Undoubtedly, the movie Animal has been surrounded by a wave of hype, yet it has failed to live up to the expectations of its devoted fans. While there are those who criticize its excessive length and the obsession with love within the storyline, there are also those who commend the exceptional acting abilities of the cast, regardless of their personal preferences towards the plot.
The intensity of Kabir Singh and Arjun Reddy, produced by Vanga in Hindi and Telugu versions respectively, appears comparatively mild when placed alongside the brutal narrative of Animal. This film is not tailored for the faint-hearted, as the brutality depicted in the trailer only scratches the surface of what transpires during its extensive three hours and 21 minutes runtime.
Animal Box Office Collection
Ranbir Kapoor’s latest release, “Animal,” has made a thunderous impact at the box office, with collection of over 60 crore in just two days & its sights set on swiftly entering the coveted 200 crore club within just three days of its release. The film’s collections have been nothing short of impressive, showcasing its immense popularity among the audience. With its roaring success, “Animal” is poised to achieve a remarkable milestone in terms of box office collections, solidifying its position as a blockbuster hit.
Animal : A Plot Synopsis
In the role of Ranvijay, also known as Vijay and referred to as Animal, Ranbir Kapoor portrays a character marked by a complex relationship with his father, Balbir Singh, played by Anil Kapoor. The source of their discord doesn’t stem from typical ego clashes; instead, it revolves around Vijay’s intense and somewhat abnormal love for his father, juxtaposed against Balbir’s perpetual busyness, leaving little room for quality father-son interactions. Vijay, growing up as an anguished son, incessantly seeks his father’s approval in every aspect of his life. Despite Balbir Singh’s attempts to instill discipline as a successful businessman, his efforts prove futile in bridging the emotional gap between them.
After an extended stay in the United States, Vijay returns home with his family when an attempt is made on his father’s life. This incident triggers a drastic transformation in Vijay, propelling him into a vengeful rampage until he uncovers the true culprit and motive behind the attack. Unwavering in his devotion, Vijay prioritizes his father over everything, even jeopardizing his marriage with Gayatri (portrayed by Rashmika Mandanna) in his quest to shield his father from harm.
While the core theme of avenging one’s parents is not novel in Bollywood, what sets “Animal” apart is Vanga’s distinctive treatment of the narrative. The term ‘different’ is employed here, albeit inadequately, to convey the unique emotional journey experienced during the extensive and visceral storytelling that Vanga has woven into the fabric of the film.
Is There Too Much Violence?
In an interview, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, a versatile figure as a writer, editor, and director, expressed his commitment to revolutionizing the action film genre in India, a promise he asserted seriously. The action sequences in his latest venture are a testament to this commitment, characterized by their stylish presentation and meticulous choreography, accompanied by a compelling background score. Bollywood is introduced to a novel experience, particularly notable in a scene where Ranbir, adorned in a white kurta and dhoti, confronts a horde of masked assailants armed first with guns and then with axes.
The protagonist, embodying a man-child persona, fearlessly charges at them, wielding an Indian-made bazooka. This protracted sequence unfolds with an abundance of guns, violence, and gore, seemingly distributed without restraint, leading the audience to believe that Vijay has achieved vengeance for the attack on his father. However, this proves to be merely the first half of Vanga’s cinematic narrative, as he unfolds even more captivating elements in the latter part.
As the second half unfolds, the intensity reaches overwhelming levels—excessive gore, violence, bloodshed, toxicity, and even the character of Ranbir Kapoor himself. Vanga, previously criticized for depicting toxic love in films like Kabir Singh and Arjun Reddy, appears to have embraced this critique in Animal. From the outset, the relationship between Vijay and Gayatri is portrayed as disconcerting. The film seemingly magnifies the elements that drew criticism in Vanga’s earlier works, showcasing a narrative unapologetically steeped in toxicity.
Animal shows Vanga’s Hatred for Women?
The initial interaction between Rashmika and Ranbir’s character in the narrative is discomforting, marked by his inappropriate comment about her physique. In an abrupt turn of events, she abruptly terminates her engagement and distances herself from her family, seemingly drawn to him. It’s noteworthy that in Vanga’s cinematic realm, male characters often captivate women by unabashedly discussing female anatomy, reminiscent of the dynamics seen in “Kabir Singh.” While Animal attempts to depict Mandanna’s character as assertive and vocal, these instances are overshadowed by a narrative that ultimately excuses everything in the name of love.
The film portrays toxicity, bloodshed, and a ferocious demeanor as acceptable traits, simply because the male protagonist excels in intimate relations. Tripti Dimri plays a pivotal role in the storyline, yet her character is objectified, reducing her significance to a mere sexual object. By the time her character takes the stage, the audience may find themselves disillusioned with both the male lead and the overall narrative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Animal had the potential to break new ground in Hindi action movies, it ultimately falls short of expectations. Vanga’s circuitous editing style and the film’s bloated runtime detract from the overall experience. However, there are some standout performances from the cast, particularly Anil Kapoor’s emotional heavy-lifting and Shakti Kapoor and Babloo Prithiveeraj’s intriguing supporting roles. Ranbir Kapoor’s career mixtape is also worth noting, showcasing his range as an actor. Overall, Animal may not be a must-see film, but it still has its moments and is worth a watch for fans of the genre.
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