Baby Movie Review

Baby: A Bold Attempt at a Love Triangle Story with Youth Appeal

“Baby,” written and directed by Sai Rajesh, is a Telugu film that stars Anand Devarakonda, Vaishnavi Chaitanya, Viraj Ashwin, and Nagababu. Released on July 14, 2013, the movie explores the dynamics of a love triangle against the backdrop of a slum setting. With Sai Rajesh’s previous successes in comedy films like “Hrudaya Kejal” and “Kobbarimatta,” along with the buzz generated by the promotion of this cult film, audiences had high expectations. However, let’s delve into the details of how the film fared and the narrative it aimed to convey, particularly for the youth audience.

The Storyline

“Baby” revolves around Anand (Anand Devarakonda) and Vaishnavi (Vaishnavi Chaitanya), who grow up together in a slum and fall in love. While Anand becomes an auto driver after failing tenth grade, Vaishnavi moves to the city for further studies. She indulges in drinking, smoking, and partying with her classmate, Sita. Meanwhile, a wealthy college mate named Viraj (Viraj Ashwin) also develops feelings for Vaishnavi. Thus, a love triangle ensues, leading to conflicts and differences between Anand and Vaishnavi. The story follows how Vaishnavi navigates her relationships with both Anand and Viraj.

Story Analysis

“Baby” attempts to captivate the youth audience with its candid portrayal of a typical love triangle. While it was promoted as a cult film, it is essential to note that the label of a cult classic is not a genre itself. Cult classics usually gain value and a dedicated following over time, appealing to a specific audience. The film’s claim to be a cult movie might hold true if it manages to establish a dedicated fan base over the years. However, at present, it does not possess the necessary elements to be considered a cult classic. Confusing the audience with such claims might lead to misplaced expectations.

The story primarily focuses on showcasing a girl’s behavior towards two boys rather than delving into a profound love story. It attempts to convey a message to girls about not letting their lives be ruined by suffering. Through realistic characters, the film aims to push boundaries and explore unconventional themes. However, the boldness of the dialogues, which had to be muted due to their explicit nature, might not resonate well with all sections of the Telugu audience.

The film’s shortcomings lie in its inability to establish whether the relationships portrayed are based on love or infatuation. The character portrayals lack coherence and fail to provide clarity. The transformation of Vaishnavi from a regular girl to someone who indulges in inappropriate behavior lacks a convincing explanation. While a coming-of-age genre might have suited the storyline better, akin to classics like Goethe’s “Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship” or the upcoming Hollywood film “Lady Bird,” “Baby” fails to effectively present the narrative as a story of teenagers’ growth and maturity.

Despite its flaws, the film might find an audience among those who appreciate the boldness and a provocative heroine, overlooking the lack of substantial love elements.

Acting Performances

Anand Devarakonda displays improved acting skills, even though the character portrayals lack depth. His portrayal of Madhubabu, a failed lover, resonates with the youth audience, who find relatability in his character’s experiences.

Vaishnavi Chaitanya delivers a boyish charm in her anti-heroine role, becoming a significant attraction for viewers. However, it remains to be seen how many girls would be inclined to watch this bold film with a message targeted toward them.

Viraj Ashwin impresses as the third character, Viraj, who is unclear about his true feelings for Vaishnavi. While his intentions and desires remain ambiguous, his portrayal manages to capture the attention of the youth.

Technical Aspects

The film’s music, composed by Vijay Bulganin, stands out as one of its strengths. The songs contribute to the overall appeal of the movie. Bala Reddy’s cinematography and SKN’s production values are commendable, adding to the film’s visual quality.

However, director Sai Rajesh’s decision to stretch the runtime to approximately three hours resulted in a lack of coherence and fatigue among the audience. The film’s first half focuses on the romance between the characters, while the second half introduces twists and turns, typical of Telugu movies, leading to a prolonged resolution of the conflicts. This pacing issue might test the audience’s patience.

Conclusion

“Baby” is a bold attempt at portraying a love triangle story targeted at the youth audience. While it does not fulfill the criteria of a cult classic, it possesses elements that might appeal to a specific segment of viewers who appreciate its audacity and provocative nature. Anand Devarakonda’s improved acting skills, Vaishnavi Chaitanya’s captivating screen presence, and Viraj Ashwin’s enigmatic character contribute to the film’s overall appeal. Despite its narrative flaws and pacing issues, “Baby” stands as an attempt to compete with Tamil films and appeal to a specific audience drawn to its unconventional themes and boldness.

Source

Also, read about ‘Maaveeran‘