Friday, 23 January 2026| Dubai, UAE [ Posted at 12:34 pm ]
Baby Girl Movie Review: Baby Girl, the latest Malayalam thriller starring Nivin Pauly, hit theatres on January 23, 2026. Soon after its release, it sparked strong buzz among fans of realistic and investigation-driven cinema. Directed by Arun Varma, the film presents a gripping race against time centred on the kidnapping of a newborn from a hospital.
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Baby Girl Story & Setup
Overview: A high-stakes mystery unfolds within a single day.
The film follows a procedural investigation after a newborn baby is abducted under mysterious circumstances. As the prime suspect vanishes, the police find themselves racing against time, with every passing minute raising the emotional and moral stakes.
Key highlights of the movie include:
- The narrative largely unfolds within a single day, adding urgency
- Focuses on process, realism, and quiet tension rather than flashy twists
- Leans heavily on emotional pressure and ticking-clock suspense
This grounded setup immediately pulls viewers into its world.
Direction & Screenplay
Overview: Controlled storytelling that values tension over spectacle.
Director Arun Varma, fresh off the success of Garudan, teams up with writers Bobby and Sanjay. It marks their third collaboration with Magic Frames, following classics like “Traffic” and “How Old Are You.”
What works well here:
- Tight and methodical screenplay in the first half
- Suspense builds gradually without rushing key moments
- Clear narrative focus with minimal distractions
However, some portions may feel familiar, especially for seasoned thriller fans.
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Performances
Overview: Subtle, restrained acting adds emotional weight.
Here is the Baby Girl Movie Review of performance:
- Nivin Pauly delivers a serious, understated performance as he steps away from his usual charm-driven roles
- Lijomol Jose brings emotional credibility, especially in high-stress scenes
- Sangeeth Prathap impresses with a believable and grounded portrayal
That said, a common critique is that Nivin Pauly’s character feels underutilised before the interval, with his arc expected to expand more in the second half.
Technical Aspects
Overview: Strong technical support elevates the thriller mood.
The film also works well on the technical front. Below is a quick Baby Girl Movie Review about it:
- Background Score (Jakes Bejoy): One of the film’s biggest strengths, which enhances tension even in silent moments
- Editing (Shaijith Kumaran): Crisp and efficient, especially leading into the interval
- Cinematography: Clean and functional, keeping the focus on realism
The interval block stands out as a major high point, as it delivers a goosebumps-inducing turn.
What Works in Baby Girl
Overview: A solid first half and immersive tension.
- Gripping and slow-burning suspense
- Strong background score
- Effective interval twist
- Measured and realistic performances
What Holds Baby Girl Back
Overview: Familiar tropes and a heavy reliance on the second half.
- Some execution feels slightly dated.
- Lack of innovation in certain thriller beats
- Overall impact depends heavily on how the second half pays off
Baby Girl Review: Final Verdict
Overview: A well-made thriller that rewards patience.
Baby Girl shapes up as a solid, tension-driven Malayalam thriller with emotional depth and strong technical backing. While it may not reinvent the genre, its controlled storytelling and immersive atmosphere make it worth watching, especially for fans of realistic investigation dramas.
If the second half delivers on the promise of its opening act, Baby Girl could easily stand out as one of 2026’s more memorable Malayalam thrillers.
FAQs
1. Is Baby Girl based on a true story?
No, Baby Girl is a fictional thriller, but it is presented in a realistic and procedural style.
2. Is Baby Girl suitable for family audiences?
The film deals with sensitive themes like child kidnapping, so viewer discretion is advised.
3. How is Nivin Pauly’s performance in Baby Girl?
Nivin Pauly delivers a restrained and serious performance, one that differs from his usual roles.
4. Is Baby Girl similar to Traffic?
It shares similarities in structure, emotional stakes, and time-bound tension.
Baby Girl Movie Review: Conclusion
Baby Girl may feel familiar in parts. Still, its emotional core, strong first half, and tense atmosphere make it a worthwhile theatrical watch, especially for UAE audiences who enjoy grounded Malayalam thrillers.
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