Baby Girl Movie Review: Why Nivin Pauly’s Film Falls Short

The much-anticipated Malayalam thriller Baby Girl, starring Nivin Pauly, has finally hit theatres. Promoted as a tense, emotional drama revolving around the disappearance of a newborn, the film entered cinemas with high expectations. However, early reviews and audience reactions suggest that the film struggles to live up to the hype.

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Film Overview

• Film: Baby Girl

• Language: Malayalam

• Genre: Thriller / Drama

• Lead Actor: Nivin Pauly

• Director: Arun Varma

• Writers: Bobby–Sanjay

Story at a Glance

Baby Girl is set largely within a hospital and follows the mysterious disappearance of a three-day-old baby. The incident sends shockwaves through the families involved and the hospital staff. Nivin Pauly plays Sanal, a hospital attendant who becomes closely linked to the case as suspicion and emotional pressure grow.

The narrative unfolds over a short time frame, attempting to capture panic, grief, and moral dilemmas as the search for the missing baby intensifies.

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Performance Review

Nivin Pauly delivers a sincere but restrained performance. While he does justice to the emotional demands of the role, critics feel that the character itself lacks depth. The role does not fully utilise his acting potential, making his presence feel less impactful than expected.

The supporting cast, including Lijomol Jose and Sangeeth Prathap, provides steady performances and brings emotional weight to select scenes, though they too are limited by the writing.

Screenplay and Direction

The screenplay by Bobby–Sanjay has drawn the most criticism. Reviewers have described it as predictable and outdated, relying on familiar thriller formulas rather than offering fresh storytelling.

Director Arun Varma struggles to maintain tension throughout the film. Several scenes lean heavily on melodrama, reducing the urgency and seriousness of the subject matter.

Technical Aspects

The cinematography and background score are adequate but fail to enhance the suspense significantly. While the film is technically sound, it does not stand out visually or musically in a genre that demands strong atmospheric support.

Audience Reaction and Buzz

Social media reactions following the first day of release have been mixed to negative. Many viewers have pointed out the slow pace and lack of surprises, while a small section appreciated the emotional intent behind the story.

Common audience feedback includes:

• Predictable plot twists

• Slow narration

• Strong performances limited by weak writing

Box Office Update

Early box office trends indicate a slow opening, with morning show occupancies remaining below expectations. Trade analysts suggest that word-of-mouth will play a crucial role in determining the film’s performance over the weekend.

Final Word

Baby Girl had the ingredients of a gripping thriller but falls short due to weak execution and an uninspired screenplay. While performances remain decent, the film does not deliver the emotional intensity or suspense expected from a story of this nature.

The film may appeal to viewers who enjoy slow-burn dramas, but for most audiences, Baby Girl turns out to be a missed opportunity.

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