Baby Girl Movie Review (2026): What Works and What Doesn’t in Nivin Pauly’s Malayalam Thriller

Baby Girl Movie Review (2026): The Malayalam family drama thriller “Baby Girl“, which features Nivin Pauly, has finally been released in theatres on January 23, 2026. The film arrived after the success of Nivin’s previous film, Sarvam Maya. Baby Girl was directed by Arun Varma and written by Bobby–Sanjay, and it is mounted as a suspense thriller that unfolds within a tightly controlled timeline. Baby Girl banks heavily on tension, emotional stakes, and moral conflict. Let’s discuss in detail about the film, in this Baby Girl review.

Baapofmovies.com Rating: 3.5/5

• Release Date: January 23, 2026
• Director: Arun Varma
• Writers: Bobby & Sanjay
• Stars: Nivin Pauly, Lijomol, Sangeeth Prathap & Abhimanyu Thilakan
• Runtime: 152 Minutes (2 hr 32 min)

Baby Girl Story Overview

Baby Girl is the story of the disappearance of a newborn baby from a hospital. At the start, the disappearance felt like a straightforward abduction case, but it soon spiraled into a complex investigation that was marked by confusion, fear, and urgency. In the investigation, an attendant emerged as the prime suspect but mysteriously went missing, and this further complicated the police search and raised deeper questions about responsibility and intent.

The film does not rush to provide answers, but it looks to build suspense gradually and places viewers in the middle of an unfolding crisis where time is the biggest enemy.

Baby Girl Performances

Nivin Pauly has done a good job, as he has given a very mature performance. His act avoided the dramatic excess. His screen presence is impactful, but the film initially keeps his character in the background; that was necessary to allow the plot to establish itself before fully drawing him into the conflict. However, with time, his performance gains emotional weight, and he emerges as the backbone of the film.

Lijo Mol Jose plays a crucial role. She brought emotional depth and realism to the narrative. Sangeeth Prathap has offered a very solid supporting performance, and Abhimanyu Shammi Thilakan, Azees Nedumangad, and Rudra contribute meaningfully to the investigation-driven plot. The ensemble cast functions well and gives the story a very grounded and believable tone.

Direction and Screenplay

Director Arun Varma has once again shown confidence in handling thrillers. His approach is controlled and focused, allowing the tension to grow naturally.

The screenplay by Bobby–Sanjay is structured and disciplined, especially in the first half. The suspense is built scene by scene. The interval block is the major turning point, and it raises expectations for what follows.

Technical Aspects

Technically, Baby Girl is well-crafted. Faiz Siddik’s cinematography deserves a mention because it is very sharp to effectively capture the anxiety and urgency of the situation. 

Shyjith Kumaran’s editing keeps the film largely tight and ensures the narrative remains engaging. Sam CS’s background score plays a significant role in heightening tension, as it often elevates scenes without overpowering them.

What Works in Baby Girl

• Baby Girl has a very engaging central premise that is built around a missing newborn.
• It has a strong first half that has a gripping interval sequence.
• The film has controlled performances by Nivin Pauly and Lijomol Jose.
• It has a very effective background score and cinematography.

What Could Have Worked Better in Baby Girl

• The film takes time to fully utilise Nivin Pauly’s character.
• There are certain portions in the film that feel slightly old-fashioned in execution.
• The second half carries high expectations that may not work equally for all viewers.

Final Verdict

All in all, Baby Girl has come forward as a slow-burn Malayalam thriller that prioritizes tension, atmosphere, and emotional stakes over mass appeal. There are few pacing and executional limitations, but thanks to its strong premise, solid performances, and technical finesse, Baby Girl is a worthy theatrical watch. 

If you are someone who loves investigative dramas like Traffic, then Baby Girl is the cherry that you must not miss.

Watch Baby Girl Trailer

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