'Baby' - Miss it at your own risk (IANS Movie Review, Rating - ****1/2)
Jan 23,2015
Film: "Baby"; Actors: Akshay Kumar, K K Menon, Tapsee Pannu, Anupam Kher, Rana Daggubati, Mikaal Zulfikar, Rashid Naaz; Writer-Director: Neeraj Pandey; Rating: ****1/2
Don't move! The concept of the edge-of-the-seat thriller seems to have been invented for Neeraj Pandey's enormously engaging take on international terrorism. It takes guts to make a film which calls a spade a spade...Or Pakistan the hub of terrorism in the Asian subcontinent.
With "Baby", Pandey immediately and irreversibly joins the ranks of the finest contemporary filmmakers of our times.
Outwardly "Baby", with its theme of a bunch of bravehearts apprehending international terrorists at the risk of their own lives and their family's well being, has nothing to offer that we haven't seen in several films in the counter-terror genre before. What places "Baby" far above the routine thrillers is its refreshing lack of circumvention in the storytelling.
Straight away Pandey's film takes us inside the life of counter-terrorism expert Ajay (Akshay Kumar) as he grapples to locate a colleague who has been betrayed by one of their own and taken hostage by terrorists.
In "Baby" there is a palpable predilection for building unbearably suspenseful action sequences without losing the essential authenticity of the situation. All through the riveting drama, Ajay and his team (Tapsee Pannu, Rana Daggubati and other splendidly in-character actors who show up with him in different sections of the narrative) push the envelope of counter-terrorism without toppling into the abyss of self-congratulation.
We sense we are in the midst of a very important docu-drama on the violence of our times. A part of the film's edifying mood of bridled energy comes from Akshay Kumar's screen presence. He is in control, powerful and effective without throwing his muscles around the screen to prove his heroic stature.
One of the film's most interesting sub-texts is its attitude to heroism and machismo. Ajay and his team are doing a job. They want to do it as any professional. The difference lies in the mortality level: this hero and his team could get killed at any time. And you know what? They don't care!
Pandey keeps the proceedings tightly wound, and yet we never feel the weight of the epic plot as it coils and recoils through a labyrinth of subverted idealism and crushed diabolism. The narrative is structured as a spiral of dread, doom and a kind of romantic hope of heroic redemption from the cesspool of terror-violence that grips the world.
Though nothing in the film's design suggests any conscious attempt to create a mood-specific thriller, the film keeps us spellbound from first frame to last. Yes, the airport climax where our heroes (standing ovation for them is in order) make their getaway from a middle-eastern country seems inspired by Ben Affleck's "Argo". No harm in that...Creativity is never self-generated.
Helming, navigating and controlling this bridled exposition on anarchy is Akshay Kumar with his career's best performance. His interpretation of an unsung hero's stubborn determination to rescue the world from chaos, is mature and restrained, even when pitched against veteran actors with a formidable history of one-upmanship.
Watch him in the dexterously designed sequence where he exchanges ideological barbs with a terrorist Taufeeq (Jamal Khan).
Watch out for the solid supporting performances. Each actor, even in the smallest role, knows he is part of a work that attempts to project the grim reality of our violence-ridden world without losing the inherent cinematic quality in the narration. In various sections of the film Danny Denzongpa, Sushant Singh, Tapsee Pannu (as a desi Lara Croft, she is a delight), K K Menon and Anupam Kher appear to excel without trying to.
Rashid Raz as the rabble-rousing Pakistani radical leader with his eyeball-rolling act may seem over the top. But then whoever said religious fundamentalists were controlled in their emotions?
What could have been avoided is the over-punctuated background score by Sunjoy Choudhary which tries to pound every scene to a pulp. If the narrative escapes from the assault on the soundtrack it's because the timely plot gives us no room to crib over trespasses.
Pandey gets immense support from his technicians. Sudeep Chatterjee shoots every nook of the locations as though it were the end of the world. There is a throbbing urgency to every sequence. The editing (Sree Narayan Singh) does away with punctuation marks to create a seamless world where danger lurks in every corner and only the brave are allowed to survive.
"Baby" is one helluva roller-coaster ride . Miss it at your own risk.
Top Stories
Security Breach Involving Arbaaz Khan: Intruder Jumps Into Actor’s Car, Removed by Bouncer
Jun 17,2026
Actor Arbaaz Khan recently found himself at the center of a security scare during a public event in Kolkata. A video from the incident has gone viral on social media, showing an unidentified man allegedly forcing his way into the actor's car as he was leaving the venue.The unexpected inci
‘Happy Birthday to the Queen’: Priyanka Chopra Shares Special Birthday Wish for Mother Madhu Chopra
Jun 17,2026
Global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas melted hearts on social media after sharing a special birthday message for her mother, Dr. Madhu Chopra. The actress took to Instagram Stories to celebrate her mother's birthday and expressed gratitude for her constant guidance and support.The heartfelt p
Kangana Ranaut Breaks Silence on ‘Don 3’ Controversy, Says ‘Ranveer Singh Is Being Targeted After Dhurandhar’
Jun 12,2026
Bollywood actress and politician Kangana Ranaut has once again sparked discussion with her comments on the controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh and his reported exit from Don 3. Speaking in a recent interview, Kangana suggested that Ranveer may have been unfairly targeted following the su
Anupam Kher Scolds David Dhawan Over Retirement Rumors: "Who Are You to Decide..."
Jun 04,2026
Veteran Bollywood filmmaker David Dhawan has returned to the director’s chair after a gap of six years. However, what has surprised fans even more is his announcement that his upcoming film Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani will reportedly be his final directorial venture before retirement.But
'Bad breath from her mouth...' When Bobby Deol refused to film an intimate scene with Manisha Koirala, the reason will leave you stunned.
Jun 03,2026
Bollywood actor Bobby Deol recently opened up about several funny behind-the-scenes moments from the early phase of his film career, including playful pranks on co-stars Twinkle Khanna, Rani Mukerji, and Manisha Koirala.The actor made these revelations during his appearance on the popular
Kangana Ranaut Recalls 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack Night: ‘We Were Dancing and Suddenly…’
Jun 03,2026
Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut recently opened up about her personal memories from the night of the devastating 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks while promoting her upcoming film Bharat Bhagya Vidhata.During the trailer launch event of the film, Kangana revealed that she was attending a party
‘She Was Faking It’: Madhuri Dixit Makes Shocking Revelation About Karisma Kapoor’s Dance Performance
Jun 02,2026
Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor remain one of Bollywood’s most iconic on-screen duos, especially for their unforgettable performances in the cult classic Dil To Pagal Hai.The film, which also starred Shah Rukh Khan, is still celebrated for its music, romance, and legendary d
Bobby Deol Reveals Who Can Play Dharmendra in His Biopic, Says ‘No One Can Replace Him’
Jun 02,2026
Bobby Deol is currently in the spotlight for his upcoming film Bandar, but the actor recently grabbed headlines for his emotional remarks about his late father and Bollywood legend Dharmendra. During his appearance on Aap Ki Adalat on India TV, Bobby Deol spoke candidly about Dhar
Entertainment News
‘She Was Faking It’: Madhu
Jun 02,2026
Bobby Deol Reveals Who Can Pla
Jun 02,2026
Cocktail 2 Trailer Out: Shahid
Jun 02,2026
Trophy in Hand, Love in the Ai
Jun 01,2026
Taapsee Pannu Reveals Extreme
Jun 01,2026