TL;DR: Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film Animal faced heavy criticism for its violent and misogynistic themes, while lead actor Ranbir Kapoor received widespread praise for his performance. Vanga expressed confusion over this disparity, suggesting that industry insiders may be reluctant to criticize actors they wish to work with in the future.
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film Animal created quite a buzz in Bollywood. 🎥 While the movie was slammed for its intense violence and alleged misogyny, lead actor Ranbir Kapoor was showered with accolades for his stellar performance. 🌟
In a candid chat on Komal Nahata's YouTube show Game Changers, Vanga opened up about this contrasting feedback. 🎤 He noted that many industry folks harshly criticized Animal but simultaneously lauded Ranbir's acting chops. Vanga couldn't wrap his head around this double standard. He speculated that perhaps these insiders are keen to stay in Ranbir's good books, hoping to collaborate with him down the line. 🤷♂️
Vanga pointed out that it's easier for critics to take shots at directors, especially those who are relatively new to the scene, like himself. 🎬 He mentioned that filmmakers typically release a movie every few years, whereas actors like Ranbir might appear in multiple projects annually. This frequency makes actors more influential, and industry folks might hesitate to critique them, fearing it could jeopardize future collaborations. Vanga said, "I understood they want to work with Ranbir... It's easy to make a comment about me because I am new to this place."
Despite the backlash, Animal was a box office juggernaut, raking in over ₹900 crore worldwide. 💰 The film delves into the tumultuous relationship between a powerful industrialist and his son, portrayed by Ranbir. The narrative takes a dark turn as the son embarks on a path of vengeance following an attempt on his father's life.
However, the movie didn't sit well with everyone. 👎 Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar labeled Animal as "dangerous for society," expressing concern over its potential impact on audiences. He emphasized that the real issue arises when content with questionable values becomes a massive hit, as it might influence societal norms negatively.
In response to such critiques, Vanga defended his creative choices. 🎨 He acknowledged Akhtar's concerns but subtly questioned the perspective, suggesting that as a fellow storyteller, Akhtar might approach the content from a different angle. Vanga also highlighted that his portrayal of complex relationships stems from his personal experiences and isn't meant to glorify negative behavior.
Lead actor Ranbir Kapoor also weighed in on the controversy. 🎭 He admitted that while he agrees actors have a responsibility to promote positive societal values, it's also essential to explore diverse roles and narratives. Ranbir expressed that he doesn't always align with the criticisms but chooses to acknowledge them and strive for better in future projects.
This situation sheds light on a broader issue within the film industry: the tendency to shield prominent actors from criticism while holding directors solely accountable for a film's content. 🎬 Such disparities can stifle creative expression and place undue pressure on filmmakers, especially those still carving their niche. It's crucial for the industry to foster an environment where both actors and directors share responsibility for the narratives they bring to the screen.
In conclusion, while Animal sparked debates over its themes and portrayal, it also highlighted the inconsistencies in how the industry critiques its own. 🧐 As audiences and creators, reflecting on these dynamics can pave the way for more balanced and constructive discussions in the future. 🤝
