Baby Girl Movie Review: A Thriller That Misses the Mark Completely
In the latest offering from Malayalam cinema, Baby Girl emerges as a significant disappointment, failing to live up to the expectations set by its star-studded cast and acclaimed writing duo. Directed by Arun Varma, this emotional thriller starring Nivin Pauly and Lijomol struggles to find its footing, resulting in a film that feels shallow and uninspired.
Plot Overview: A Missing Baby and Unraveling Secrets
The story revolves around Sanal, played by Nivin Pauly, who works as an attendant at Good Shepherd Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. When a three-day-old baby girl goes missing from the hospital, SI Rakesh Narayanan, portrayed by Abhimanyu Shammy Thilakan, leads the investigation. However, the probe is hampered by limited resources due to a chief minister's event. As the narrative unfolds, Sanal becomes a suspect, and siblings Rithu (Lijomol) and Rishi (Sangeeth Prathap) are drawn into the mystery, hiding their own secrets. The central questions haunting the police are the whereabouts of the baby and why her family shows little interest in finding her.
Screenplay and Writing: A Major Letdown
The screenplay by the iconic duo Bobby-Sanjay, known for hits like Traffic and Notebook, is surprisingly lackluster. From the outset, the plot relies on convenient devices, such as the abductor wearing a burqa, which feels hackneyed and potentially inflammatory. The story, set within a single day like their earlier work Traffic, fails to build emotional weight or suspense. Character development is severely lacking, with Sanal's track offering little intrigue, and the twist reminiscent of The Truth (1998) being too obvious to have any impact.
This marks a fresh low for Bobby-Sanjay, whose writing has been declining since films like Uyare (2019). The duo's inability to raise stakes or anchor the narrative strongly contrasts sharply with their past successes, making Baby Girl feel like a mediocre soap opera rather than a gripping thriller.
Direction and Performances: Missed Opportunities
Director Arun Varma fails to compensate for the weak script, lacking the incisive vision of late director Rajesh Pillai, who elevated Bobby-Sanjay's scripts in the past. The film often feels rudimentary, with moments evoking a sense of déjà vu, similar to the poorly received Bhagavan (2009), though it narrowly avoids being as bad.
In terms of performances, Lijomol delivers a serviceable turn as Rithu, but Nivin Pauly is completely wasted in a role that does not utilize his talent. Abhimanyu Thilakan's character feels underdeveloped, and Sangeeth Prathap disappoints with an unconvincing accent. Sam CS's music is uneven, working only in patches and failing to enhance the overall experience.
Final Verdict: A Film That Fails to Engage
Baby Girl is a thriller that falls short on multiple fronts. With a rating of 1.5 out of 5, it is a forgettable entry in Malayalam cinema, highlighting the need for better writing and direction. Fans of Nivin Pauly and Bobby-Sanjay will likely leave the theater feeling let down by this lackluster effort.
