Amidst the roaring success of the latest cinematic venture ‘Animal’, Sandeep Reddy Vanga has become the talk of Tinseltown not only for the film’s ground-breaking success but also for his unabashed responses to the film’s critics. Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna, ‘Animal’ has made a marked impact at the box office and garnered considerable critical acclaim as well as a fair share of controversy. The film delves into the complex web of human relationships, notably highlighting the tumultuous dynamics between a father and son, with Kapoor undertaking a challenging dual portrayal of the characters Ranvijay and Aziz Haque.
In what has become a somewhat defiant stance towards the criticism his film has faced, Vanga is lucid about his latest project and the reactions it has prompted. A narration of a tale that spins around Ranbir Kapoor’s characters and his layered connections with his on-screen father (played by Anil Kapoor), wife (played by Rashmika Mandanna), and other key figures, ‘Animal’ presents a gritty exploration that promises to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
However, the film’s narrative and content have stirred more than just conversation among viewers; it has also prompted comments from acclaimed industry figures, including renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar. Not shying away from channelling his discontent, Vanga directly addressed the poet’s critical remarks in a candid interview with Siddharth Kannan. With a defensive edge, Vanga contested Akhtar’s judgments suggesting that the veteran had not thoroughly engaged with the entirety of the film.
“If someone is talking without watching the film, what can I say about them? Obviously, you feel bad because it is very clear that he has not seen the film,” Vanga stated, pointing out that the wide-ranging censure the film received was unfounded, increasingly insistent that those who criticise should first reflect on their own creative surroundings.
The heat of Vanga’s retorts did not end there, as he turned the spotlight back on Akhtar with a pointed question as to why the latter did not express similar concerns to his son, Farhan Akhtar, for producing the gritty, and often controversial, web series ‘Mirzapur’. Vanga highlighted the array of strong language and mature themes presented in ‘Mirzapur’, articulating his bafflement over the selective scrutiny his own work faced.
Experiencing the action drama through a dubbed version introduced additional layers of dissonance, according to Vanga, who beseeched, “Why is he not checking his son’s work?” This query from the director draws attention to the inconsistencies in the critiques faced by the entertainment fraternity and sparks a broader conversation on the subjectivity of creative criticism within the industry.
Released on the auspicious occasion of Republic Day on the popular streaming service Netflix, ‘Animal’ has not only resonated strongly at the box office but also firmly established its presence within the digital viewing domain. Starring beside the aforementioned Kapoor and Mandanna are stalwarts of Indian cinema such as Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, and an ensemble cast featuring Shakti Kapoor, Prem Chopra, and Suresh Oberoi. The film, in essence, is a tapestry of raw emotion and intense drama, folded into a cinematic experience that aims to question and captivate in equal measure.
As Sandeep Reddy Vanga rides the towering wave of ‘Animal’s’ success, he remains secure in his role as an artist who has touched a nerve in the contemporary film industry. His fierce advocacy for his work is but a reflection of an artist deeply invested in his craft, one who is ready to confront opposition with a steadfast belief in his creative vision.
