I just saw Badass Ravi Kumar, and wow, it was definitely an experience! Himesh Reshammiya is back, reprising his role as Ravi Kumar from The Xposé(2014), but this time it’s a full-blown action musical set in the 80s. The film attempts to be a "retro action musical, " designed to evoke nostalgia. If you are a Himesh Reshmiya or a Prabhu Deva fan, you are certainly in for a treat. If I were to describe this movie in three words, it would be ‘pure cinematic madness’. It is definitely one of those pictures where logic takes a back seat and entertainment is the priority.
The Plot:
Ravi Kumar(Himesh Reshammiya) is a Delhi cop who plays by his own rules, bending and breaking them as needed to crush corruption. This gets him suspended. Meanwhile, in Oman, a Pakistani official, Syed Bashir(Manish Wadhwa), wants a powerful kingpin, Pedro(Prabhu Deva), to retrieve a film reel containing secret information about the Indian Army. Back in Delhi, Commissioner Awasthi(Saurabh Sachdeva) tasks Ravi Kumar with arresting Jagawar(Rajesh Sharma), Pedro’s Indian associate, in Muscat. Ravi agrees, unaware of the dangers. In Muscat, he also encounters his ex-lover, Madhubala. The story progresses as our hero cop rescues the reel.
Performances:
Both Himesh and Prabhu Deva are standout performers in the movie. They take entertainment to the next level! Himesh delivers punchlines with a straight face. His performance is a blend of mass appeal, swagger, and undeterred entertainment. On the other hand, Prabhu Deva brings flair to the role, part villain, part choreographer. His confrontations with Ravi Kumar feel like they’re about to turn into a dance-off. Both have amazing on-screen chemistry. Supporting actors like the legend Johnny Lever and Sanjay Mishra add their charming wit from time to time. Even Kirti impresses with her small role.
Standout Element:
The most noteworthy standout element certainly has to be the music and nostalgia it evokes. The film attempts to recreate the vibe of 80s Bollywood with its action, drama, and music. Himesh Reshmiya’s songs are entertaining as always. The film has many dialogues that will compel you to whistle. The movie is packed with masala and action, unlike traditional action films. However, the second half suffers from prolonged song and dance sequences. The logic is completely missing in some scenes and makes you feel disconnected from the plot.
Should You Watch It?
Badass Ravi Kumar is described as a "full-on masala entertainer" who takes you back to the larger-than-life action of the 80s. It is loud, wild, and unapologetically over-the-top. If you are a fan of Himesh Reshammiya and enjoy films that don’t take themselves too seriously, you might enjoy this one. However, if you enjoy plots without any loose ends and want something serious that has a suitable climax then this might not be a theatre experience for you. Badass Ravi Kumar is definitely a unique film. It is an entertaining ride packed with action with vibrant music.