Himesh Reshammiya, the multi-talented singer-actor-composer, recently addressed the buzz surrounding apparent similarities between his upcoming action flick Badass Ravi Kumar and Ranbir Kapoor’s blockbuster Animal. Fans and online chatter had pointed out parallels, especially after the teaser for Badass Ravi Kumar dropped, showcasing Himesh sporting a beard and a rugged vibe reminiscent of Ranbir’s intense look in the 2023 hit directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The speculation grew louder, prompting Himesh to break his silence in exclusive interviews with News18 and Pinkvilla, reported on February 25, 2025.
Speaking to Pinkvilla, Himesh brushed off the comparisons with a lighthearted take: “Mujhey lag raha hai agar beard rakhne se koi Animal jaisa lagta hai toh yeh toh normal si baat hai. Beard toh roz uthti hai na. Yeh koi similarity thodi hai.” He explained that a beard is just a common style choice and not a deliberate nod to Animal, urging fans to see beyond superficial resemblances. The Badass Ravi Kumar teaser, released last week, features Himesh in a larger-than-life avatar, complete with action-packed sequences and his signature musical flair, tied to his 2023 film The Xpose.
In a separate chat with News18, Himesh doubled down on the beard debate: “Woh beard rakhte hai toh Animal ke jaisa lagta hai kya? Beard toh roz hi uthti hai.” He emphasized that his film’s essence lies in its unique storyline and his return as the quirky detective Ravi Kumar, not in mimicking Ranbir’s gritty character. Badass Ravi Kumar, a spin-off from The Xpose, sees Himesh stepping back into acting after a decade, blending music and masala entertainment.
The chatter began when netizens flagged the teaser’s vibe—Himesh’s bearded look, bold attitude, and high-octane action—as echoing Animal’s raw energy. However, Himesh’s clarification aims to shift focus to his project’s distinct flavor, slated for release later this year. Fans are now eager to see how his vision unfolds on the big screen.
See Also: Rajkummar Rao Says He ‘Loved’ Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal: ‘The Film’s Title Is Animal, Not ‘Adarsh Purush”