Himesh Reshammiya takes on action in ‘Badass Ravi Kumar’, fans divided

Badass Ravi Kumar trailer goes viral, with fans divided over its over-the-top style.

Himesh Reshammiya is set to return with his new action-drama film, Badass Ravi Kumar. The trailer, which was released on January 6, 2025, quickly went viral, stirring up a wave of reactions from fans and critics alike.

In Badass Ravi Kumar, Himesh Reshammiya reprises his role as Ravi Kumar, a character first introduced in the 2014 film The Xpose. The trailer gives a glimpse of Reshammiya in full action mode, with over-the-top sequences that feature chainsaw fights, daring stunts, and dramatic dialogues.

His character, infused with a 1980s Bollywood vibe, is seen fighting off enemies in a manic, larger-than-life style. Alongside him, the Prabhu Deva plays the antagonist, while actresses Kriti Kulhari and Sunny Leone play significant roles.

Directed by Keith Gomes, the film combines intense action with musical elements, a signature style for Himesh Reshammiya, who has written the film’s plot and soundtrack. The film also marks his first major foray into the action genre.

However, the trailer has sparked divided reactions across social media. Some users are excited by the film’s over-the-top action sequences and nostalgic Bollywood style, while others are quick to make fun of its melodramatic moments.

While a section of the audience has praised the film’s larger-than-life action, including a high-octane face-off between Reshammiya and Prabhu Deva, many others have not been as kind. One user jokingly remarked, “No Pushpa, No Sikandar, No Toxic, No War 2, Only Badass Ravi Kumar,” highlighting the film’s contrast with other contemporary blockbusters.

Another fan humorously commented, “Hollywood has Tom Cruise, Bollywood has Badass Ravi Kumar,” poking fun at the film’s exaggerated style.

Photo: SCREENGRAB

Despite the jibes, there are many who seem excited about the film’s potential, with one fan commenting, “Himesh Reshammiya is the major highlight, along with Prabhudeva nailing it as villain. Their faceoff is going to be an exciting one.” Some even went as far as predicting it would perform well in 2025, with trade analyst Sumit Kadel writing, “Don’t be surprised if #BadassRaviKumar becomes the first surprise hit of 2025.”

The film’s trailer, which quickly gained popularity across social media platforms, is also being lauded for its nostalgic appeal to Bollywood fans of the 1980s. Himesh Reshammiya’s portrayal of Ravi Kumar blends action with melodrama, reminiscent of the era’s cinematic style, while attempting to push the boundaries with modern-day stunts.

Badass Ravi Kumar is set for release on February 7, 2025. Directed by Gomes and produced by Himesh Reshammiya Melodies, the film also stars Sanjay Mishra, Johny Lever, Manish Wadhwa, Anil George, and others.