Review: The film "Baby," directed by Sai Rajesh, presents a love story that offers a unique blend of ideas, some of which are commendable, while others may raise concerns. The film portrays a bubbly young girl named Vaishnavi (Vaishnavi Chaitanya) who is deeply infatuated with Anand (Anand Deverakonda). Her love for him is evident in her sparkling eyes whenever she sees him. Eventually, Anand reciprocates her feelings and seeks her consent. However, as Vaishnavi moves on to an upscale college, leaving their simple life in the basti behind, Anand becomes an auto driver to make ends meet. At this juncture, Vaishnavi encounters a new life, new friends, and a boy named Viraj (Viraj Ashwin), which threatens to tear her apart from Anand.

The film "Baby" manages to oscillate between two perspectives. On one hand, it can be seen as a tale that validates the feelings of insecure men who resist change and have a savior complex. On the other hand, it serves as a mirror to society, shedding light on the quick judgments made against women who strive, sometimes desperately, to find happiness wherever and whenever they can. The scenes in the film navigate between these two perspectives, making one wonder if Sai Rajesh attempted to cater to a wide range of audience preferences while staying non-judgmental. However, when the director does focus on specific aspects, the emotionally charged drama unfolds effectively.

The lead characters, Vaishnavi, Anand, and Viraj, exhibit shades of complexity. Vaishnavi is portrayed as a woman who stands up against those who take her for granted. However, some of the choices she eventually makes may seem unconvincing and naive. Anand appears to be attentive to his girlfriend's cues, avoiding crossing boundaries. Yet, he easily loses control and crosses the line in fits of rage. Viraj, the rich boy, lacks sufficient development and his motivations remain unclear at times. While these gray areas add depth to the characters, the film also succumbs to problematic tropes concerning both genders. It is essential for the Telugu film industry to move away from toxic ideas surrounding coping with heartbreak.

The film's strengths lie in the performances and the music composed by Vijay Bulganin. The actors, Anand Deverakonda and Viraj Ashwin, put forth heartfelt performances, with Anand particularly shining in certain scenes. However, "Baby" truly stands out due to Vaishnavi's stellar silver screen debut. The music seamlessly complements the emotions portrayed on screen, and the songs do not feel like hindrances. Despite its flaws, Sai Rajesh skillfully writes engaging scenes that keep the audience captivated and maintains an element of unpredictability throughout the film.

"Baby" may leave viewers with mixed feelings, but it also prompts conversations, whether positive or negative. Perhaps, that is the intended purpose of the film—to stimulate discussions and reflections on its themes and portrayal of relationships.