl from a humble “basti” (slum) who becomes entangled in the allure of city life, subsequently impacting the lives of the three central characters, including her own.
Anand and Vaishnavi, residents of the same “basti,” have cherished their love since their school days. While Anand’s educational journey came to a halt, leading him to become an auto-rickshaw driver, Vaishnavi aspires to become an engineer. However, her wide-eyed innocence and fascination with materialistic pleasures steer her towards a series of missteps. She finds herself drawn to Viraj, an affluent and attractive college heartthrob. Driven by her misguided choices, Vaishnavi embarks on a morally ambiguous path, juggling both Viraj and Anand’s affections. As the story progresses, she becomes enmeshed in a web of chaos, ultimately engulfing everyone in the turmoil she has created.
The filmmaker deserves credit for maintaining a neutral tone throughout the film, avoiding the portrayal of characters in simplistic terms of good or bad. The driving force behind the entire narrative is unquestionably Vaishnavi. It is her desires, ambitions, and mistakes that dictate the fate of both male leads and shape the course of the story. In her debut performance, Vaishnavi Chaitanya flawlessly embodies her character to such an extent that whenever she is on screen, her choices resonate with the audience. Undoubtedly, she is bound to receive numerous accolades and appreciation for her remarkable portrayal in this role.
Anand Deverakonda delivers a captivating performance as the tormented lover, surprising the audience with his talent. He shines in the scenes leading up to the interval, capturing the raw emotions of betrayal and his determination to confront the girl. Additionally, his performance on the footbridge during the climax leaves a lasting impact. Viraj Ashwin also leaves a strong impression with his acting skills.
Naga Babu portrays the role of the girl’s father convincingly, while Viva Harsha and other supporting actors contribute effectively to the progression of the narrative. However, Vaishnavi’s college friend disappears from the story without making a substantial impact. The reasons behind the mother’s silence and Anand’s frustration towards her remain unexplained in the film. Furthermore, the character of the tough moneylender undergoes a transformation, displaying unexpected compassion towards the end.
The songs and background score by Vijay Bulganin perfectly complement the mood of the film, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Bal Reddy’s commendable camera work adds another layer of praise to the technical aspects of the movie.
In a surprising departure from Sai Rajesh’s previous slapstick comedy films, “Baby” emerges as a thought-provoking and emotionally charged piece of writing that prompts viewers to ponder numerous questions. The support and backing of producers SKN and Maruthi deserve appreciation for taking a bold leap and allowing the filmmaker to remain faithful to his vision. By presenting such a profound narrative, Sai Rajesh demonstrates his versatility as a storyteller, marking a significant shift in his filmmaking style.
Similar to “Arjun Reddy,” this film is bound to evoke mixed reactions and spark extensive debates due to its moral ambiguities, complex characters, and the conclusion it presents. It may be premature to discuss its commercial success at this stage, but it is highly likely that this film will join the ranks of cult classics such as “7/G Brindavan Colony,” “Premiste,” “RX 100,” and “Arjun Reddy.” Its thought-provoking nature and potential impact on audiences make it a strong contender for future recognition in the realm of beloved and influential films.
Baby movie cast: Anand Deverakonda, Vaishnavi Chaitanya, Viraj Ashwin, Naga Babu, Viva Harsha
Baby movie director: Sai Rajesh
Baby movie rating: 3 stars
