Himesh Reshammiya’s latest film, Badass Ravikumar, hit theatres on February 7, 2025. The film, which is a spin-off of the 2014 film The Xposé, has generated considerable buzz, especially due to its unique storytelling and musical elements. The movie features an ensemble cast, including Prabhu Deva, Simona J, Saurabh Sachdeva, Sanjay Mishra, and Johnny Lever in pivotal roles. However, one of the most talked-about aspects of the film’s production recently came from actor Kriti Kulhari, who opened up about her experience working with Himesh Reshammiya.
In a candid interview with News18, Kriti revealed that while working on the film, she had attempted to make suggestions regarding her dialogues, but Himesh firmly rejected her input. This revelation has sparked a broader discussion about creative collaboration in Bollywood and the extent to which actors should have input in shaping their characters.
Kriti Kulhari on Working with Himesh Reshammiya
Kriti, known for her performances in Pink, Uri: The Surgical Strike, and The Girl on the Train, shared insights into her experience working with Himesh, highlighting how their creative approaches differed significantly. “Himesh and I exist in parallel worlds. How can they ever meet?” Kriti remarked during the interview.
She elaborated, stating, “There were a few dialogues that I wanted to improve. I thought some changes could enhance the scene’s impact—whether it was adding or removing lines or simply saying them differently. But Himesh was clear from the start that there was no room for modifications. He told me, ‘Don’t mess with what we have. This is what it is.’”
Himesh’s Vision for Badass Ravikumar
According to Kriti, Himesh was resolute in his approach, making it clear that actors had to follow his vision precisely. “It was almost like take it or leave it, but this is what it is. He made it clear that if I say yes to the film, I’ll have to do things his way or not do the film at all. That was the moment I knew I’ll do the film.”
Despite the rigid framework, Kriti admitted that she wasn’t offended by Himesh’s stance. Instead, she admired his conviction. “I was happy that here’s somebody who knows what he’s doing,” she said. This perspective sheds light on the fact that while artistic collaboration is crucial in filmmaking, certain directors or producers prefer a firm grip on their projects, believing that their vision should remain uncompromised.
Creative Control vs. Artistic Collaboration in Bollywood
The exchange between Kriti Kulhari and Himesh Reshammiya raises an essential debate in the film industry—should actors have more input in dialogue and script changes, or should directors and producers retain full creative control?
Bollywood has seen both approaches. Filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap and Vishal Bhardwaj are known for encouraging actors to improvise and bring their own interpretations to the script. On the other hand, directors like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Karan Johar are known for their meticulous storytelling and often require actors to stick to the script without deviation.
Himesh Reshammiya, as a musician-turned-filmmaker, has a unique approach. His films, often driven by high-energy musical sequences and stylized action, seem to follow a structured blueprint where every element is carefully curated. Given that Badass Ravikumar is a project under his own production house, Himesh Reshammiya Melodies, it is unsurprising that he chose to maintain tight creative control.
Industry Reactions and Audience Perspective
Kriti’s revelation has sparked reactions from both industry insiders and moviegoers. While some believe that actors should have more creative freedom, others argue that directors have the final say in shaping a film’s vision. Social media discussions have reflected diverse opinions, with many praising Himesh’s clarity of vision while others feel that rejecting actors’ input outright could hinder organic performances. A recent poll asked audiences: Should actors have more input in dialogue changes?
- Yes, collaboration is key
- No, directors should have the final say
The results revealed a nearly even split, showing that both perspectives hold merit.
Conclusion: The Balance Between Vision and Flexibility
The debate over artistic control in Bollywood is not new, and Kriti Kulhari’s comments about Badass Ravikumar have reignited the conversation. While Himesh Reshammiya’s unwavering commitment to his vision is commendable, many believe that allowing actors some creative freedom can lead to more nuanced and authentic performances.
As Bollywood continues to evolve, striking a balance between directorial authority and artistic flexibility will remain a crucial aspect of filmmaking. Whether one sides with Himesh’s method or Kriti’s perspective, the discussion underscores the dynamic nature of storytelling in cinema.
With Badass Ravikumar now in theatres, audiences will ultimately decide whether Himesh Reshammiya’s approach paid off. One thing is certain—the film has succeeded in making headlines both on and off-screen.