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“Badass Ravi Kumar,” released on February 7, 2025, is an Indian Hindi-language musical action film directed by Keith Gomes in his feature film debut. Serving as a spin-off to the 2014 film “The Xposé,” the movie features Himesh Reshammiya reprising his role as Ravi Kumar, alongside a supporting cast that includes Prabhu Deva, Kirti Kulhari, Simona J, Saurabh Sachdeva, Sanjay Mishra, and Johnny Lever. The film aims to pay homage to the 1980s Bollywood masala cinema, blending action, drama, and music.
Plot Summary
Set in 1989, the narrative follows Ravi Kumar, a fearless Delhi cop known for his distinctive style and unorthodox methods. After being suspended for taking the law into his own hands, Ravi is called back into action to retrieve a secret reel containing sensitive information about Indian secret agents and missile locations. This mission pits him against formidable adversaries, including Carlos Pedro Panther (Prabhu Deva) and Pakistani official Syed Bashir. As Ravi delves deeper, he uncovers truths about his family’s past and must navigate personal relationships, notably with his ex-lover Madhubala (Simona J) and her sister Laila (Kirti Kulhari).
Performances
Himesh Reshammiya’s portrayal of Ravi Kumar is characterized by over-the-top action sequences and punchy dialogues, reflecting the film’s homage to 1980s Bollywood. While his dedication is evident, some critics feel that the performance lacks depth and relies heavily on nostalgia. Prabhu Deva, as the antagonist Carlos Pedro Panther, brings a unique energy to his role, especially in the dance sequences. Kirti Kulhari and Simona J offer competent performances, though their characters are somewhat underdeveloped. Veteran actors Sanjay Mishra and Johnny Lever provide comic relief, adding a layer of humor to the narrative.
Direction and Screenplay
Keith Gomes’ directorial approach is a deliberate nod to the masala films of the past, incorporating exaggerated action, dramatic dialogues, and musical interludes. While this stylistic choice evokes nostalgia, it also results in a disjointed narrative that may not resonate with all audiences. The screenplay, penned by Kushal Ved Bakshi and Himesh Reshammiya, is laden with clichés and lacks coherence, often feeling like a series of loosely connected episodes rather than a cohesive story.
Music and Technical Aspects
As expected from a Himesh Reshammiya production, the film features a robust musical component. Reshammiya himself composed the soundtrack, with lyrics by Sameer Anjaan, Mayur Puri, and others. The songs are reminiscent of the 1980s era, complete with high-energy dance numbers and melodramatic ballads. However, the frequent musical breaks disrupt the narrative flow. Cinematographer Manoj Soni employs techniques characteristic of the 1980s, including 70mm visuals and stylized action sequences. While this adds to the nostalgic feel, it may appear outdated to contemporary viewers. The editing by Rameshwar S. Bhagat is tight in action sequences but falters in maintaining overall narrative coherence.
Critical Reception
“Badass Ravi Kumar” has elicited mixed reactions from critics and audiences. Bollywood Hungama rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, describing it as “thoroughly entertaining” and highlighting its embrace of 1980s-style storytelling. Conversely, Amit Bhatia of ABP News was more critical, awarding the film 1 out of 5 stars and asserting that it “proves some films shouldn’t exist.” Titas Chowdhury from News18 offered a more favorable view, giving it 4 out of 5 stars and calling it “a mad joyride that marks Himesh Reshammiya’s transition to Lord Himesh.” Audience reactions have been similarly polarized, with some appreciating the nostalgic elements and others criticizing the lack of a coherent plot.
Box Office Performance
Financially, the film had a modest opening, collecting approximately ₹4.52 crore net in India on its first day. Prior to its release, “Badass Ravi Kumar” had already recovered its production costs through music rights and subsidies, with Himesh Reshammiya waiving his fee in favor of a profit-sharing arrangement.
Conclusion
“Badass Ravi Kumar” is an ambitious attempt to revive the essence of 1980s Bollywood masala cinema. While it succeeds in capturing the aesthetic and energy of that era, it struggles with a fragmented narrative and over-reliance on nostalgia. Himesh Reshammiya’s performance is earnest but may not appeal to all viewers. For fans of retro Bollywood and those seeking a departure from contemporary storytelling, the film offers a unique, albeit flawed, experience.
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