Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s latest directorial venture, Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor, has stormed into the cinematic landscape, creating a whirlwind of controversy and curiosity. The film, known for its hyper-masculine narrative and intense action sequences, has sparked discussions about its themes, performances, and the overall cinematic experience. Animal movie review dives into the wild and wicked world of Animal, exploring its premise, characters, and the larger-than-life portrayal of masculinity.
Animal introduces us to Ranvijay Singh (Ranbir Kapoor), also known as Hero, the eldest son of steel and oil magnate Balbir Singh (Anil Kapoor), the richest man in India. From a young age, Hero takes it upon himself to be the man of the house, displaying a reckless and hot-headed nature. The film explores his journey, from high school antics involving guns to impulsive decisions like stealing a bride just before her wedding. Hero’s complex relationships, especially with his father, form the crux of the narrative.
The film takes the audience on a roller-coaster ride as Hero, now a tycoon, faces challenges ranging from family conflicts to seeking deadly revenge against unknown assailants targeting his father. The plot weaves through familial drama, love angles, and a relentless pursuit of justice, all set against a backdrop of extreme violence and gore.
Animal is undeniably a spectacle of excess, with its runtime exceeding 200 minutes of relentless action, drama, and bloodshed. Ranbir Kapoor delivers a performance that is both mesmerizing and problematic, embodying the glorified anti-hero trope. The film’s portrayal of masculinity, often bordering on the absurd, draws comparisons to Vanga’s earlier works, Arjun Reddy and Kabir Singh.
Bobby Deol impresses in Animal, playing a relative with a long-held grudge, bringing extra tension to the movie’s big showdown. His performance adds a lot to the exciting story of the film.
Click here to watch Bobby Deol to watch Bobby Deol recreating the Animal iconic scene in Public.
The narrative, however, suffers from a lack of emotional depth and coherence. The film attempts to blend extreme violence with moments of self-reflection and familial conflict, resulting in a disjointed and often bewildering experience. The relentless pace leaves little room for subtlety, and the themes of the “father wound” and the mantra of “a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do” struggle to harmonize.
Despite its narrative shortcomings, “Animal” manages to impress with its high-octane action sequences and grandiose set pieces. The film’s cinematography and fight choreography, credited to Supreme Sundar, contribute to the visual spectacle. However, the music-video aesthetic and overuse of background tracks fail to integrate seamlessly, disrupting the overall viewing experience.
Box Office Collection
Now, let’s take a closer look at the box office performance of “Animal” from Day 1 to Day 4:
| Day | India Collection (in Crores) | Worldwide Collection (in Crores) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | ₹63 | ₹116 |
| Day 2 | ₹67 | ₹124 |
| Day 3 | ₹71 | – |
| Day 4 | ₹28 (India only) | – |
Animal” is a film that thrives on its excessive portrayal of masculinity, unapologetic violence, and a protagonist who defies conventional norms. While it succeeds in delivering a visual spectacle, the lack of narrative coherence and emotional depth raises questions about its overall impact. Ranbir Kapoor’s performance, though intense, may leave audiences conflicted.
As the film concludes with a teaser for a sequel promising even more grisly spectacles, Animal stands as a testament to the director’s penchant for pushing boundaries. Whether it’s appreciated for its audacity or criticized for its lack of nuance, Animal undoubtedly makes a bold statement in the realm of Indian cinema.
