Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film “Animal” has sparked both controversy and acclaim in equal measure, marking its place as one of the most talked-about releases of the year 2023. While the film stirred up discussions on its provocative themes, it simultaneously clinched the box-office triumph, grossing over Rs 800 crore, a testament to its mass appeal.
Amidst its roaring success, actor Vivek Oberoi, set to mark his resurgence in the spotlight with the upcoming Rohit Shetty’s action series “Indian Police Force”, has taken to social media to express his admiration and gratitude for the support and affection his father, Sukesh Oberoi, received for his role in “Animal”. Sukesh Oberoi portrayed the patriarchal figure Rabir’s grandfather, in a narrative weaving the complexities of a father-son dynamic. Following the film’s significant milestone, Vivek Oberoi shared a moment of personal celebration with a touching tribute to his father.
The “Animal” success bash, attended by the glitterati of the film industry, also served as the backdrop for this heartfelt acknowledgment. Vivek Oberoi, in sharing a picture with his father, penned a moving note: “To the man who held my hand and walked side by side with me on all my victories, my hero off screen and on screen, congratulations on the blockbuster success of #Animal. There is nothing more rewarding than having the title of your no.1 fan and walking by your side on your victories. To many more like this!”
The note didn’t end there. Vivek Oberoi also extended his thanks to director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, commending his respect and treatment towards Sukesh Oberoi, and sharing his admiration for the film’s star, Ranbir Kapoor, whose portrayal as Rannvijay Singh captivated audiences. “And of course #RanbirKapoor, slaying it as always… literally this time haha.. not only are you one of the most talented actors Indian cinema has ever seen, but you are so humble, kind and one of the most amazing human beings I’m so proud to call my friend.”
The commendations continued, with a nod to Bobby Deol for his enthralling performance and a salute to Anil Kapoor’s legendary status in the industry, seamlessly acknowledging the collective efforts of the cast and production crew, which included names like Tripti, Rashmika, and T-Series, for weaving cinematic magic that enthralled viewers.
“Animal” itself, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, stirred the pot of public discussion with its depiction of misogyny, an artistic choice that paralleled its provocative storytelling. Yet, it was the narrative core of the film – a tumultuous father-son relationship riddled with vendettas and assassination attempts – that pulled viewers into theatres.
Studded with high-profile names such as Prem Chopra, Shakti Kapoor, and Suresh Oberoi, “Animal” not only succeeded commercially but also ignited anticipation for its hinted sequel, “Animal Park”. The cinematic universe constructed around Ranbir’s character left fans on edge, particularly with a post-credits scene that foreshadowed a potential dual role for Kapoor.
In an industry that continually seeks to balance commercial potency with the nuances of storytelling, “Animal” serves as a contemporary case study. It has propelled discussions into the moral imperatives of movie-making, while simultaneously proving that the appetite for compelling narratives – controversial or not – remains insatiable among the Indian audience. With the success of “Animal” reverberating beyond the silver screen, actors like Vivek Oberoi have found profound personal connections to the work, sharing in the joy and pride of their loved ones who contributed to this cinematic phenomenon.
