| Directed by | Sandeep Reddy Vanga |
|---|---|
| Screenplay by | Sandeep Reddy Vanga Pranay Reddy Vanga Saurabh Gupta |
| Story by | Sandeep Reddy Vanga |
| Produced by | Bhushan Kumar Krishan Kumar Murad Khetani Pranay Reddy Vanga |
| Starring | Ranbir KapoorAnil KapoorBobby DeolRashmika MandannaTripti Dimri |
| Cinematography | Amit Roy |
Torsha
Not for the weak-hearted
‘Animal’ is a cinematic tour de force that both demands and rewards a specific cinematic palate, carrying with it a bold disclaimer for those who found fault with ‘Kabir Singh’ and for those averse to on-screen violence and misogyny.
If you hated ‘Kabir Singh’ for its toxic masculinity, consider ‘Animal’ as Kabir Singh to the power of 100.
A film for Ranbir’s admirers
However, for admirers of Ranbir Kapoor, the film is a must-watch, as his performance is nothing short of phenomenal. The movie weaves a narrative around Ranvijay, portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor, a character craving paternal affection in a world where his father, Balbir Singh, played by Anil Kapoor, the influential industrialist, is too engrossed in his business to spare time for his son. This core theme becomes the foundation for the entire film, tracing Ranvijay’s obsessive quest for love and validation from a father who seems perpetually out of reach. This emotional deprivation propels Ranvijay onto a violent path, where his destructive actions, though fueled by a desire to protect his father, push the boundaries of morality.
Ranbir Kapoor’s relentless screen presence is the driving force, with the actor embodying the character of Ranvijay in a manner that makes it impossible to envision anyone else in the role.
The film’s standout feature is its unapologetic commitment to being larger than life.
Spectacular scenes
The meticulously choreographed fight scenes are a testament to this, with one scene featuring Ranvijay taking on over 500 masked men, accompanied by a powerful rendition of ‘Arjun Vaily’ (the best song from the album), emerging as a cinematic spectacle.
Another noteworthy sequence involves a 15-minute showdown between Ranvijay and Abrar, played by Bobby Deol, reminiscent of the intensity found in a Quentin Tarantino film. Yes, it’s bold to make such a comparison, but ‘Animal’ earns the right to be mentioned in the same breath.
One man show
The narrative is essentially a one-man show, with the entire 3-plus hours dominated by Ranbir Kapoor’s commanding presence. While the supporting cast has limited roles, their powerful performances contribute to the overall impact.
Despite not having much to do, the supporting actors, like Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Tripti Dimri, and Rashmi Mandanna, play their roles with finesse, showcasing their talent even in a movie where the spotlight is firmly on the lead.
Why you should watch it?
Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the mastermind behind the writing, editing, and direction of ‘Animal,’ sets it apart from the conventional Bollywood or South film offerings. It stands as a unique cinematic creation, clearly not intended for a universal audience. The film challenges norms and pushes boundaries, embracing its exclusivity.
At its heart, ‘Animal’ is a simple story made extravagant through over-the-top elements, be it heightened emotions, dramatic and bold dialogues (that can completely throw you off), or extreme violence.
Clocking in at a substantial 3 hours and 23 minutes, the film manages to maintain an engaging pace, ensuring the audience remains hooked from start to finish. ‘Animal’ emerges as a captivating and unforgettable cinematic endeavour.
Verdict
‘Animal’ is a cinematic journey that requires a willingness to embrace extremes. For those who appreciate Ranbir Kapoor’s brilliance and can navigate the film’s unabashed grandiosity, it unfolds as a fantastic spectacle with fabulous music. It’s an experience not meant for everyone, but for those who dare to dive into its intensity.
Tojo Banerjee
Ranbir – the right choice
In terms of acting, one cannot think of anyone else but Ranbir Kapoor for the role. Rashmika Mandana, Anil Kapoor and Shakti Kapoor were good in their limited roles. Bobby Doel was hyped in the trailer and had nothing in the movie that could be talked about.
The Crux of the Story
It’s about an overtly obsessive person who loves his family more than anything and can go to any level to safeguard his family. He is an alpha male and possessive by nature, but he also doesn’t like his sister being mistreated by her husband. The fact that his sister, after studying at Harvard, doesn’t do anything doesn’t sit well with him.
Getting his father’s attention is an obsession. That forms the crux of the story. The love for his father turned into a kind of ‘Junoon’ making it impossible for the son to see anything beyond that.
A notable quality about the lead character is that he is fair in his dealings. He even gives the villain a chance before killing him.
Beware
There is too much violence, and the second half could have been more compact just like the first half.
Verdict
An out-and-out Ranbir Kapoor show for 200 minutes, ‘Animal’ is one of the boldest films in Bollywood history. In his words, a ‘full paisa wasool movie’.
Sreeparna Sen
A crash course on being an Alpha male
The film guides us on how to be an Alpha male in the ‘Animal’ version? Here is a quick study note for easy reference.
Express your love for an alpha man – By licking his boot, duh.
An alpha man proves his love for her – By cutely choking her instead of killing her. Do you know why he does that? Frustrated with her husband’s obsession with his father, she had wished death for the latter.
The ‘Papa obsession’ – They love their fathers and define their complete personalities by seeking their father’s validation, completely disregarding the presence of a mother who is always around but insignificant.
In the absence of the father, he is all-in-all. For an alpha man, if the father is not around, he is in charge of the house. The sister and mother, of course, are irrelevant. And as the “man of the house,” he can shoot, kill, or run over someone because that is what alpha men do. So take the charge.\
Multiple partners, but loyal. They sleep with multiple women too. The alpha man is overflowing with ‘love’, you see. Since he is an alpha man, he comes home and gets honest with his wife. Not only that, when the wife says she should do the same, he goes on to threaten her to kill anyone even near her.
Religious and patriotic -are his hallmark values. On a side note, the alpha male is patriotic and religious too; they use a “Made in India” machine gun, drink gomutra to recover from a failing heart, and fight a cousin who has converted to Islam.
Women- silent spectators. Oh, and how does an alpha male celebrate recovery from a grave injury? By walking outside, buck naked and excited allies firing in the air, enjoying the d**k. The women in the house, though uncomfortable, cannot speak a word—the stark reality of a violent world with mute women.
Experts in women. They recommend choosing their partner based on her pelvic size. Because a broader pelvis will ensure healthy babies! And why not? Women are procreation machines, or not. After all, he proclaims, ‘It’s a man’s world.’ Men are experts in other areas too. They can deduce pregnancy from the kind of vomit a woman has. They can ‘mansplain’ the number of pads required monthly for menstruation. An alpha male even counter-questions the counsellor who tries to do his therapy.
Lewd gestures are his ornament.
Revenge is the last word. The alpha male does not kill their enemy just like a shot or any other clean sweep but cuts their throat, one slit at a time, piece by piece, with blood oozing out as his friend sings a song.
Verdict
I know that the movie is getting rave reviews. But, as a woman watching the movie, I am scared. Looking at the great reception it is getting, I am sure our country applauds these traits. And that has shaken me. While a ‘Thappad’ raises the question of ‘not all men,’ here a man telling his wife, ‘I will slap you so hard,’ is received with cheer. Bracing ourselves for the evolution backwards.
Prerana
Regressive and upholds misogynistic values
It is disheartening to witness the release of yet another Hindi Bollywood film that perpetuates regressive and misogynistic values.
‘Animal’ presents a dismal portrayal of relationships and anger issues and appears to actively applaud polygamy along with the control and objectification of women. Its promotion of archaic mentalities clashes with the progressive values that should be upheld in Indian society today.
Women – mere chattel
The film goes on to explicitly convey that his wife should refrain from remarrying if he dies. But he engages in an extramarital affair, emphasising a disturbing power dynamic in the relationship. These problematic themes are magnified further by his comments on her body, particularly her pelvis, objectifying her as a mere vessel.
Sets a wrong example to our youth
By focusing on the protagonist’s anger issues and polygamous lifestyle, ‘Animal’ sends a troubling message to Indian youths, suggesting that such behaviour is aspirational or acceptable. Much like ‘Kabir Singh’ or ‘Arjun Reddy,’ which garnered similar criticism, ‘Animal’ inadvertently promotes toxic masculinity and undermines the value system of Sanatan Dharma.
Gender equality – a contradiction
Indian audiences need to recognise the damage such movies can have on the mentality of the younger generation. The perpetuation of these regressive values contradicts the progress made towards gender equality and respect for women. Therefore, informed viewers must boycott films like ‘Animal‘ that perpetuate and normalise harmful patriarchal beliefs.
Shift the focus to better films
Instead, Indian cinema should focus on producing movies like “Sam Bahadur” that invoke patriotism and evoke emotional connections with our nation. Unveiling stories of genuine heroism and selfless sacrifice, films like ‘Sam Bahadur’ have the power to shape the collective consciousness of Indian youths, who will be the torchbearers of our future.
Animal vs Sam Bahadur – a disappointment
While it is disappointing to note the huge box office numbers that ‘Animal’ generated, amounting to 131 crore rupees, it is important to remember that the gross income does not equate to the worth or quality of the film. ‘Sam Bahadur’, though earning only 15 crore rupees, resonates deeply with patriotic sentiments, showcasing the untold tales of our brave soldiers. It is through movies like this that we celebrate our nation’s heroes, which can instil a stronger sense of national pride and foster unity among the Indian youth.
In conclusion, ‘Animal’ exemplifies the problematic aspects of contemporary Bollywood cinema, promoting misogyny, polygamy, and controlling behaviour as acceptable. It is crucial for discerning Indians to reject such movies, endorsing a collective boycott to protect the values of Sanatan Dharma and safeguard the mentality of our youth. Emotionally charged movies like ‘Sam Bahadur’ deserve wider recognition and support, for they hold the potential to strengthen our bond with our nation and foster a positive, progressive mindset.
Verdict
Rating: 1/5
Let me rename my rant as – Chauvinism and Misogyny Shrouds ‘Animal’: A Rant Against Indian Cinema’s Regressive Values.
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