Badass Ravikumar - Movie Review

Badass Ravikumar takes off from the Xpose franchise with the adventurous life of Ravi Kumar played by Himesh Reshammiya. In this film, there are ten formidable villains, who pit against Kumar. The action and musical dynamism is unapologetically thrown together with some moments of absurd comedy in its storyline. The film is an entertainment buffet with each scene crafted to awe through flamboyant action sequences or win through tinge of thoughtfully infused musical performances

The main themes of the movie consist of the one man army concept, with a touch of parody comedy. The tone is adventurous and comedic, always something if not ridiculous, for a serious moment. Instead it revels at its own over the top ludicrousness, almost breaking the fourth wall. Badass Ravikumar is all caricature and realism with no holds barred brashness. The film is not one that pays too much heed to itself and invites audiences to the ride of a lifetime.

Being a Badass Ravikumar, Himesh Reshammiya does center stage in this film in his role as Ravi Kumar with gusto and ebullience. The effects are deliberate and self aware, and his badass laddery laced with charisma and comedic timing. The supporting cast brings in the likes of talents such as Prabhu Deva and Anil George, each with their own individual special character quirks, contributing nicely to the dynamic ensemble. Director Keith Gomes frames this film with a steady hand, delivering the laughs and stunts just enough to balance out the parody and action.

There is a seamless marriage to the epic that is every villain, each a vivid exaggeration on every villain trope, providing camaraderie and conflict, and each meeting an adventure of its own miniature size. Himesh’s character has room to flourish in a comedy milieu, and conventional action sequences, collapsed into a single storyline that holds the audience’s attention. Gomes has obviously a past with comedy: he does a bang up job in keeping and spacing out jokes and stunts, so that neither transcends the other.

The Badass Ravikumar has a soundtrack as outlandish as the film itself. The musical numbers are catchy, integrated to the action of the movie. And as narrative devices and moments of narrative spectacle, the film never leaves the rhythmic allure. Although visually, the film is vibrant and unapologetically colourful, the film’s visual absurdity works well with the energetic beats and melodic intermissions, which create a harmonious dichotomy. The exaggeration is embraced by the casting, and the sets and action stunts are bigger than life. Rapid pan shots, and over the top exaggerated close ups produce a heightened sense of comedic drama, and bring viewers into the bizarre world of Ravikumar Kumar.

Production design in Badass Ravikumar lets its par for the course, weird vibe shine through with weird, varied, over the top sets, and props. They merge the ludicrous events playing out onscreen with the action packed arenas and also musical dreamscapes seamlessly. Larger-than-life battle and intimate character encounters take place in each setting.|Such exaggerated tone of the film is complimented by the special effects. On purpose using CGI to excess, which will lift the parody and make the action sequences visual feast to consume, not dissect. Effects work is hyperbolic on purpose, mirroring the over the top storytelling (and wildly hammy character acting!)

Badass Ravikumar edits his film tight and purposefully, to keep things in motion, whilst pulling the best out of the action (as well as comedic) side of the story. The pace is brisk and fluid and this does the trick, the transitions are brisk, but fluid, steering the viewer from moment to moment with nary a hitch.

The pace is fast and fluid, never wavers and the transitions rarely do either. The scenes are meticulously calibrated, whether an explosion of choreographed violence or a fint timned punchline. Anyway the film seldom stays, progressing in a tailspin with the musical rhythm, and like its putative protagonist, its dialog is as bit of as flamboyant. The script is filled with language laden one liners and humorous retorts and plays with language as that augments the parody it offers. Traditional action banter between characters is reflected in the exchanges which are exaggerated but containing the film’s tongue-in-cheek style.

With such an entertaining premise, however, the film’s reliance on parody may be a turn off for many. However, for some viewers, the movie may seem a little exaggerated and a bit short in narrative. But if you come with an appreciation for the absurdity and creative boldness of Badass Ravikumar, you shall have a fresh ride of a uniquely bizarre experience.

It is indeed like living in a modern day carnival of action and satire by riding a roller coaster when you are watching Badass Ravikumar. It creates an ethnic landscape between the novel and the nostalgic, with the eccentric blend of musical numbers and exaggerated archetypes. Perfect for fans of parody and those with a penchant for something fresh and surprising in a genre.