Baby and Baby Movie Review: A Comedy Stuck in the ’90s.Filmygod

Tamil cinema is in desperate need of a comedy revival, especially when it comes to family films. It’s time for movies that can make us laugh without relying on excessive sentimentality or poking fun at other characters. Unfortunately, it seems like the industry is digging deep into the past to bring back humor that has long since faded away. “Baby and Baby” has an interesting premise, but it ultimately falls into the trap of tired formulas that don’t quite work.

The cast includes Jai, Yogi Babu, Sathyaraj, Pragya Nagra, Redin Kingsley, Rajendran, Anandaraj, Ilavarasu, Singampuli, and Sriman, all directed by Prathap. The film kicks off its main conflict within the first half hour, which is a good thing, but it also means you might find yourself needing to suspend disbelief from the very start. The story revolves around two babies who are unknowingly swapped at an airport because they are wearing identical outfits. This mix-up sends the two couples—Shiva (played by Jai) and Guna (played by Yogi Babu)—on a wild journey to figure out that they don’t actually have their own children.

The chaos that unfolds as they try to reunite the swapped babies with their rightful parents is the crux of the film. However, it takes over an hour for the characters to realize the mistake, which can feel frustrating for the audience. The pacing drags, and you might find yourself wondering why it took them so long to catch on. The film’s structure resembles that of a soap opera, complete with dramatic flashbacks, sudden close-ups, and characters who swing between extreme emotions.

One of the major issues with “Baby and Baby” is its portrayal of the parents. They are depicted as controlling figures who are obsessed with traditional views on gender and the supposed prosperity their children will bring to the family. While this could have been an interesting angle to explore, it often comes off as heavy-handed. The film tries to tackle gender biases, but instead of offering a fresh perspective, it reiterates outdated stereotypes.

Initially, the drama can be entertaining, but it quickly becomes overwhelming and repetitive. For example, a character named Manikkam (played by Sriman) often appears overly dramatic, which can feel more exhausting than engaging. The film seems to struggle with finding a balance between humor and drama, leading to a tonal inconsistency that makes it hard to connect with the characters.

As the story progresses, you might find yourself longing for a more genuine comedic touch. The jokes often rely on slapstick humor or exaggerated reactions, which can feel forced. The film seems to think that simply having characters react dramatically will elicit laughter, but this approach falls flat. Instead of feeling like a family entertainer, it often feels like a collection of scenes that are trying too hard to be funny.

The cinematography and direction also play a role in how the story is presented. The use of sudden zoom-ins and slow-motion shots can feel out of place and distracting. Instead of enhancing the comedic moments, these techniques often take away from the overall experience. It feels as if the filmmakers are trying to create a sense of drama that doesn’t quite fit the tone of a comedy.

In conclusion, “Baby and Baby” had the potential to be a refreshing family entertainer, but it ultimately falls short. The film’s reliance on outdated humor and heavy-handed drama makes it difficult to enjoy. While the cast delivers decent performances, the script fails to provide them with the material needed to shine. Tamil cinema needs a revival of comedy that can resonate with audiences today, and “Baby and Baby” serves as a reminder of what happens when the industry looks too far back for inspiration.

Instead of rediscovering lost humor, it would be better for filmmakers to create original stories that reflect modern sensibilities. The audience deserves family films that can make them laugh while also offering meaningful commentary on contemporary issues. “Baby and Baby” is a missed opportunity in this regard, and it leaves viewers hoping for a brighter future for comedy in Tamil cinema.