Hold onto your aviator sunglasses, Bollywood buffs, because Himesh Reshammiya is back with a vengeance—and this time, he’s not just making music; he’s making waves at the box office! The multi-talented singer-actor’s latest venture, Badass Ravikumar, hit theaters on February 7, 2025, and has opened with a solid ₹2 crore on its first day, proving that the man with the cap and the nasal twang still has a dedicated fanbase ready to embrace his brand of unapologetic, over-the-top entertainment. From meme lords to die-hard fans, this film is already the talk of the town—and not just for its box office numbers.

Directed by Keith Gomes, Badass Ravikumar is a massy entertainer that’s as much about Himesh’s larger-than-life persona as it is about its intentionally campy, meme-worthy premise. The film, which has been described as “a love letter to the 90s action hero,” features Himesh in a dual role as both the titular Ravikumar and his bumbling alter ego, delivering a cocktail of action, comedy, and pure, unfiltered nostalgia. And while the ₹2 crore opening might seem modest compared to the big-budget spectacles dominating the box office, it’s a significant achievement for a film that thrives on its niche appeal and viral marketing.

Day one saw theaters buzzing with Himesh’s loyal fans, many of whom turned out in their best “HR” style—think caps, aviators, and an unshakable love for his signature nasal vocals. The film’s opening day collections were driven largely by single-screen theaters in smaller towns, where Himesh’s brand of massy entertainment has always found a warm reception. “Himesh sir is the real badass,” one fan declared outside a Mumbai theater, sporting a cap emblazoned with the film’s logo. “This is not just a movie; it’s an experience!” And an experience it is, with the film’s over-the-top action sequences, punchy dialogues, and Himesh’s trademark music setting social media ablaze with memes and reactions.

The film’s viral appeal is no accident. From the moment the trailer dropped, Badass Ravikumar became a meme goldmine, with lines like “Main hoon Badass Ravikumar, aur yeh hai mera style!” being remixed, GIF-ified, and shared across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Trade analyst Koimoi even noted that the film’s advance booking of ₹38 lakh net (₹45 lakh gross) made it Himesh’s fifth-biggest opener post-COVID, surpassing films like Radio and Teraa Surroor. “For Himesh, this is a victory of intent over logic,” Koimoi wrote, adding, “The only goal here is to entertain, and the audience is loving the madness.”

But it’s not just the memes that are driving the buzz. Himesh’s dual performance has been a pleasant surprise, with critics and fans praising his commitment to the absurdity of the role. “Himesh doesn’t just play Ravikumar; he is Ravikumar,” one reviewer quipped, while another noted, “This is the kind of film where you check your brain at the door and just enjoy the ride.” The supporting cast, including newcomers like Keith Gomes himself and a cameo by veteran actor Johnny Lever, adds to the film’s quirky charm, while the action sequences—choreographed with a retro flair—have been a hit with audiences craving old-school Bollywood masala.

The film’s music, naturally, is a major highlight, with Himesh delivering a soundtrack that’s as catchy as it is meme-able. Tracks like “Badass Anthem” and “Ravi Kumar Ka Swag” have already become staples at college fests and DJ nights, with fans in places like GB (where Bollywood’s influence is strong among the diaspora) sharing dance covers and lip-sync videos online. “Himesh’s music is the soul of this film,” one fan in London tweeted, adding, “It’s like the 90s never left, and I’m here for it!”

As Badass Ravikumar heads into its first weekend, all eyes are on how it will perform in the coming days. With positive word of mouth from its target audience and a lack of direct competition in the massy entertainer space, the film is expected to see a decent jump in collections over Saturday and Sunday. “If the meme momentum continues, ₹10 crore by the end of the first week is very much possible,” trade analyst Pinkvilla predicted, adding, “This is a film that thrives on its cult appeal, and Himesh knows exactly how to play to his strengths.”

For Bollywood fans in GB and beyond, Badass Ravikumar is a reminder that sometimes, the most fun movies are the ones that don’t take themselves too seriously. Whether you’re in Birmingham, London, or anywhere else, this is one cinematic ride that’s worth catching for the sheer joy of it. So, grab your cap, channel your inner badass, and get ready to laugh, cheer, and maybe even cringe a little—because with Himesh Reshammiya, it’s all part of the package.

Stay tuned for more updates as Badass Ravikumar continues its box office journey. And if you’ve already watched it, drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear what you think about this meme-tastic masala fest, no matter where you are in the world!