Badass Ravi Kumar's OTT release stalled by Himesh Reshammiya's content control clause

More than three months after its theatrical release, Badass Ravi Kumar, starring and produced by Himesh Reshammiya, is yet to find a home on any OTT platform. While many assumed a lack of takers in the digital market, industry sources reveal a very different reality—streaming giants are ready with big offers, but Himesh’s content control demands have delayed the film’s digital debut.

Directed by Keith Gomes, Badass Ravi Kumar released in theatres on February 7 and generated buzz for its parody-style action and vintage Reshammiya music. Despite mixed critical response, the film performed modestly at the box office, closing its run at ?13.78 crore net in India and ?17.26 crore gross worldwide, making it the third highest grosser of Himesh’s career.

However, its absence from OTT platforms has raised eyebrows, especially in an era where most theatrical releases find a digital partner within weeks. A source closely linked to the film’s backend told Bollywood Hungama that all major OTT players were eager to acquire the streaming rights. “Contrary to market gossip, multiple platforms have shown strong interest. They are willing to pay a hefty price, seeing potential for massive viewership,” the source said.

So why hasn’t the deal gone through?

It comes down to a single clause in the contract. “OTT platforms typically include a clause allowing them to upload promotional clips from the film on their YouTube channels. Himesh is not comfortable with this,” the source explained. “He wants the film uploaded in full on the OTT platform, but insists that all scene clips, dialogues, and short video edits be controlled and published exclusively by his own label—Himesh Reshammiya Melodies.”

This has created a unique roadblock. While streaming services usually don’t restrict producers from uploading their own content, the problem arises when both parties start posting the same scenes. “The views get split. Himesh believes the dialogues from Badass Ravi Kumar can draw huge numbers on YouTube, and he doesn’t want those figures diluted across multiple channels,” the source told to Bollywood Hungama.

Himesh’s decision to retain full control extends beyond the OTT clause. Notably, he didn’t sell the film’s music rights either. All songs and musical content remain exclusively under the banner of Himesh Reshammiya Melodies—a strategic move that echoes his stance on content distribution.

While most Bollywood producers opt for wider reach via collaboration with music labels and digital platforms, Himesh’s stand appears rooted in preserving brand control and maximizing viewership under his own banner. The strategy, however, comes at the cost of accessibility. Fans who missed the theatrical run continue to wait, with no confirmed OTT release date in sight.

The source added that discussions are still underway. “The streaming giants haven’t walked away. They’re trying to find a workaround that respects both parties’ business goals. Once a common ground is reached, the digital premiere will be announced.”

The delay also reflects a broader shift in how producers are reevaluating the value of digital content in the age of social media virality. With short clips often gaining more traction than the full film, control over distribution channels has become a new battleground in the entertainment economy.

Meanwhile, the film's box office journey tells its own story. According to Koimoi, it opened with Rs 3.52 crore on day one, propelled by a niche audience drawn to its musical satire and punchy one-liners. By the end of its opening week, it had collected Rs 13.46 crore. The theatrical performance was front-loaded, and the collections slowed post-week one, finally settling at Rs 13.78 crore net in India and Rs 16.26 crore gross. Overseas markets contributed Rs 1 crore gross.

Despite the mixed reception, Badass Ravi Kumar managed to spark curiosity due to its distinct genre and unapologetic tone. It was marketed as a musical action parody—a style rarely seen in mainstream Hindi cinema—and maintained its offbeat identity throughout.

The film features an ensemble cast that includes Prabhu Deva, Kirti Kulhari, Simona J, Saurabh Sachdeva, Sanjay Mishra, and Johnny Lever in key roles. However, the core appeal rested heavily on Himesh Reshammiya’s trademark dialogues and his throwback musical style.

As one of the few films to hold its OTT release hostage over YouTube viewership strategies, Badass Ravi Kumar stands as an example of how digital rights negotiations are evolving. Until a compromise is reached, fans will have to make do with theatrical memories and trailers, while the film’s OTT future remains paused—by design.