Directed by Aritra Mukherjee, the film explores the kinds of paternal love that exist in different relationships.
Baba Baby O review: A mature tale of surrogacy and romance
Cinestaan Rating
Release Date: 04 Feb 2022 / Rated: U / 02hr 15min
Roushni Sarkar | Kolkata, 09 Feb 2022 23:05 IST
Aritra Mukherjee’s film Baba Baby O, starring Jisshu Sengupta and newcomer Solanki Roy, deals with the subject of surrogacy in a heart-warming manner while exploring the theme of paternal love. While the film has a few instances of brainless humour, as the plot progresses, a mature tale on modern-day romance emerges.
Megh Roddur Chatterjee (Sengupta), an accomplished professional, decides to become a single father via surrogacy in his 40s.
While people, including Megh Roddur's relatives, cannot comprehend his urge to become a father via surrogacy, he is supported by his parents, who shower their love and affection on his twin babies.
Sengupta's character's father, a self-professed progressive parent, however, begins to make assumptions about his son's sexual orientation and indirectly asks him whether he is a closeted homosexual after observing his intimacy with his best friend (Mainak Banerjee). Meanwhile, Megh Roddur’s life takes a fresh turn when he meets Brishti (Solanki Roy), who runs a toy store, and falls head over heels in love.
Brishti has a complicated relationship with her mother (Bidipta Chakraborty), and she hates babies as, according to her, they are nuisance makers. However, despite their differences, Brishti finds solace in Megh Roddur, who stands beside her in moments of crisis, without expressing his feelings for her.
Brishti’s personal life increases in complexity when her fiancé Souvik (Gourab Chatterjee) arrives from Sydney and decides to take her back with him.
The biggest takeaway of the film is its depiction of a middle-aged man, who shoulders multiple responsibilities both in and outside the house, filling the void in his beloved, who is much younger than him. At the same time, he doesn’t expect her to reciprocate emotionally and is simply happy to have a companion.
Onscreen romantic relationships with huge age gaps are often savaged by critics but the film shows how such bonds can be fulfilling with each partner contributing in their own ways. The film also makes a statement about tolerance by depicting the friendship between Megh Roddur and his gay best friend.
Sengupta’s character is a non-judgemental mature man, who acknowledges people’s strengths and vulnerabilities with empathy. At the same time, he has the habit of accommodating people and adapting to situations while suppressing his feelings. The actor aces these traits with ease, despite appearing a bit stupid in the comic moments.
Roy’s refreshing rendition of a modern confused woman seeking love and validation makes the film relatable. She is bereft of melodrama and her dilemmas and needs are real.
Chatterjee does justice to his character, who is the polar opposite of Megh Roddur. With a typical Australian accent, he portrays the superficial Souvik quite convincingly.
Chakraborty gives a thoughtful performance too.
Subhankar Bhar’s sleek camerawork is refreshing and Malay Laha’s smooth editing makes it hard to miss a moment in the film.
Amit-Ishan’s background score is dramatic but seamlessly underscores the emotions all the character goes through.
Writer Zinia Sen deserves credit for emphasizing the significance of paternal love with an entertaining yet relatable approach.
Baba Baby O is worth a watch for the emotional viewing experience it offers.