The Bollywood blockbuster ‘Animal,’ featuring A-listers Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, and Rashmika Mandanna, has taken the box office by storm. The film, which delves into the complexities of a fractured father-son relationship, is earning accolades for its cinematic success. However, it is not all roses for ‘Animal’ as it finds itself mired in controversy due to its depiction of over-the-top violence, abusive language, and toxic themes, sparking discussions among critics and fans alike.
According to renowned film critic Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express, the movie takes a swift journey through rural Punjab, introducing a cascade of burly characters and risible jokes. While the kinetic action sequences and Ranbir Kapoor’s intense portrayal provide some entertainment, the film’s second half seems to throw everything at the audience, resulting in what Gupta describes as a “pointless, vile tale.”
Sukanya Verma from Rediff emphasizes Ranbir Kapoor’s uninhibited performance, shedding body and soul for his artistic portrayal. However, she cautions that ‘Animal’ violence is not for the faint-hearted, comparing it to Korean-style mayhem.
On a contrasting note, Ganesh Aaglave of Firstpost commends director Sandeep Reddy Vanga for delivering on his promise to teach Bollywood how to make a violent movie. Despite acknowledging the film’s polarizing nature, Aaglave appreciates its adrenaline-pumping experience, breathtaking performances, and compelling storytelling.
Saibal Chatterjee from NDTV takes a critical stance, describing ‘Animal’ as a film with an excess of everything – length, violence, love, obsession, and toxicity. The father-son drama, laden with sickeningly violent scenes, rarely allows the audience a moment to catch their breath.
Renuka Vyavahare of Times of India applauds the technical aspects of the film, highlighting the effective use of action, background score, and music to complement its mood. Yet, she notes that while Ranbir Kapoor’s raw sex appeal and unmatched intensity shine through, the story fails to match his prowess, making ‘Animal’ fall short of its potential.
Bollywood Life’s Smrity Sharma urges audiences to watch ‘Animal’ for Ranbir Kapoor, praising his consistent excellence in every frame. For action movie enthusiasts, the engaging storyline and the novelty in the characters portrayed by Ranbir and Bobby make the film worthwhile, even with its extended duration.
Umesh Punwani of Koimoi sees ‘Animal’ as director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s endeavor to take toxic masculinity to the extreme, comparing it to his previous films ‘Arjun Reddy’ and ‘Kabir Singh.’ Punwani suggests that the film is more of a statement than a cinematic creation, leaving the audience to decide whether to align with Vanga’s vision.