The cinematic landscape has been stirred by the release of the highly anticipated film ‘Animal,’ not only for its gripping narrative and the performance of its lead star Ranbir Kapoor but also for the audacious direction by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, a luminary in the Bollywood industry, has voiced his admiration for the groundbreaking film, calling it a “cinematic rarity” that courageously defies conventional norms, reshaping audience expectations of mainstream cinema.
The film ‘Animal’ stars Ranbir Kapoor in a dynamic role, in which Mahesh Bhatt, Ranbir’s father-in-law, saw his son-in-law’s rendition as not merely supplementing the film’s depth but invigorating the very essence of the eponymous ‘animal’ within the storyline. The character portrayed by Ranbir throbs with a raw vitality, encapsulating the primal beat of life itself. Bhatt extolled the combined effect of Vanga’s bold filmmaking techniques and Ranbir’s spirited performance as an “unprecedented and unapologetic cinematic journey.”
The ensemble cast of ‘Animal’ also features notable industry veterans along with promising new talents, including Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, and Tripti Dimri. The film’s plot revolves around Ranvijay “Vijay” Singh as he unravels the assassination plot against his father, embarking on a mission for retribution. The narrative has incited debate, reminiscent of the polarising responses elicited by the controversial film ‘Kabir Singh,’ also directed by Vanga. Critics have taken to various platforms to voice their discomfort with the film’s depiction of violence and it’s moral positioning, sparking discourse about acceptable boundaries in cinematic storytelling.
Ranbir Kapoor, at the forefront of Bollywood’s trending conversations, has captured public attention not just for his commanding screen presence but also because of his participation in promos and public appearances. He visited the set of Indian Idol Season 14 during the film’s promotions. During a pleasant engagement with participants and audience members, Mahesh Bhatt delivered a surprise message for Ranbir. He acclaimed him as the “world’s best father,” a touching sentiment reflecting the personal joy and growth in Ranbir’s life following the birth of Raha, his daughter with Alia Bhatt, who recently celebrated her first birthday.
Ranbir’s relationship with the Bhatt family, particularly with Mahesh Bhatt, has exhibited a profound personal and professional respect. Mahesh Bhatt’s heartwarming message was shared on the Indian Idol platform, and he did not hesitate to praise Ranbir’s exceptional acting skills, an accolade mirrored by Alia Bhatt, who regards Ranbir as one of the premier actors in the country. Mahesh Bhatt’s reflection on Ranbir’s bond with his daughter Raha was particularly poignant, envisioning a tender moment that reveals the depth of Ranbir’s character off-screen.
‘Animal’ has consequently become more than just a film; it represents a nexus point where art meets life. The professional praise for Ranbir Kapoor’s prowess on-screen pairs remarkably with the personal commendations for his role as a father, underscoring the multi-faceted nature of the actor’s life and career.
As the film industry and audiences alike digest the complexities and the powerful performances delivered within ‘Animal’, the dialogue surrounding it echoes the film’s own boundary-pushing nature. While the discourse will continue to unfold, what remains evident is the indelible mark ‘Animal’ has made on Bollywood, thanks in large part to the collaborative vision of Sandeep Reddy Vanga and the undeniable talent of Ranbir Kapoor.
