Nachiket Samant's Baby Do Die Do is a refreshing addition to Hindi cinema, offering a unique blend of style and substance. This female-led thriller is a playful, slick take on the assassin genre, with a vibrant, character-driven narrative that feels both fresh and familiar. The film introduces us to Baby Karmarkar, a deaf and mute sharpshooter, played with captivating charm by Huma Qureshi. She's a contract killer, seeking revenge for the murder of her twin sister, and her unique approach to assassination involves killing people discreetly in crowded public spaces, using an umbrella as her weapon of choice.
The film's strength lies in its ability to balance style and substance. The first half of the narrative, crafted by Samant and Rachit Singh, introduces us to this darkly comic world and its colourful cast of characters. The buildup is masterful, with a crackling cast bringing the story to life. The visual dynamism, including cutaways, pop-ups, split screens, and black-and-white sequences, adds to the film's playful and alive atmosphere. Tojo Xavier's top shots, in particular, glide through the bustling city of Mumbai, capturing the soul of the city and its inhabitants.
However, the film's second half risks becoming too busy, juggling too many characters and narrative coincidences. The central antagonists, Inspector Anjum Khan and Zafar Bhai, are sidelined in favour of a subplot involving a blackmailing court clerk. While the film attempts to maintain its chaotic black comedy vibe, it sometimes descends into a 'vibes-heavy' narrative, relying too heavily on moody montages and stylistic atmosphere over deep character development and plotting. The climax, though cheeky and well-conceived, could have been more thunderous.
Despite these rough edges, Baby Do Die Do is a delightful 'Bombay' movie. The narrative is baked with the city's soul, and Baby's world is a reflection of Mumbai's bustling streets and its inhabitants. Huma Qureshi's portrayal of Baby is a standout, imbuing her with a childlike playfulness and innocence that makes her instantly endearing. Her character's single-minded pursuit of revenge is balanced by a love story with her music teacher neighbour, Siddhu, played by Rachit Singh. This love story, though undercooked, adds a layer of emotion to the film, making it a surprisingly affecting tale.
In conclusion, Baby Do Die Do is a must-watch for those seeking a unique blend of style and substance in Hindi cinema. It offers a refreshing take on the assassin genre, with a vibrant, character-driven narrative that is both playful and thought-provoking. The film's strengths lie in its ability to balance its colourful cast and stylistic choices with a deep, emotional core, making it a delightful and memorable cinematic experience.
