Amidst the rave reviews and commercial success that the latest Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna movie, ‘Animal,’ has received, the director of the film, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, has decided to address the criticisms aimed at his previous directorial venture ‘Kabir Singh.’ The film had earlier sparked widespread debate over its portrayal of relationships and gender dynamics, and the controversy was rekindled by filmmaker Kiran Rao’s recent remarks.
Rao, who is the former spouse of Bollywood icon Aamir Khan, had voiced her opinion that movies such as ‘Kabir Singh’ and the epic ‘Baahubali’ series endorse misogynistic attitudes and normalize stalking. Sandeep Reddy Vanga, refusing to let the remark slide, pointedly responded to the criticism in a candid interview with Dainik Jagran.
In a tone of fervent defense, Vanga argued, “I think she does not know the difference between stalking and approaching. When people read these things out of context, they tend to agree. This is entirely wrong.” He continued by drawing a parallel with Aamir Khan’s own cinematic past, referencing a song from the 1990’s Bollywood hit ‘Dil’ and noting the film’s controversial scenes which, according to him, didn’t receive similar scrutiny. Vanga’s contention was that such criticisms were unfounded and selective, urging detractors like Rao to reassess their criticisms within the context of broader industry practices.
His film ‘Animal’ has stirred up the box office with its profound exploration of relationship complexities, particularly the strained father-son dynamic portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor. Kapoor, who essays a double role as Ranvijay and Aziz Haque, delivers a performance that has garnered much acclaim. Anil Kapoor stars as Ranbir’s father, Balbir Singh, adding gravitas to this intense narrative.
The star-studded ensemble doesn’t stop there; Bobby Deol delivers a key performance as Abrar Haque, while Rashmika Mandanna has been cast as Ranbir’s wife, Geetanjali. Triptii Dimri brings to life the character of Zoya, rounding out a cast that also features veterans like Shakti Kapoor, Prem Chopra, and Suresh Oberoi.
‘Animal’ launched to a global audience on Netflix on Republic Day, and Vanga’s directorial acumen—alternating between grandeur and nuance—has not gone unnoticed. The commercial triumph of this feature has not only solidified Vanga’s reputation as a filmmaker who pushes boundaries but also as an artist unafraid to confront his critics head-on.
The polemic around ‘Kabir Singh’ has ebbed and flowed since its release, and as the spotlight returns, the discourse on filmmaking ethics, character narratives, and societal impact is reignited. Vanga’s unwavering stance demonstrates the ongoing conversation within the Bollywood community about responsible storytelling and creative expression.
Whether or not Rao or other critics are swayed by Vanga’s counterpoints remains to be seen, but what is certain is that the conversations stirred up by his films are both passionate and polarizing, much like the cinema he creates. As ‘Animal’ continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike, Vanga’s work remains at the intersection of critical contention and mainstream success, ensuring that his voice—and his films—remain a significant part of the Bollywood narrative.
