Baba (2022) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 26 Apr 2026


Baba(2022)
Known Is A Drop, Unknown Is An Ocean!
Tamil · Action, Drama, Fantasy
2h 40m · 11 Dec 2022
Music: A.R. Rahman | DOP: Chota K. Naidu | Writer: Balakumaran, Gopu-Babu, Rajinikanth
Ratings
Our Rating
2.5
📖 Story
Baba follows the journey of a carefree and rebellious young man named Baba who is indifferent to spirituality and social responsibilities. After a near-death experience, he embarks on a spiritual quest to understand the true meaning of life and his purpose. The story explores themes of reincarnation, karma, and self-realization as Baba confronts various challenges and adversaries, including corrupt forces, to bring about positive change in society.
Baba is a spiritual action drama that combines Rajinikanth's mass appeal with a philosophical narrative. The content ambitiously tackles metaphysical themes, though the screenplay struggles to maintain coherence throughout. The first half is relatively light-hearted and entertaining, featuring Rajinikanth's trademark style and humor, but the pacing slows down considerably in the second half as the film delves into heavier spiritual and moral discussions.
The screenplay attempts to balance commercial elements with a message-driven plot, but the transitions sometimes feel abrupt, affecting the overall flow. The songs composed by A.R. Rahman are melodious and well-integrated, adding emotional depth, while the background score effectively enhances the film's spiritual tone. Cinematography by Chota K. Naidu captures both the vibrant and somber moods of the narrative.
Despite its noble intentions and Rajinikanth's charismatic presence, Baba's execution is uneven, with moments of engagement offset by preachy dialogues and a convoluted climax. The film appeals primarily to fans of Rajinikanth and viewers interested in spiritual themes but may test the patience of those expecting a conventional commercial entertainer.
Rajinikanth: Charismatic and commanding, Rajinikanth carries the film with his signature style and emotional depth, especially in the spiritual transformation scenes.
Manisha Koirala: Offers a restrained and supportive role, providing emotional balance to the narrative.
Goundamani: Provides comic relief with his timing, though his role is limited.
Amrish Puri: Portrays the antagonist with intensity, adding gravitas to the conflict.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Rajinikanth's star power and screen presence
- ✓Philosophical and spiritual themes
- ✓A.R. Rahman's soulful music and background score
- ✓Cinematography capturing diverse moods
Weaknesses
- ✕Uneven screenplay and pacing
- ✕Second half slows down considerably
- ✕Preachy and convoluted climax
- ✕Limited appeal beyond Rajinikanth's fanbase
🎬 Direction & Writing
Suresh Krissna attempts to blend commercial cinema with spiritual messaging. While his direction highlights Rajinikanth's strengths, the narrative suffers from inconsistent pacing and a lack of subtlety in delivering its themes.
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - Baba had a moderate box office run, performing well in Tamil Nadu but failing to become a major commercial success.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 30% |
| Negative | 30% |
Critics
Critics praised Rajinikanth's performance and A.R. Rahman's music but pointed out the film's uneven screenplay and slow second half. The spiritual themes were appreciated for their ambition but criticized for heavy-handed execution.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Baba release in theatres?▾
Baba released on 11 December 2022 (2022).
Is Baba a hit or flop?▾
Baba is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Where to watch Baba online? OTT release date?▾
Baba OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed Baba?▾
Baba directed by Suresh Krissna. Produced by Rajinikanth.
Who are the main cast members of Baba?▾
Baba stars Rajinikanth, Goundamani, Manisha Koirala, M. N. Nambiar, Amrish Puri.
What is the Tollybo rating for Baba?▾
Tollybo rates Baba 2.5/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Who composed the music for Baba?▾
Music for Baba composed by A.R. Rahman.
What is the genre and runtime of Baba?▾
Baba — Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Runtime: 160 minutes, Language: Tamil.
