Baby Girl Movie Review: Baby Girl is a Malayalam thriller released on January 23, 2026, starring Nivin Pauly in a tense, grounded narrative revolving around the kidnapping of a newborn from a hospital. Directed by Arun Varma, the film also features Lijomol Jose and Sangeeth Prathap in key roles.
From the outset, Baby Girl positions itself as a procedural thriller, tracking the police investigation as the suspect mysteriously vanishes, turning the search into a race against time. The film has already drawn comparisons to the cult classic Traffic, particularly for its tight setup, emotional stakes, and ticking-clock tension.
Baby Girl Movie Review
What Works
The strongest praise so far is reserved for the first half, which is widely described as taut, controlled, and immersive. The screenplay steadily builds suspense without rushing, allowing the tension to simmer.
- The background score significantly enhances the thriller mood, elevating even quieter moments.
- The interval block is a clear high point, delivering a punchy, goosebumps-inducing turn that leaves audiences eager for what follows.
- Performances are another plus: Nivin Pauly brings restraint and seriousness, while Lijomol Jose and Sangeeth Prathap are noted for their measured, believable portrayals that add emotional credibility to the crisis.
Also Read: Silver Price Today Surges to Historic Highs on January 23, 2026 as Global Demand Intensifies
What Holds It Back
Not all reactions are uniformly glowing. Some viewers feel that parts of the execution appear slightly dated, relying on familiar thriller tropes rather than fresh innovation.
A recurring observation is that Nivin Pauly’s character doesn’t fully assert itself before the interval, making his presence feel underutilized early on. Much of the film’s overall impact now hinges on the second half, which must expand and deepen the setup to avoid feeling like a well-made but familiar exercise.
Baby Girl shapes up as a solid, tension-driven Malayalam thriller with a gripping premise and strong technical support. Its controlled storytelling and emotional core work in its favor, but the final verdict will largely depend on whether the second half delivers a payoff that matches the promise of its opening act.
For fans of realistic investigation thrillers and slow-burn suspense, Baby Girl is definitely worth watching—especially if it sticks the landing.
Baby Girl Movie Public Review
Chaitan Limkar is an entertainment writer specializing in movie reviews, box office collections, and web series coverage. With a sharp understanding of audience preferences and industry trends, he delivers accurate, engaging, and insight-driven content on films and digital streaming platforms. His writing focuses on honest reviews, reliable box office analysis, and timely entertainment news, helping readers stay updated with the latest happenings in cinema and OTT entertainment.
