If Badass Ravi Kumar were a dish, it’d be a chaat loaded with extra sev, imli chutney, and a dash of 1980s Bollywood drama. Himesh Reshammiya’s latest venture is a love letter to retro masala cinema—think over-the-top action, dialoguebaazi that could rival Sholay, and a hero who walks like he owns the screen (and maybe the universe). But does this throwback entertainer hit the right notes, or does it trip over its own swagger? Let’s dive in.
Plot: Indo-Pak Espionage Meets Dialogue-Driven Drama
Set in the aftermath of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Badass Ravi Kumar pits Himesh’s titular cop against Prabhu Deva’s Carlos, a ruthless don hired by Pakistan to steal India’s military secrets. The plot is straightforward: good vs. evil, patriotism vs. betrayal, and enough slow-motion entries to make even Salman Khan jealous.
The screenplay leans hard into nostalgia, resurrecting tropes like the “angry young cop,” dramatic close-ups, and villains who laugh maniacally while petting exotic animals (yes, there’s a tiger). If you’re craving logic, look elsewhere—this film is all about entertainment, not Einstein-level storytelling.
Himesh Reshammiya: The Unlikely Action Hero
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Himesh Reshammiya as an action star. The man known for nasal ballads and questionable hairstyles transforms into Ravi Kumar, a cop who fights goons with one hand and delivers punchlines with the other. Surprisingly, he works. Himesh’s deadpan delivery and signature baritone give Ravi Kumar a larger-than-life aura.
Whether he’s breaking bones or crooning Taj Mahal (more on that later), he owns the screen with a mix of confidence and self-awareness. Is it over-the-top? Absolutely. But that’s the point.
Fun fact: Himesh waived his acting fee for a profit-sharing deal—a gamble that paid off since the film’s ₹21 crore budget was recovered pre-release through music rights and subsidies.
Prabhu Deva Steals the Show (But Where’s the Dance-Off?)
Prabhu Deva as Carlos is the film’s secret weapon. The man who redefined dance in Bollywood proves he can intimidate just as well as he can naach. With a glare that could freeze hell, Deva’s screen presence rivals Himesh’s, making their face-offs electric. That said, it’s criminal that the film didn’t include a Himesh vs. Prabhu dance battle. Imagine Taj Mahal remixed with a hip-hop beat! Missed opportunity, folks.
Supporting Cast: Johnny Lever’s Comedy and Sunny Leone’s Cameo
The film’s ensemble cast adds flavor without overshadowing the leads:
- Kriti Kulhari as Laila brings grit, though her role feels undercooked.
- Johnny Lever and Sanjay Mishra provide slapstick humor that’s hit-or-miss (mostly hit if you’re into andaz apna apna vibes).
- Sunny Leone’s cameo as undercover agent Nisha is pure masala—glamorous, unnecessary, and totally welcome.
Music: 80s Beats with a Himesh Twist
The soundtrack is a time machine to retro Bollywood. Here’s the breakdown:
| Song | Vibe | Why It Works (or Doesn’t) |
|---|---|---|
| Dil Ke Taj Mahal | Romantic, synth-heavy | Catchy but repetitive |
| Bazaar E Ishq | Duet with Shreya Ghoshal | Feels like a 1980s Rafi track |
| Tandoori Days | Quirky, danceable | Perfect for meme reels |
While the songs stick to Himesh’s signature style, they lack the freshness needed for 2025. Still, Taj Mahal’s earworm quality explains why it trended on Instagram.
Box Office Verdict: A Surprise Hit
Badass Ravi Kumar opened at ₹4.25–4.75 crore—3x higher than projections—and crushed Loveyapa (Junaid Khan’s debut) which barely hit ₹1 crore. With satellite and digital rights sold for ₹15 crore, Himesh is laughing all the way to the bank.
The Good, The Bad, and The “Yaar, Why?”
The Good:
- Unapologetic nostalgia for 80s/90s kids.
- Prabhu Deva’s menacing act.
- Dialogue gems like “Main woh police hoon jo kabhi chai nahi peeta… sirf khoon peeta hoon!”
The Bad:
- A paper-thin plot that’s all style, no substance.
- Overuse of slow-mo (we get it, Himesh walks cool).
- Songs that blur into one another.
The “Yaar, Why?”:
- That CGI tiger. Just… no.
Final Verdict: Who Should Watch?
- Masala Movie Lovers: If Dabangg and Judwaa are your guilty pleasures, this is your jam.
- Himesh Fans: His best performance since… well, ever.
- Plot Purists: Avoid unless you enjoy turning your brain off.
Badass Ravi Kumar isn’t a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s a riotous homage to Bollywood’s golden age. Grab some popcorn, leave logic at home, and enjoy the ride.
