“Baby” is a Telugu-language thriller film directed by Ramesh Raparthi and starring Anand Deverakonda, Viraj Ashwin and Vaishnavi Chaitanya. The film is scheduled for a worldwide release on July 14, 2023.
The film revolves around a young couple, Raj (Deverakonda) and Swathi (Chaitanya), who adopt a baby girl after struggling with infertility. However, their seemingly happy life is shattered when they discover that their baby is not what she seems.
Plot
The film begins with Raj and Swathi celebrating their fifth anniversary at a resort. They are surprised by a visit from Raj’s friend, Karthik (Ashwin), who works as a journalist. Karthik tells them that he has found a baby girl abandoned in a dumpster and asks them if they want to adopt her. Raj and Swathi, who have been trying to conceive for years, agree to take the baby home.
They name the baby Ananya and soon grow attached to her. However, they also notice some strange things about her. She does not cry, laugh or show any emotion. She does not respond to toys, music or affection. She only stares blankly at them or at the TV. Raj and Swathi consult a doctor, who tells them that Ananya may have some developmental issues and advises them to be patient and supportive.
Meanwhile, Karthik is investigating a series of murders that have been happening in the city. He finds out that all the victims are connected to a mysterious cult that worships a goddess named Kali. He also learns that the cult leader, Guruji (Raja Ravindra), has been abducting young girls and sacrificing them to Kali in exchange for power and wealth. Karthik suspects that Ananya may be one of the missing girls and decides to confront Raj and Swathi.
However, before he can do so, he is attacked by Guruji’s henchmen and kidnapped. Raj and Swathi receive a call from Guruji, who tells them that he wants Ananya back. He reveals that Ananya is not a normal baby, but a reincarnation of Kali herself. He says that he had planned to sacrifice her on the night of the full moon, but she escaped from his clutches and ended up in the dumpster. He warns them that if they do not return Ananya to him, he will kill Karthik and unleash Kali’s wrath on them.
Raj and Swathi are shocked and terrified by this revelation. They do not know what to do or whom to trust. They decide to flee from their home with Ananya and seek help from the police. However, they soon realize that they are being followed by Guruji’s men and that Ananya is not as innocent as she looks.
Review
“Baby” is a gripping thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The film has a tight script, crisp editing and effective cinematography that create a tense and suspenseful atmosphere. The film also has some unexpected twists and turns that keep the viewers guessing until the end.
ANAND DEVERAKONDA: ‘BABY’ TRAILER… 14 JULY RELEASE… #Telugu film #Baby – starring #AnandDeverakonda, #VaishnaviChaitanya and #VirajAshwin – to release in *cinemas* on 14 July 2023.#BabyTrailer [with #English subtitles] 🔗: https://t.co/LxRqGUervJ
Directed by #SaiRajesh…… pic.twitter.com/OUaKZ5P2Uq
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) July 8, 2023
The film’s biggest strength is its cast, especially the three lead actors. Anand Deverakonda delivers a convincing performance as Raj, a loving husband and father who is torn between his loyalty to his family and his fear of the unknown. Viraj Ashwin impresses as Karthik, a brave and loyal friend who risks his life to uncover the truth. Vaishnavi Chaitanya shines as Swathi, a caring wife and mother who struggles with her emotions and doubts.
However, the star of the film is undoubtedly the baby girl who plays Ananya. She steals every scene she is in with her eerie expressions and creepy actions. She makes the audience feel both sympathy and horror for her character.
The film’s only drawback is its climax, which feels rushed and underwhelming. The film could have explored more of the cult’s background and motives, as well as the mythology behind Kali’s reincarnation. The film also leaves some loose ends unresolved, such as what happens to Raj and Swathi after the final confrontation.
Overall, “Baby” is a well-made thriller that offers an engaging and thrilling experience to the viewers. It is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who enjoy dark and twisted stories.