"Badass Ravi Kumar"
is a 2025 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 sees Himesh Reshammiya reprising his role as the titular character, Ravi Kumar. The ensemble cast includes Prabhu Deva, Kirti Kulhari, Simona J, Johnny Lever, and Sanjay Mishra. Released on February 7, 2025, the film offers a nostalgic nod to 1980s Bollywood masala cinema, blending high-octane action with musical elements.
Plot Overview
The narrative follows Ravi Kumar, an Indian agent portrayed by Himesh Reshammiya, who embarks on a mission to thwart international gangster Carlos Pedro Panther, played by Prabhu Deva. The plot thickens as Ravi confronts personal betrayals, rekindles past romances, and battles a series of formidable adversaries, all set against a backdrop reminiscent of classic Bollywood flair.
Production and Music
Filming took place across diverse locations, including India, Oman, and the United Kingdom, capturing a rich tapestry of settings that enhance the film's dynamic storyline. Himesh Reshammiya not only stars in the lead role but also composed the film's music and background score, infusing the soundtrack with energetic and melodious tunes that pay homage to the retro aesthetic.
Critical Reception
Upon release, "Badass Ravi Kumar" received mixed reviews. Bollywood Hungama rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, describing it as "thoroughly entertaining" and highlighting its embrace of 80s-style narrative and sheer madness. Conversely, ABP News offered a more critical perspective, awarding the film 1 out of 5 stars and suggesting that some films "shouldn’t exist." News18 provided a more favorable review, granting 4 out of 5 stars and describing the movie as "a mad joyride that marks Himesh Reshammiya's transition to Lord Himesh."
Box Office Performance
Despite the varied critical reception, the film managed to recover its production costs prior to release through music rights and subsidies. However, its theatrical performance was modest, with reports indicating that "Badass Ravi Kumar" is expected to conclude its run with approximately ₹9 crore in India and around ₹11.5 crore worldwide. The film's box office trajectory was notably impacted by the release of "Chhaava," which dominated audience attention and screen space during the same period.
Conclusion
"Badass Ravi Kumar" stands as a tribute to the exuberant and larger-than-life narratives characteristic of 1980s Bollywood cinema. While it may not have achieved significant commercial success, the film offers a unique blend of action, music, and nostalgia, reflecting Himesh Reshammiya's multifaceted involvement as actor, composer, and producer.
For a visual glimpse into the film, you can watch the official trailer below:
