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Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s latest film, Animal, is currently leading the box office in India. However, while the action-packed movie may be attracting attention, it relies heavily on shock value and lacks depth. Vanga’s previous films, Arjun Reddy (2017) and its Hindi remake Kabir Singh (2019), were both huge successes but also faced backlash for glorifying misogynistic and violent male characters. Instead of addressing these issues, Animal delves even deeper into regressive themes, creating one of the most repulsive protagonists to ever appear on the big screen.
Vijay, portrayed by popular Hindi actor Ranbir Kapoor, is the sole heir to a wealthy family. Growing up in the shadow of his father Balbir Singh (played by Anil Kapoor), who is consumed with his steel company, Vijay’s desire for love and approval leads to a cycle of violence and inner turmoil. Animal follows this story through various timelines, from Vijay’s childhood to his later years, as he resorts to increasingly brutal shootouts. In one instance, Vijay brutally kills numerous people in order to protect his father. While the excessive violence is meant to shock, the execution of the action scenes is unoriginal and easily forgotten, resembling a watered-down version of The Godfather or Scarface.
Additionally, Vijay’s remarks, reminiscent of Andrew Tate’s, promote the idea of alpha males and women’s submission. These statements seem to be strategically crafted to go viral, but they also leave a negative impression. Despite its clear intention to provoke, the movie Animal lacks the courage to fully embrace its controversial themes. For instance, the company owned by Balbir uses a swastika as its logo, but Vijay clarifies that it is not the same as the Nazi’s tilted swastika. This attempt at self-awareness only intensifies the discomfort of flirting with right-wing symbolism.
Source: theguardian.com
