Baby Movie Review: Liked Argo? You would love ‘Baby’

What. A. Film.

Just when you start wondering if the state of Bollywood is not going to improve anytime soon and one would just have to go through more mindless films that have ceased to be entertainers, there comes a film like Baby that assures once again that not all is lost in the world of films. That there are hardcore mass entertainers like Akshay Kumar who are willing to step into a different zone altogether and join hands with a master filmmaker like Neeraj Pandey who is aiming to redefine the Bollywood scene with a kind of thriller that brings in a new grammar to storytelling.

Baby holds your attention right at the beginning when Danny Denzongpa introduces his team of Baby, its organisation set up, its modus operandi and the dynamics in which it works. The opening sequence in Istanbul is thrilling to the core even as a cross-continent terror threat looms large. With Akshay and Rana tying up for the operation, the stage is set for what lies ahead. Numerous episodes unfold from this point on and there are no words minced in detailing how terrorists both in the neighboring country as well as within India tie up to create widespread disturbances and mayhem. Kay Kay Menon makes a chilling impact yet again as a terrorist and with numerous interrogations and encounters that follow (something that reminds one of Jack Bauer and 24) keeps one on the edge of the seat.

The turn of the events at the interval point not just stuns but also makes one realise that the first hour has gone past on a real rapid pace with no mishit whatsoever. The sequence soon after in Nepal is a little extended but once Taapsee, who gets introduced at this point, comes on her own (she is very good with her action) and the interrogation that follows with Sushant Singh (intense, yet hilarious), Baby takes an altogether different dimension. The decision to reach a Middle East country and wipe out a terrorist completely changes the graph of the film and there is no looking back whatsoever.

What makes the 45 minutes that follow from here totally spell binding are various factors that come together to remind one of Argo. The plan that is hatched, coming together of Akshay and Rana, the introduction of Anupam Kher, the '3 minute operation', the wait that follows, the surprise that awaits the protagonists, the split second decision that is made and then the entire chain of events that come together to execute this decision - just about everything works with clockwork precision, hence resulting in an enthralling affair, none of which would have been possible without Neeraj's apt direction, stupendous editing, classy cinematography, realistic action scenes, superb locations of Middle East and an array of character actors that continue to be introduced.

Boasting of high production values, Baby turns out to be a true big screen entertainer that warrants a viewer's complete attention as even a momentary distraction threats the momentum to be broken. This is one film that needs a member of the audience to bring his brains along as other than strong action, there are numerous twists and turns as well as some really powerful dialogues (most of them mouthed by Danny) that deserve a close watch. Meanwhile, Akshay delivers one of his best performances till date in the part of a silent field operator who means business. As 'hulk', Rana pretty much occupies the frame when he is around. Taapsee shows that she can kick a$$ when needed and has much more to her beyond Chashme Baddoor. Anupam Kher is so delightful and is a reason for all the wit that makes Baby a lot of fun. One would have loved to see more of Kay Kay. Rashid Naz as the terrorist mastermind is good while his dialogue delivery is unique and original. Madhurima Tuli as Akshay's wife fits into her small part. The actors  who play the Middle East detective and handler make their presence count as well.

Eventually, Baby turns out to be one of the finest films ever made in Bollywood. With a superb (and topical plot), excellent treatment, wonderful performances, never-seen-before locations, fantastic background score and an authentic narrative, it is one film that should be on your watch list this season. Coupled with the fact that the release timing of this film, which doesn't try to be pretentiously patriotic, couldn't have been better, it would certainly come on its own by the time Republic Day holiday comes calling.