MOVIE REVIEW: Himesh Reshammiya’s Badass Ravikumar fails to deliver coherent entertainment, lacks substance
‘Badass Ravikumar’, attempts to revive the flamboyant spirit of retro Bollywood but ultimately falls short of delivering a coherent cinematic experience. This film, a spin-off from ‘The Xposé’, is laden with over-the-top action sequences, exaggerated performances, and a narrative that seems more concerned with nostalgia than substance.
At the heart of the film is Himesh Reshammiya as the titular character, Ravi Kumar, a rogue cop whose antics are intended to evoke the larger-than-life heroes of the 80s and 90s. While Reshammiya brings a certain charm to the role, his performance oscillates between engaging and painfully cringeworthy. His dialogue delivery is punctuated with heavy-handed patriotism and punchy one-liners that might elicit chuckles but lack the depth needed to resonate with audiences. The film’s attempts at humour often miss the mark, leading to an unintentional parody of itself.
Prabhu Deva plays Carlos, the antagonist, and while his presence is commanding, he is unfortunately underutilised. The chemistry between him and Reshammiya could have been electrifying; however, it often feels forced. The film hints at a potential dance-off between the two, which would have added an entertaining layer to their rivalry, yet this moment never materialises. Instead, we are left with a series of predictable confrontations that fail to build tension or excitement.
The supporting cast, including Sunny Leone as Nisha and Kriti Kulhari as Laila, brings some intrigue but largely remains overshadowed by the film’s chaotic narrative. Their characters lack development and emotional depth, making it difficult for viewers to invest in their arcs. The comedic duo of Johnny Lever and Sanjay Mishra injects sporadic humour into the film; however, their contributions feel like weird respites in an otherwise exhausting experience.
One of the most glaring issues with ‘Badass Ravikumar’ is its pacing. At 141 minutes, the film drags on with stretched sequences that do little to enhance the story. The editing lacks finesse, resulting in a disjointed narrative that often veers into absurdity without any logical progression. While embracing chaos can sometimes work in favour of a film, here it merely serves to frustrate viewers who are seeking coherence.
Visually, the film boasts polished action sequences and vibrant cinematography but fails to deliver on its promise of nostalgic masala entertainment. The special effects are hit-or-miss; some scenes come off as amateurish rather than endearing throwbacks to classic Bollywood. The music—typically a highlight in Himesh’s films—offers only fleeting moments of enjoyment, with most tracks fading into forgettable background noise.
In conclusion, ‘Badass Ravikumar’ is an ambitious attempt at reviving Bollywood’s masala genre but ultimately misses the mark due to its convoluted plot and uneven performances. While it may appeal to die-hard fans of Himesh Reshammiya or those seeking mindless entertainment, it lacks the charm and coherence necessary for broader appeal. The film serves as a reminder that nostalgia alone cannot carry a story; it requires substance and execution to truly resonate.
