Actor Rashmika Mandanna has been in the spotlight following the triumphant box office performance of the sensational movie ‘Animal’, which also features Ranbir Kapoor as the protagonist. In a recent interview, the actor shared her experience on the set of the movie, particularly shedding light on a poignant scene where she was required to slap Kapoor’s character, Ranvijay.
The Sandeep Reddy Vanga directed ‘Animal’ has garnered immense attention for more than just its cinematic grandeur; the movie has broken records and grossed a substantial amount globally, becoming Ranbir Kapoor’s most successful opening film to date. Rashmika Mandanna plays Geetanjali, Ranbir’s on-screen wife, and in a spellbinding moment, her character delivers a powerful slap to Ranvijay, a sequence Rashmika recalls with vivid emotion.
“The whole sequence was captured in a single take due to the complex movement involved. It was highly unscripted, and I didn’t have any predefined actions. Sandeep directed me to embody how someone in such a situation would genuinely feel. During the take, I was completely immersed; I’ve forgotten everything that happened between ‘action’ and ‘cut’. All I can recall is that my mind went blank,” Mandanna recounted during her conversation with Pinkvilla.
The intensity of the moment overcame Mandanna to such an extent that even when the cameras stopped rolling, she found herself unable to snap out of the emotional state, continuing to shed real tears. Compelled by concern, she approached Kapoor, inquiring if he was alright post the slap. “I was crying authentically; after enacting the slap and embracing the tumultuous emotions, I sought Ranbir to ensure he was fine,” she elaborated.
Delving deeper into the experience, Rashmika expressed her newfound insight into the craft of acting, having been moved profoundly by the sequence. She reflected on the rarity of such demanding and emotionally charged scenes and found a newfound appreciation for the art form. “The sequence was completed within half a day, but it instilled in me the essence and exuberance of being an actor. Such moments are not common in scripts, and I am beyond grateful to have been a part of this unique film and particularly this scene. It truly was a revelation of my capabilities,” she said.
The storyline of ‘Animal’ is a rich tapestry focusing on the dynamics of a father-son relationship, wherein Ranbir Kapoor deftly portrays a man whose earnest love for his father, played by Anil, reaches the bounds of protectiveness and obsession. The narrative follows his character as he fiercely guards this paternal relationship, often intimating those who dare disrupt it.
This ambitious project, clocking in at over three hours, is a compelling entry into the crime drama genre, brought to the screens by the joint production efforts of Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar’s T-Series, Murad Khetani’s Cine1 Studios, and Pranay Reddy Vanga’s Bhadrakali Pictures. Released on December 1, 2023, ‘Animal’ has broadened its reach across India and beyond, with its multilingual offering in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
Rashmika Mandanna’s frank discourse on her experience in ‘Animal’ not only offers a window into the artistic processes on set but also highlights the emotional rigor that actors often endure for the craft. Her candid sharing underscores the raw emotion and dedication that underpins a powerful performance, elevating the movie to the memorable classic it has become.
