Review: ‘Badass Ravi Kumar’ is a Nostalgic Masala Entertainer Packed
Source: Badass Ravi Kumar Review
Himesh Reshammiya returns to the big screen with Badass Ravi Kumar, a film that is an unapologetic celebration of Bollywood’s retro masala era. A spin-off of The Xposé (2014), the film embraces the flamboyance of 80s and 90s cinema—loud dialogues, over-the-top action, and a hero dripping with unshakable confidence. Directed by Himesh himself, Badass Ravi Kumar is a high-octane spectacle that delivers action and drama while staying true to its retro musical roots.
Set in the aftermath of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the film pits Ravi Kumar (Himesh Reshammiya), an indomitable cop, against Carlos (Prabhu Deva), a feared don who is enlisted to help Pakistan gain access to India’s top military secrets. With a premise that thrives on nationalistic fervor, the film is packed with adrenaline-pumping sequences, dramatic confrontations, and punchlines that echo the cinematic style of Bollywood’s golden masala age.
Himesh Reshammiya’s Swag and Screen Presence
Source: Badass Ravikumar Trailer- Youtube
Himesh Reshammiya, reprising his role as Ravi Kumar, brings a stylized charm to the character. Unlike his previous cinematic outings, where he often teetered on the edge of self-indulgence, this time, he strikes a fine balance. His portrayal of the fearless, unshakable protagonist is brimming with confidence, and while some moments flirt with over-the-top theatrics, he manages to keep the character engaging. His deep baritone, signature swag, and punchy one-liners add to the film’s entertainment quotient, making Ravi Kumar a character that is larger than life.
A surprising aspect of Reshammiya’s performance is that it avoids descending into parody. His action sequences are convincing, his dialogue delivery has the right amount of gravitas, and his mannerisms ensure that Ravi Kumar does not slip into cringe territory. For fans of the composer-singer-actor, Badass Ravi Kumar is a treat, as it lets him shine in his most stylized avatar yet.
Prabhu Deva’s Commanding Antagonist and A Strong Ensemble
Source: Badass Ravikumar Trailer- Youtube
Opposite Reshammiya, Prabhu Deva delivers a compelling performance as Carlos, the ruthless antagonist. Known primarily for his unparalleled dance skills and direction, Prabhu Deva proves his versatility by embodying the menacing yet charismatic don. His screen presence is powerful, and he commands attention in every frame. His scenes with Reshammiya are electric, and while a dance-off between the two would have been an absolute highlight, their confrontations alone are enough to keep audiences hooked.
The film also boasts a talented supporting cast, each bringing something unique to the table. Kriti Kulhari as Laila delivers a strong performance, while Sunny Leone as Nisha, an undercover agent, adds intrigue and glamour. The comedic duo of Johnny Lever and Sanjay Mishra injects much-needed humor, providing well-timed relief amid the high-stakes drama. Manish Wadhwa, Rajesh Sharma, Anil George, Saurabh Sachdeva, and Prashant Narayanan round off the cast with commendable performances, ensuring that the film never feels like a one-man show.
Action, Music, and the Retro Aesthetic
Source: Badass Ravikumar Trailer- Youtube
One of Badass Ravi Kumar’s biggest strengths is its ability to transport the audience to the 80s and 90s era of Bollywood, where exaggerated action, powerful dialogues, and dramatic storytelling ruled the silver screen. The film’s action sequences are well-executed and in sync with its retro theme, blending stylized slow-motion shots with hard-hitting combat sequences. While the choreography might not match the finesse of modern-day action thrillers, it captures the essence of masala cinema, making it immensely enjoyable.
The music, an area where Himesh Reshammiya naturally excels, is another highlight. The retro-style soundtrack complements the film’s mood, with catchy beats and energetic background scores amplifying the cinematic experience. However, the placement of some songs disrupts the narrative flow, making certain sequences feel forced. A more seamless integration of music within the storyline would have elevated the film further.
Visually, the film is vibrant and larger-than-life. The cinematography captures the grandeur of Muscat, where most of the film is shot, lending the narrative an international feel. The action-packed sequences set against the picturesque backdrops add an extra layer of appeal. However, the film falters slightly when it comes to visual effects. The VFX could have been more polished, as some sequences lack the finesse expected in high-budget action entertainers.
What Could Have Been Better?
Source: Badass Ravikumar Trailer- Youtube
Despite its many strengths, Badass Ravi Kumar is not without its flaws. The film’s editing could have been sharper, as certain sequences feel stretched, reducing the overall impact. The screenplay, while engaging, sometimes leans too heavily on nostalgia, making it predictable in parts.
Perhaps the biggest missed opportunity is the absence of a dance-off between Prabhu Deva and Himesh Reshammiya. Given Prabhu Deva’s legendary dance skills and Himesh’s unique stage presence, a face-off between the two would have been an unforgettable cinematic moment. Instead, the film focuses entirely on action and drama, missing a chance to incorporate an element that could have set it apart.
Final Verdict
Source: Badass Ravikumar Trailer- Youtube
Badass Ravi Kumar is an unabashedly loud, masala-packed entertainer that thrives on nostalgia. It delivers exactly what it promises—seetimaar dialogues, high-octane action, catchy music, and an unapologetic throwback to the golden era of Bollywood. While it has its flaws in terms of pacing, VFX, and song placements, the film succeeds in being a fun, engaging spectacle.
Himesh Reshammiya brings back the charm of old-school Bollywood action heroes, and Prabhu Deva proves to be a formidable antagonist. The film knows its audience and caters to them with full conviction. It’s the perfect “brain rot” movie—one that doesn’t demand logic but ensures full-on entertainment.
For fans of retro Bollywood, action-packed dramas, and Himesh Reshammiya’s signature style, Badass Ravi Kumar is a must-watch. And if nothing else, let’s end with the film’s epic dialogue: “Kundali mein shani, ghee ke saath honey aur Ravi Kumar se dushmani sehat ke liye haanikarak ho sakti.”
Rating – ***1/2 (3.5/5)
