Huma Qureshi’s latest film Baby Do Die Do released in cinemas on July 3, 2026. The movie brings a fresh concept to Bollywood with Qureshi playing a deaf and mute contract killer who uses a red umbrella as her weapon. Directed by Nachiket Samant, the film also marks Qureshi’s first project as a producer alongside her brother Saqib Saleem.
The film arrived on the same day as Alia Bhatt and Sharvari’s big-budget action film Alpha, creating one of the biggest box office clashes of the month. While Alpha comes with the muscle of the YRF SpyVerse and international locations, Baby Do Die Do takes a grounded approach, focusing on a smaller, personal story set in Mumbai’s crowded streets.
What Baby Do Die Do Is About
The story follows Baby Karmarkar (Huma Qureshi), a deaf and mute woman who works as a contract killer in Mumbai’s underworld. As a child, Baby witnessed the murder of her twin sister in an abandoned five-star hotel. That traumatic event shaped her into the assassin she becomes.
Baby works for Papa (Chunky Panday), who trains her and gives her assignments. She takes orders from Zafar (Sikandar Kher), a powerful real estate mafia boss. Her weapon of choice is a red umbrella that secretly hides a gun. She kills her targets in crowded public spaces where she can disappear without being noticed.
The film also introduces a love track between Baby and her neighbour Siddhu (Rachit Singh), a musician who falls for her. As Baby begins to dream of leaving her violent life behind, things get complicated. Her past catches up with her, and she must find the man who killed her sister while protecting the people she cares about.
Huma Qureshi Delivers A Performance Without Words
Critics agree that Huma Qureshi is the biggest strength of Baby Do Die Do. Since her character cannot speak or hear, Qureshi relies entirely on her expressions, body language and eyes to convey emotions.
Filmfare gave the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising Qureshi for pulling off a nonchalant killer with ease. The review noted that like Bob Biswas from Kahaani, Qureshi’s Baby does not look or feel like a killer at all.
The Hindu described Qureshi as impressive, stating she stays silent for most of the film and uses her face to translate Baby’s emotional turmoil. Mid-day called her performance “one of her most controlled and compelling performances in recent years”.
The Times of India gave the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, saying Qureshi is “in top form, letting her expressions do most of the talking”. The review added that from romantic scenes to ruthless killings, her eyes convey a wide range of emotions.
What Critics Are Saying About The Film
Reviews for Baby Do Die Do are mixed. While most critics praise Qureshi’s performance, many point out problems with the screenplay.
The Hindustan Times gave the film 2.5 out of 5 stars. The review stated that the film gives away its secrets too soon and trades suspense for quirks. According to the review, the screenplay starts handing out answers like freebies just when the story begins to pull you in. The reveal of Baby’s sister killer does not pack the punch it should.
Pinkvilla also rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars. Their review mentioned that the first half feels stretched, with scenes that exist merely to prolong the runtime. The pacing is sluggish, and several plot developments feel convenient rather than organic.
NDTV gave the film 2 out of 5 stars. The review noted that while Qureshi is consistent, the film is not. It stated that the film struggles to gain sustained emotional momentum and falls into a predictable pattern.
However, some critics found more to appreciate. Cinema Express gave the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising its stylistic filmmaking and emotional weight. The review described Baby Do Die Do as a striking noir-thriller that makes a great case for inventive filmmaking.
The Quint called the film a “slick, playful thriller” in the vein of Sriram Raghavan or Vasan Bala’s worlds. Filmfare appreciated the film’s combination of humour and action, calling it genuinely fresh.
Supporting Cast Shines In Their Roles
The supporting cast of Baby Do Die Do has also received attention from critics.
Chunky Panday plays Papa, Baby’s handler and mentor. The Hindu noted that Panday represents the helpless middle-class Mumbaikar with remarkable honesty. Pinkvilla called him dependable as always, performing his part with effortless ease.
Sikandar Kher plays Zafar, the real estate mafioso. The Tribune described Kher’s character as needing further exploration, adding that given half a scene, Kher chews it. Pinkvilla said Kher brings an understated menace to his character.
Rachit Singh, who is Qureshi’s real-life partner, plays Siddhu. The Hindustan Times called him convincing as the bewildered Siddhu, playing the part with sincerity. However, the same review pointed out that making Siddhu a Sikh has no bearing on the plot, making the decision feel inconsequential.
Seema Pahwa plays a police officer investigating Baby’s crimes. The Quint described her role as playful. Saqib Saleem, who also co-produces the film, makes a special appearance that left a strong impression on critics.
The Film’s Style And Visual Appeal
Baby Do Die Do stands out for its visual style. Cinematographer Tojo Xavier captures a gritty, rain-soaked version of Mumbai that critics have praised.
The Tribune described the outdoor visuals of Baby with her deadly umbrella as striking, giving a nod to Xavier for lensing Mumbai with vigorous nonchalance. Cinema Express noted that the Mumbai skyline looks futuristic, and the problems of this universe are very contemporary.
The film makes inventive use of split screens, fade-ins and fade-outs. The opening sequence, shot in black and white, was described as “a thing of sublime beauty”.
Arjun Iyer composed the film’s music. The Times of India praised the soundtrack, calling it a “banger”. The songs include the rock-driven Alpha Q, Mohit Chauhan’s dreamy Kaun Hai Woh, and the hip-hop track Kitni Gardi Hai.
Social Media Reactions From Early Viewers
Audiences who watched Baby Do Die Die on the first day have shared their reactions on social media. Early viewers have described the film as a refreshing alternative to formula-driven thrillers.
One user wrote on X, “Had a blast with #BabyDoDieDo. An utterly charming, playful, slick Bombay assassin flick. A fun time at the movies”.
Another viewer posted, “Watched #BabyDoDieDo. Amazing screenplay and technically outstanding! A well-executed lady-oriented thriller that kept me hooked throughout”.
A third user gave the film 4 out of 5 stars, calling it “a stylish, refreshingly original crime thriller that dares to be different”.
Some viewers also appreciated the film’s experimental nature. One user described it as “experimental cinema with style and substance”.
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Release Information For Global Audiences
Baby Do Die Do released in cinemas on July 3, 2026. The film had a theatrical release in India and several international markets.
The makers announced an expanded overseas release plan ahead of the premiere. The film was scheduled to release in the GCC countries, Australia, and Amsterdam. For audiences in the United States, the film also received a theatrical release.
The film is a Saleem Siblings production in association with Pune 04 Film. It is produced by Saqib Saleem under the Saleem Siblings banner. The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes.
The cast includes Huma Qureshi, Sikandar Kher, Chunky Panday, Rachit Singh, Seema Pahwa, Marudhar Shekhawat, Vidya Malvade, and Himanshu Malik. The film is written by Nachiket Samant, Gaurav Sharma, Jasmeet K Reen, and Parveez Shaikh.
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