“Animal,” a movie directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, has sparked significant controversy since its release in 2023. The film revolves around Ranvijay Singh Balbir’s return to protect his father, Balbir Singh, and the unveiling of his family’s darkest secrets.
Ranvijay, played by Ranbir Kapoor, engages in a love story with his father, Balbir Singh, portrayed by Anil Kapoor.
The chatter surrounding the film primarily focuses on its depiction of toxic masculinity and the objectification of women. Critics lambasted dialogues that promote alpha male stereotypes and objectify women, such as when Ranvijay tells a woman, “Let’s go back in time,” and proceeds to comment on her physical attributes, stating, “You have a big pelvis, you can accommodate healthy babies.”
While the filmmaker defended these dialogues as reflective of the protagonist’s awkwardness with women, many found them distasteful and criticized the film for perpetuating patriarchal values.
Audience reactions towards Animal movie were divided, with some defending the filmmaker’s choices while others condemned them as misogynistic. The portrayal of women in the film also garnered criticism, particularly instances where the protagonist belittles his wife, telling her, “It’s a man’s world,” and demands subservience from another character, saying, “Lick my shoe if you truly love me.”
Moreover, the film faced accusations of promoting communal hatred due to the portrayal of a Muslim character as the villain. The director justified this decision as a creative choice to explore family dynamics and confusion within the narrative.
In conclusion, while filmmaking is a creative endeavor, audiences have the right to critique films without diminishing the filmmaker’s autonomy. The “Animal” movie has stirred stronger reactions than usual, reflecting the audience’s diverse perspectives and the contentious nature of the film’s themes.
