The acclaimed Badass Ravi Kumar, starring Himesh Reshammiya, is the result of extensive planning and thus has already collected its Rs 20-crore production through innovative financial stratagems alone. The Oman government had footed part of the bill from the subsidy from that country and the music rights have paid the rest for a film which does not even reach the theatres. This approach ensures that all earnings from theatrical, digital, and satellite rights will be pure profit, which marks a very astute model for film-making economics.
According to the makers of the film, music rights alone have generated Rs. 16 crore from the soundtrack, background score, dialogues, and perpetual music rights, while an additional Rs. 4 crore has been secured through subsidies provided by Oman. This means the production budget has already been fully recovered, with the Rs. 4 crore marketing cost expected to be covered through revenue from digital, satellite, and theatrical distribution.
The movie Badass Ravi Kumar, shot in the 1980s style with inspiration from old masters Feroz Khan and Rajiv Rai, features the tagline “80s type ki picture.” Though looking great, it was a thrifty production in that the filmmakers spent an entire year on pre-production, always focusing on thriftiness. The lead actor, Himesh, has composed and sung for the film, forgoing his usual fee in lieu of a profit-sharing deal.
The film has 16 songs, including a 7-song medley, under Himesh’s music label, Himesh Reshammiya Melodies, which adds to the commercial appeal. Speaking about the project, Himesh shared, “I’m on a profit-sharing deal and haven’t charged for my music, singing, or acting. Thanks to our extensive experience in producing large-scale serials and films, we’ve ensured no wastage and a highly cost-effective production, while still achieving a grand look with spectacular locations and Oman subsidies. With 16 amazing songs and the production cost already covered, we’re looking forward to strong profits from digital, satellite, and theatrical sales. I’m very pleased with the final product and optimistic about its success.”
The motion poster of Badass Ravi Kumar has already generated considerable interest, as the trailer will be released on January 5, and the movie will hit screens on February 7.
