Actor Taapsee Pannu recently marked the 11th anniversary of the 2015 spy thriller Baby by sharing a heartfelt message on social media, celebrating the film’s lasting impact on Indian cinema. Neeraj Pandey directed the film, which followed an undercover intelligence unit that operated under the command of Akshay Kumar and included Anupam Kher, Rana Daggubati, Danny Denzongpa, and Taapsee as its main actors. The character of Shabana Khan, whom she played as an undercover agent, received her own standalone movie, Naam Shabana, which became another way to show her popularity with audiences.
A Nod to Spy Films Before They Became a Trend
Taapsee shared a celebratory video from T-Series in her post while expressing her pride about working on a project that she described as existing before spy films became a “Friday trend” at the box office. The film Baby demonstrates its timeless quality because its authentic storytelling and realistic presentation continue to connect with audiences after many years, according to her. Fans shared the comment widely because they believed the film established a new standard for the genre before cinematic universes and expensive spy movies became popular in mainstream cinema.
11 years…. When the spy films weren’t the every Friday trend. So proud to be a small part of this film tha ages like a fine wine 🙏🏽 https://t.co/WELuXwF314
— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) January 23, 2026
Social Media Interprets the Message Differently
Taapsee Pannu’s fans showed appreciation for her nostalgic feelings, which recognized Baby’s lasting influence on the spy genre. A section of social media users understood her statement in a way that differed from its intended meaning. Users on the X and Reddit platforms described her spoken words as having a hidden comparison between modern spy movies and Dhurandhar, which had gained popularity for its intense action and stylish presentation. Some people believed that her remark served as a hidden criticism of modern spy films, which show excessive visual effects and action sequences that often prioritize the spectacle aura over depth in storytelling.
The discussion quickly evolved into a broader debate among netizens about the evolution of Bollywood’s spy genre, with many questioning whether modern spy films still retain the nuanced narrative and realism that classic films like Baby showed. The fans shared their views on how storytelling, character development, and cinematic execution have changed throughout the years while they showed their admiration for Baby and their curiosity about the current state of the genre and the direction of its presentation.
The Larger Conversation Around Bollywood’s Spy Genre
The audience feedback shows how modern viewers assess spy films by comparing their historical and current versions. The film Baby received recognition for its tight storytelling, which showed authentic intelligence work, but the new movie Dhurandhar, featuring Ranveer Singh, gained public interest through its widespread appeal, intense action scenes, and successful box office results. The different viewer responses to Bollywood spy movies from different eras have created a continuous debate about how these films have developed to meet new audience demands. The modern spy movies of today demonstrate a tendency to depict their antagonists as fashionable villains who possess an appealing demeanor. This creates a new cultural impact because audiences develop trends that they try to copy.
What’s Next for Taapsee and the Spy Film Space?
Taapsee Pannu currently works on multiple upcoming projects, which include Assi and Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan? and Gandhari, thereby demonstrating her ability to act in different film styles. The success of Dhurandhar has created opportunities for sequels and extended film universes, which will establish the spy genre as a permanent element of Bollywood movies throughout the upcoming years.
